We get this question all the time—so let’s clear it up.
Many families in California rely on the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program to help loved ones stay safe at home. Here’s what you need to know and how alice.care fits in.

What Is IHSS?

IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) is a state-run program that helps older adults and people with disabilities live safely at home instead of moving into a facility.

It’s managed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and your county’s IHSS office, funded through Medi-Cal, state, and federal programs. The goal: help people remain independent with essential daily care.

(Source: California Department of Social Services – IHSS)

Who Qualifies for IHSS?

You may qualify if you’re:

• Age 65 or older
• Blind or have a physical or mental disability
• A child with a qualifying disability

 Applicants must have Medi-Cal and live in a private home or apartment (not a licensed care facility). After applying, a county social worker visits your home, reviews your care needs, and assigns service hours.

What Services Does IHSS Cover?

IHSS covers help with daily living tasks, such as:

• Personal care: bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting
• Household help: cleaning, laundry, meal prep, shopping
• Paramedical care: wound care or medication reminders ordered by a doctor
• Protective supervision: for people with cognitive impairments
• Accompaniment to appointments

IHSS does not cover companionship, transportation without a medical appointment, pet care, or bill management.

How IHSS Works

IHSS has a unique structure:
The care recipient is the employer. That means they hire, train, and manage their caregiver directly.

Caregivers can be:

• A family member
• A friend
• Someone from the county’s public caregiver registry

IHSS pays the caregiver directly—not a home care agency.

Can alice.care Work With IHSS?

Currently, no.
IHSS does not work with private agencies like alice.care. It only reimburses individual caregivers, since the care recipient serves as the employer.

This means we can’t bill IHSS or provide care through that payment structure.

When alice.care Can Help

Even though IHSS and alice.care operate differently, we can still support you.

Many families call us because:

• Their IHSS caregiver didn’t show up
• Their approved hours aren’t enough
• They need short-term or urgent coverage

That’s where we come in.
With alice.care, you can book private-pay home care instantly—no contracts, no waiting 

Call to learn more 9162928820 or  Download the alice.care app