| Do you have questions about PASC and the IHSS Program? Do you have suggestions for topics to be covered in the PASC E-News? Send your questions and suggestions to e-news@pascla.org. PASC E-News is designed for you to get the information that you need! |
| PASC Back-Up Program Expands! |
The PASC Back-Up Attendant Pilot Program provides assistance to eligible IHSS consumers when their regular providers cannot work, and their usual substitute providers are not available. Whether the regular provider is sick, has an emergency, or has quit with little notice, consumers can simply call the Back-Up Program to request a temporary Back-Up Attendant.
The Back-Up Program began operations in April 2007, by serving IHSS consumers who receive at least 35 hours per week of personal care, such as help with bathing, eating, walking or toileting. Beginning December 19th, the Program will be expanded by lowering the eligibility requirements to include IHSS consumers who receive at least 25 hours per week of personal care.
The Back-Up Program is intended for temporary use and is not intended to replace the hiring of a regular IHSS provider. Consumers who need help finding a long-term provider should contact the PASC Homecare Registry for assistance. For more information, contact the PASC Back-Up Attendant Pilot Program at 877-287-6789. |
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Resource Spotlight: Handy Workers Program |
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Did you know that the City of Los Angeles Housing Department as well as many Senior Centers and Independent Living Centers (ILCs) have Handy Worker Programs that offer free minor home repairs or modifications? Handy Worker Programs are generally for individuals who are over 62 years old or have a disability, and who can't afford to make repairs on their own such as painting, installation of wheelchair ramps, debris removal, installation of windows and door locks. Another similar program called Home Secure also installs grab bars, shower hoses, locks, smoke alarms, nightlights, and other hardware to make the home safer for a senior or a person with a disability.
To find a Handyworker or Home Secure Program in your area please call the PASC Information and Referral Office at 818-206-7032. |
| Need Help Fixing Your Wheelchair or Scooter? |
| The PASC Information and Referral Office has a resource list of companies that will accept Medicare/Medi-Cal insurance to purchase and/ or repair wheelchairs. Call 818-206-7032 for a company near you.
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| Access Services Update |
| Over the last 3 years Access Services Inc., (ASI) has had a contract with Care Evaluators for the provision of functional eligibility procedures with all paratransit riders currently enrolled in the program. During this time many ASI riders have been deemed to be able to ride public transit and, therefore, restricted from paratransit services. Many complaints have been submitted to ASI, the L.A. City Commission on Disability, the L.A. County Commission on Disabilities, and to Mayor Villaragosa's office. As a result MTA's Inspector General's office is conducting an audit of Care Evaluators' procedures, as well as ASI's policies regarding these procedures and complaints. The results of that audit are due to be completed in January 2008.
ASI's contract with Care Evaluators expires on June 30, 2008. In November, ASI staff recommended a one-year extension on the contract with Care Evaluators with an increase in funding. The ASI Board of Directors, showing concerns with past practices as well as interest in the upcoming results of the Inspector General's audit, has decided to reject the extension and asked staff to seek new bids for this contract. |
| Do You Know About Vector Control? |
| Vector control is any method used to eliminate or minimize infections and diseases transmitted by a vector. A vector is an organism that spreads infections by moving from one host to another, usually by biting the victim. A classic example of a vector transmitted disease is Malaria, which is transmitted by the mosquito. Vectors of concern in Los Angeles County include mosquitoes, black flies, midges, rodents, ground squirrels, fleas, ticks, opossums, mice, Africanized honey bees, and other stinging insects. These animals transmit diseases such as Plague, Typhus, Hantavirus, and Lyme disease.
The primary goal of vector control is to eliminate breeding sources, like stagnating water for mosquitoes, and to control the spread of infectious diseases. To report vector problems in your district call the PASC Information and Referral Office at 818-206-7032 for the number to your local vector control office. |
| Taking Your IHSS to Another County |
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) guidelines specify that there should be "no interruption in services" when an IHSS consumer moves from one county to any other county within the State of California. To ensure that the IHSS consumer's services are not interrupted, it is important that the consumer notify his/her IHSS social worker that he/she will be moving to another county in advance of the actual move.
The consumer's IHSS social worker will need to know the address to which the consumer will be moving and then communicate with the corresponding IHSS office in the county of destination to initiate the transfer. Once the transfer procedures are set in motion and the consumer moves, the consumer is entitled to continue to receive his/her homecare services under the IHSS program and can therefore hire a homecare provider in the new county to work the number of IHSS hours that were allotted in the county of origin until a new IHSS assessment is conducted by the new county. The homecare provider in the new county will be paid by the IHSS program in the consumer's county of origin until such time that the IHSS inter-county case transfer is completed.
To complete the inter-county transfer, a social worker in the new county will visit the consumer and conduct an IHSS assessment to determine the number of IHSS hours that will be allotted to the consumer. For additional information on inter-county transfers, please contact your current IHSS social worker or call PASC at 877-565-4477 for assistance.
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| Upcoming PASC-Sponsored Trainings
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| PASC Legislation Watch
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