Caregiving Resources
Below is a list of services and agencies that have been created for additional care, such as babysitting, nannies, respite, and in-home care. In addition, SSI is another resource offered to those who are eligible for financial assistance. While S.O.M. Inc does not endorse any particular agency, we have compiled a list for your convenience of agencies that can be found on the web. We encourage you to review each listing/agency thoroughly for safety and public reviews.
Special Needs Babysitters & Nannies
Adventure Nannies
BrightStar Care
Care.com
Sitter City
Westside Nannies
https://www.westsidenannies.com/nanny-services/special-needs-nannies/
Respite Care
https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/crisis-safety-net-services/respite/
In-Home Respite
This service can be intermittent or regularly scheduled for temporary supervision that is provided in the home. In-home respite workers that are trained by a licensed health care professional may provide incidental medical services that are restricted to gastrostomy, colostomy/ileostomy, and urinary catheter care. More information can be found on our DDS website.
Crisis Respite (out-of-home respite in an acute care facility)
Crisis respite provides services out-of-home. It includes 24-hr observation and temporary care by crisis workers in a licensed residential facility to relieve families of caring for their loved one with I/DD. Services and supports are available to families for planned or emergency needs.
Behavioral Respite
Behavioral respite is intermittent or regularly scheduled non-medical care and/or supervision that is provided in-home for individuals with I/DD and behavioral needs. Staff teaches the individual self-help and daily living skills, implements a pre-existing behavior plan to support behavioral needs.
ARCH National Respite Network Resource Center
Care.com
https://www.care.com/c/the-special-needs-respite-care-guide-your-care-options
IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services)
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ihss-for-children
When May Children Receive IHSS?
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When disabled and low-income (receipt of SSI means automatic eligibility)
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If income too high for SSI, may qualify with share of cost.
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If parents are out of the house working, school, training.
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If parents are unable to provide care due to disability or illness.
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If parents are sleeping or caring for other family members.
Supplemental Security Income
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm
HOW DOES THE SSI DISABILITY PROGRAM WORK FOR A CHILD?
To be eligible for SSI benefits, a child must be either blind or disabled:
- A child may be eligible for SSI disability benefits beginning as early as the date of birth; there is no minimum age requirement.
- A child may be eligible for SSI disability benefits until attainment of age 18 (see definition of disability for children).
- When the child attains age 18, we evaluate impairments based on the definition of disability for adults (see definition of disability for adults).
- A child with a visual impairment may be eligible for SSI benefits based on blindness if the impairment meets the definition of blindness (see blindness requirements).