In-Home Supportive Services | SFHSA — Local services in San Francisco

My Mom was at SFGH. On her second week there, the social worker was supposed to refer my Mom to IHSS. Social worker G met with my family almost every day but she did not do anything until the very last day, two weeks later. She was supposed to do three things, and not one thing was done. On my Mom’s discharge day, she finally gave us the paperwork for IHSS.

IHSS did not contact us for another week or so. DL introduced himself as a “senior” social worker. He was rude and condescending. He questioned why I needed to be at home when he talks to my Mom. I told him I needed to open the door for him since my Mom was bedridden and could not navigate the stairs. He continued to be curt and rude. I finally told him I don’t think he should meet with my Mom because I don’t want her dealing with very rude people. DL said he doesn’t have to be nice because he’s not the one who will actually take care of my Mom. I was flabbergasted! I told him that I could not believe that somebody with such horrible attitude could be a social worker. Well, I said a few more things. He ended up apologizing. He said he needs to send a letter to my Mom, and confirmed the address.

We did not hear from DL/IHSS again for almost two weeks. It was a letter stating that he would be at my Mom’s house for a visit the following week. He also said to make sure that a form that was mailed to my Mom was filled out by the doctor. My Mom had scheduled appointment on the day indicated. My Mom also never received any form from IHSS. Any form would’ve been filled out easily since my Mom is being seen by her primary doctor every Monday. I called but got DL’s voicemail. I told him my Mom has multiple appointments set up including the day he scheduled the visit. I also told him my family never received any form for the doctor.

We never heard back until over a month later. It was again from DL with a heading on the top indicating SECOND NOTICE. We never received a first notice unless he was referring to the previous month’s appointment. He again scheduled without consulting us with the day. He again stated that a completed form be ready for his review. My Mom had already scheduled an appointment with one of her many doctors on the day indicated. We also still have not received this mysterious form that should’ve been mailed to my Mom. At this time, we have to acknowledge that DL/IHSS has absolutely no intention of being helpful. Our family will have to look for other resources.

I was in social services for 10 years. I saw many people receive help from IHSS that did not need any. I saw many family members splitting the checks with the “clients.” I also know some people that actually need help, and have gotten them.

Maybe we were just unlucky to get this “senior”...

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