Personal Care and Homemaker Services (PCHS) support individuals who need help with:
Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, ambulation, feeding) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (meal preparation, grocery shopping, money management).
These services closely align with those offered by the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program and may include:
- Housekeeping (cleaning, laundry)
- Meal preparation
- Shopping assistance
- Personal care (bathing, grooming, bowel/bladder care, paramedical services)
- Accompaniment to medical appointments
- Supervision for individuals with cognitive or mental impairments
Program overview
PCHS helps individuals remain safely in their homes and may be authorized in the following scenarios:
- During the IHSS application process: Including any waiting period after a referral. PCHS may be approved before IHSS services begin.
- Supplemental support: When IHSS hours are insufficient or exhausted.
- IHSS-ineligible individuals: To prevent short-term skilled nursing facility stays (up to 60 days).
Note: For short-term PCHS, members are not required to apply for IHSS. However, authorization requests must document the risk of institutionalization without PCHS.
Eligibility
Individuals may qualify for PCHS if they:
- Are at risk of hospitalization or institutionalization in a nursing facility.
- Have functional impairment and lack adequate support.
- Are approved for IHSS.
Coordination with IHSS and Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver
IHSS as primary support: PCHS supplements IHSS when authorized hours are insufficient.
- HCBA waiver coordination: Waiver Personal Care Services (WPCS) under HCBA must be managed separately to avoid duplication.
- Eligibility restrictions: Individuals receiving WPCS through HCBA are not eligible for PCHS. However, those on the HCBA waitlist may receive PCHS until waiver approval.
Restrictions
- PCHS cannot replace IHSS referrals. Eligible members must be referred to IHSS
- If a member's condition changes, they must be reassesssed for IHSS. PCHS may continue during the reassessment period.
Authorization:
- Initial authorization: Based on assessed need; maximum duration is 60 days.
- Authorization extension:
- IHSS denial: One-time 60-day authorization; no extensions.
- Other needs: Submit reassessment and request every 30 days until IHSS is approved, a caregiver is identified or alternative care is arranged.