Parent Question

When applying for IHSS, should I ask my child's therapists for notes in addition to the pediatrician?

Published: Feb. 28, 2025

When you are applying for In-Home Supportive Services, your child's doctor should fill out the healthcare certification saying the child has a developmental disability and is at risk of institutionalization without having someone providing these services at home that are above and beyond what a typically developing child needs. That form is not where you're going to talk about the specific limitations that your child has; there are other forms for that, such as when you're applying for protective supervision and/or paramedical services. Then, you can have therapists or behaviorists or other providers write letters articulating what your child's specific limitations are. For personal care services, it can be really helpful to have an occupational therapist talk about ADLs (activities of daily living), like dressing and bathing and hygiene if your child is older and can't perform these tasks without adult help.

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