A wide range of supportive services are available for seniors and adults with disabilities in San Mateo County. Services provided by Aging and Adult Services are:
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Including the Public Authority
Multipurpose Senior Services (MSSP)
Linkages
Representative Payee
Acting as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Aging and Adult Services also contracts with other County agencies, cities and community-based organizations to provide supportive services.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
What is IHSS?
The IHSS program provides services to Medi-Cal eligible aged, blind or disabled individuals, including children, that assist them to remain safely in their own homes as an alternative to out-of-home care. IHSS is the largest home and community–based program available in California and is a core component of the state’s long-term care system.
What kinds of services are available?
Types of services may include help with preparing meals, bathing, dressing, laundry, shopping or transportation. Some types of paramedical services may also be provided, such as wound care. IHSS can also provide protective supervision for people who need their provider to watch them for unsafe behavior such as wandering outside and getting lost.
How does it work?
If you think you need IHSS services call the TIES Line (1-800-675-8437). A social worker will call you back to schedule a home visit to determine your eligibility and need for IHSS. Based on your ability to safely perform certain tasks for yourself, the social worker will assess the IHSS tasks that you need and authorize an amount of time for each one. The assessment of need includes information given by you and, if appropriate, by your family, friends, physician or other health care practitioner. You will be qualified of your eligibility for IHSS by mail. The mailed notice will include the total number of hours you were qualified for and the number of hours for each individual IHSS task.
Where to find a caregiver?
Once your needs for IHSS services are determined, you must hire someone, known as an independent provider, to provide those services. That person can be a family member or friend. The IHSS Public Authority maintains a registry list to help people find workers for their needs.
Multipurpose Senior Services (MSSP)
The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) provides social and health care management to people 65 or older who are eligible for Medi-Cal. The program aims to keep clients living independently in the community and to prevent or delay placement in a nursing facility. MSSP provides services to eligible clients and their families that assist clients to remain in their homes. MSSP Case Managers work collaboratively with individuals, families and communities as well as health team members to promote the client’s independence, autonomy and a sense of well-being.
Linkages
The Linkages program provides case management as well as information and assistance services to frail, at risk seniors and adults with functional impairments who are 18 and older. Linkages provides care coordination, information and assistance regarding community resources to help clients remain independent in the community.
Representative Payee
The Representative Payee Program is responsible for managing the government benefits of individuals on an on-going basis. This includes applying for government benefits on behalf of individuals, establishing budgets and paying monthly expenses, monitoring accounts to maintain eligibility for benefits, and completing Medi-Cal redetermination and Social Security reviews.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Supportive Services
One of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) roles is contracting services with other County agencies, cities and community-based organizations to provide needed services. These services include:
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Adult Day / Adult Day Health Care
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Congregate Nutrition
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Home Delivered Meals
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Transportation
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Family Caregiver Support Program
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Legal assistance
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HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program)
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Case Management program (underserved population)
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Ombudsman
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Health promotion
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Senior employment
Approximately 17,000 people, who are at least 60 years of age, receive services from contracted providers such as community-based organizations and cities, funded through the Area Agency on Aging.
The Help at Home Directory lists information on the whole range of home and community-based services available in San Mateo County.
For information, advice and 24-hour emergency response Click here for the TIES Line
