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Adopt a resolution recognizing November 2020 as In-Home Supportive Services Home Care Workers Month in Solano County
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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 (H&SS) recommends the Board adopt a resolution recognizing November 2020 as In-Home Supportive Services Home Care Workers Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/Discussion:
H&SS joins the National Association of Home Care & Hospice to recognize November as Home Care & Hospice Month to honor the millions of home care workers for the remarkable difference they make for the patients and families they serve. 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, allowing them to remain in their homes through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. IHSS workers are assisting the elderly and disabled to live safely and with dignity in their own homes. In-home care providers are dedicated and committed to serving their clients and the community. IHSS caregivers play a central role in the health care system and in homes throughout Solano County.
Solano County has over 4,040 IHSS home care workers providing care for approximately 5,050 clients. 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. The California Department of Finance projects the population 65 and over in Solano County is 75,923 and will reach 101,364 by 2030.
IHSS allows families to keep their loved ones close and in a familiar environment to maintain a higher quality of life. Without the assistance of IHSS home care workers, the cost of caring for a person in an outside facility could be more than $7,000 per month versus the average cost of $1,450 per month per client that the IHSS program costs in Solano County. For these reasons and more, Solano County would like to recognize the outstanding work these home care workers provide to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with the preparation of this agenda item are nominal and included in the Department’s FY2020/21 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with the preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2020/21 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt the 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 following agencies and organizations on the preparation of this item: IHSS Public Authority Advisory Committee, SEIU 2015, and the Independent Living Resource Center of Solano and Contra Costa Counties.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION