Why is In-Home Supportive Services important to you? We recently asked this question at our IHSS Consumer and Provider Conference in Nevada City. Here, Allyson Woodbyrne, Janine Ford, Craig Edlund, Patti Christopherson, Lee McGowan, Mary O'Brien, Anita Lesch and Penny Picaso talk about the IHSS program's impact on their lives.
Johnathon Estep and Lucia Pennino
Johnathon sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result of a car accident four years ago. Johnathon's mom, Lucia, is his primary caregiver and spends her days organizing Johnathon's appoinments, taking him to therapy, cooking, cleaning, and generally supervising Johnathon's daily activities. Lucia gave up a successful massage therapy practice in order to take care of her son full time. The In-Home Supportive Services program has allowed Lucia to focus her time and attention on Johnathon's recovery and he has made great strides as a result.
Quique and Kristopher Barletta Quique Barletta provides in-home care for her son Kristopher through the In-Home Supportive Services program. Quique left a good job to care for Kris full time after he was abused in an institution. Kris requires twenty-four hour care and protective supervision.
Janine Ford
Janine Ford is an artist who lives on Nevada County's rural San Juan Ridge. Proposed cuts to the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program put her at risk of losing assistance with shopping and errands, a vital service for someone like Janine, who lives half an hour from town and uses a power wheelchair to get around.
Walter and Alberta Glissman
Walter "Ray" and Alberta Glissman are In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Consumers who are in danger of losing assistance with shopping and errands and meal preparation if the proposed budget cuts go through. The Glissmans, who are both in their nineties, have managed to stay together in their own home for over six decades. Cuts to the IHSS program threaten their ability to continue to live independently.
