Mendocino County Health & Human Services Agency Healthy People, Healthy Communities Anne C. Molgaard, Acting Director*

The public is generally unaware of the function and benefits of this program. Partially Disagree: In-Home Support Services (IHSS) currently has 1,738 recipients, 1,624 providers, and 70 employees in Adult and Aging Services/Health & Human Services, all of whom are fully aware of the function and benefits of this program. In a county of less than 90,000 residents, that number of informed citizens is significant. All local hospitals, medical clinics, physician offices and community partners are aware of the IHSS program and how to refer a client for services. However, due to the staffing changes in local partner agencies over time, some newer employees and volunteers may not be aware of the program. We will track our informational sessions and materials to make sure that we contact each referring entity at least one time per year. This additional, regular outreach and education will become even more important over time, as demographic patterns show Mendocino County's population age 60 and older is growing proportionally larger.

Caregivers may choose from a variety of helping tasks and may exclude tasks they are not comfortable performing, which is helpful in recruitment. Agree: IHSS providers choose whom they wish to work for and what tasks they are, or are not, willing to perform.

The website does not provide adequate information, which is a barrier to anyone trying to access the program. Agree: The current website for Mendocino County HHSA Adult and Aging Services (www.mendocinocounty.org/adults) is lacking sufficient information and does not have accessible links to provide recipients and providers the ability to apply for services on-line. While most clients currently inquire by telephone, an updated and accurate web page is essential for clients, providers who refer potential clients, and their families. Please see below for solutions.