IHSS + Home Care Training Program

In 2020, L.A. Care Health Plan added its pilot In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and Home Care Training Program to the programs covered by the Elevating the Safety Net Initiative. The primary goal of the initiative is to recruit primary care physicians into the Los Angeles County safety net to care for L.A. Care members. In-home supportive services workers are already caring for our Cal MediConnect members, and the tools they receive in this training program allow them to become a more integrated member of the care team – able to communicate with confidence to the member’s primary care physician.

The 10-week course, run throughout the year by the California Long-Term Care Education Center (CLTCEC), teaches caregivers CPR, first aid, medication administration, nutrition and personal care. The course has proven to reduce the number of ER visits and in-patient hospital stays for members whose caregivers received this training. As L.A. Care's CEO John Baackes said, 

Home caregivers carry enormous responsibilities, enhancing the health and comfort of our members by becoming monitors, coaches and navigators. We are also pleased to know that this training is helping to improve the caregivers’ well-being.

Cal MediConnect strives to help members stay longer in the comfort and security of their own homes and communities. The IHSS+ Home Care Training Program helps to ensure that can happen. The goal of the program is to train 1,050 in-home caregivers each year.

Who is eligible for the IHSS+ Home Care Training Program?

• Applicants must be In-Home Supportive Services members through the Los Angeles County Department  of Public Social Services
• Applicants must be caring for a member of L.A. Care Health Plan or a member of health plans that subcontract with L.A. Care