How Many Hours per Week of Care Does IHSS Typically Provide Seniors?
The number of hours per week that a senior receives through In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) varies based on their individual needs and the outcome of the county social worker’s assessment. On average, seniors may receive between 20 and 40 hours of approved care weekly, though those with severe disabilities or complex needs may qualify for significantly more—sometimes up to the program’s maximum limit of over 280 hours per month.
How Are IHSS Hours Determined?
- A county social worker conducts an in-home assessment to evaluate the senior’s ability to perform daily living tasks (bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, etc.).
- The assessment results, along with medical documentation and input from the senior, family, and healthcare providers, are used to calculate the total number of authorized hours.
Types of Authorized Hours
- Personal Care Hours: For tasks like bathing, toileting, grooming, and dressing.
- Domestic Services: Housekeeping, meal prep, laundry, and errands.
- Protective Supervision: Additional hours for seniors with cognitive impairments or safety concerns.
Review and Adjustments
- IHSS hours can be reviewed and adjusted if a senior’s condition changes or if the initial authorization doesn’t meet their actual needs.
- All Seniors Foundation helps families request reassessments or advocate for more hours if required.
For help understanding IHSS hour calculations or to get started, visit our In-Home Supportive Services page or contact All Seniors Foundation.
