In-Home Support Services (IHSS)
Paid Family Caregiving, Simplified
Care for your loved one with the freedom of choice and the safety of an agency.
You know your loved one’s needs better than anyone. Under the IHSS program, you can be hired as their official caregiver—even performing skilled medical tasks—without having to become a legal “employer.” We handle the payroll, taxes, and liability so you can just be family.
Why Families Choose IHSS Over CDASS?
Many families start with CDASS (Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services) but find the administrative burden overwhelming. IHSS offers the same ability to hire family, but with professional support.
| The Challenge | Doing it Alone (CDASS) | Partnering with Us (IHSS) |
|---|---|---|
| The Boss Role | You are the legal “Employer of Record.” You are liable for IRS audits and labor laws. | We are the Employer. We handle all taxes, workers’ comp, and legal liability. |
| Medical Tasks | You are on your own to learn complex care. | Our Nurse Trains You. An RN teaches you how to safely perform skilled tasks (like g-tube care). |
| Nurse Support | You are on your own. | We Have Your Back. As an agency, we provide access to highly qualified nursing support. |
| Pay & Benefits | You manage the budget. | We provide a consistent, competitive paycheck and benefits. |
How it Works
Yes, You Can Get Paid for “Skilled” Medical Care
One of the biggest advantages of IHSS is Health Maintenance Activities (HMA). Unlike standard personal care, IHSS allows family caregivers to be trained by our Registered Nurse (RN) to legally perform skilled medical tasks that would usually require a nurse.
As a family member, we can train and pay you to manage:
- Complex Bowel & Bladder Care: Catheter irrigation, ostomy care, and digital stimulation programs.
- Tube Feeding: Managing G-tubes and J-tubes.
- Wound Care: Dressing changes for non-healing or surgical wounds.
- Respiratory Support: Oxygen management, nebulizers, and suctioning.
- Medication Administration: Full management of oral and injectable medications.
We also cover essential daily needs:
- Personal Care: Bathing, dressing, transfers, and protective oversight.
- Homemaker Services: Meal prep, laundry, cleaning, and shopping.
How Families Work Together in IHSS
To keep everyone safe and compliant, Colorado rules require a simple “Check and Balance” system. We help you set this up so it works for your family dynamic:
The Manager (Authorized Representative)
This is often the client, a spouse, or a sibling. You act as the “Boss” of the care plan. Your responsibilities include:
- Care Management: You recruit, train, schedule, and supervise your attendants for services like bathing, dressing, and meal prep.
- Decision-Making: You assist in developing the care plan with the IHSS agency and Case Manager, ensuring the member’s daily living needs are met.
- Documentation: You sign forms, present potential attendants, and ensure accurate timesheets are submitted to the agency.
- Collaboration: You work closely with the member, our agency, and the Case Manager to ensure proper support is being delivered.
The Caregiver (Attendant)
This is often a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor). You provide the hands-on care and receive the paycheck. Your responsibilities include:
Direct Personal Care: You deliver hands-on support for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as assisting with bathing, dressing, hygiene, and mobility.
Skilled Health Tasks: Unlike standard caregivers, you perform skilled medical tasks (like wound care, bowel programs, or meds) under the delegation of our Registered Nurse.
Household Support: You maintain a safe and comfortable environment by handling meal preparation, shopping, light housekeeping, and laundry.
Coordination: You follow the schedule set by the Authorized Representative and immediately report any changes in the member’s health status.
Common Questions from Families
Can I hire my spouse or parent under IHSS?
Yes. Spouses and parents can be hired as attendants. The key is that the person signing the timesheets (the Authorized Representative) must be different from the person providing the care.
Do I need a CNA license to be an IHSS caregiver?
No. You do not need to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Under the IHSS model, you are trained specifically on your loved one’s needs by our Registered Nurse. This specific training allows you to perform skilled tasks legally without a full nursing license.
Can I care for my child under IHSS?
Yes. Parents of children on the CHRP Waiver (Children’s Home & Community Based Services) or other eligible waivers can be paid caregivers. This is especially helpful for children with complex medical needs requiring G-tubes or ventilators.