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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing November 2024 as In-Home Supportive Services Home Care Workers Month in Solano County (Supervisor Williams)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing November 2024 as In-Home Supportive Services Home Care Workers Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) joins the Caregiver Action Network to celebrate National Family Caregivers Month each November. It is a time to recognize and honor caregivers across the country, raise awareness of caregiver issues, increase support for caregiving, and celebrate the efforts of millions of Americans who provide this essential service.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with the preparation of this agenda item are nominal and included in the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board's FY2024/25 Working Budget. There is no additional impact on the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
For more than thirty years, Solano County, in partnership with the State of California and the federal government, has addressed the needs of low-income seniors and people with disabilities to receive assistance and remain in their homes through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. IHSS workers assist the elderly and disabled in living safely and with dignity in their own homes. In-home care providers are dedicated and committed to serving their clients and the community. Solano IHSS caregivers play a central role in the local healthcare system and in homes throughout Solano County, providing care to some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
As of September 2024, Solano County has over 5,700 home care workers providing care for approximately 6,600 clients. Historically, around 67 - 70% percent of Solano IHSS home care workers are related to their IHSS clients. IHSS allows families to keep their loved ones close and in a familiar environment to maintain a higher quality of life and is less costly than placement in a long-term care assisted living facility. As the elderly population grows throughout Solano County, the demand for in-home care workers both within the IHSS program and within private pay systems will increase.
In the month of November, Solano County will recognize IHSS home care workers at community meetings and events and highlight the importance of IHSS home care workers though Solano County IHSS Public Authority and Public Health’s social media platforms.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt and present this resolution. This is not recommended as it is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment of IHSS home care workers.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
H&SS worked with the IHSS Public Authority Advisory Committee and SEIU 2015 who support the department in this recommendation.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION