What are Homemaker Services?

What Homemaker Services are

A clean, safe, and organized home makes everyday life easier. For some adults with developmental disabilities, and for the families who support them, keeping up with housework takes more time and energy than there is to give. Homemaker Services help with that.

Homemaker Services are a California Regional Center service. In the state’s regulations (Title 17), they’re listed as “Homemaker Service,” service code 860. If you see “860” on your Regional Center paperwork, that’s Homemaker Services.

The state describes a homemaker service as one that employs, trains, and assigns staff who maintain, strengthen, or safeguard the care of individuals in their homes. In plain words: a trained staff member comes to the home and helps with routine household tasks.

Who Homemaker Services are for

With The HSN, Homemaker Services may be a fit when each of these is true:

• An adult, 18 or older, with a developmental disability
• Living in their own home or the family home
• Served by a California Regional Center
• Service authorized by the Regional Center

Some people live on their own or with roommates. Others live with parents, siblings, or other family. Either way, the help happens where you live, and your preferences shape how it works.

Because Homemaker Services are planned and authorized through your Individual Program Plan (IPP), your Regional Center service coordinator is the best person to ask whether they fit your needs.

What help at home can include

Every home is different, so the help looks different too. With The HSN, Homemaker Services focus on five areas:

• Cleaning living spacesRoutine cleaning of essential living spaces (kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and common areas)
• Laundry and linensLaundry, linen changes, and clothing organization
• Kitchen and food storageKitchen sanitization, dishwashing, and safe food storage upkeep
• Home safetyHousehold hazard reduction and organization to ensure home safety
• Lightening the loadSupportive domestic maintenance to lighten the family caregiver’s burden

For example, a staff member might clean the kitchen and bathroom, do a load of laundry and change the bed linens, wash the dishes and check that food is stored safely, or clear walkways so no one trips. The goal is a home that supports your health, well-being, and dignity.

Homemaker Services can also give family caregivers some breathing room. When routine housework is covered, families have more time for everything else they do.

How it differs from Independent Living Services

Homemaker Services and Independent Living Services (ILS) both take place at home, so people often mix them up. The difference is who does the task.

Homemaker Services provide help with routine household tasks, like cleaning, laundry, and dishes.Independent Living Services (code 520) teach skills, so you can do more of those things yourself, like cooking, budgeting, and using public transit.

Want to learn more about ILS? Read our guide, What are Independent Living Services?

What Homemaker Services look like with The HSN

It starts with a conversation. We talk with you, and your family if you’d like, about your home, your routines, and what help would make the biggest difference. The plan follows your IPP and your own preferences.

Then the help begins, one-to-one, in your residence or family home. Every visit follows your preferences and your IPP, with the same respect for you, your family, and your home.

Staffing ratio

1:1 individualized in-home assistance

Service setting

The individual’s residence or family home

Authorized hours

As authorized by the Regional Center per the individual’s IPP assessment

Service hours

Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

By appointment

Languages

English and Spanish

Culturally responsive care

How to ask for Homemaker Services

Homemaker Services are a Regional Center service, so your service coordinator is the place to start.

1. Talk with your service coordinator. Explain what’s hard to keep up with at home, and ask about Homemaker Services. You can bring it up at your IPP meeting or contact your service coordinator before then.
2. Add it to your IPP. Homemaker Services are planned and authorized through your Individual Program Plan. The Regional Center authorizes the service and its hours based on your IPP assessment.
3. Choose The HSN, if it’s a fit. If you’d like to work with The HSN, tell your service coordinator. Service coordinators can send a referral online.

You’re also welcome to contact The HSN with questions first. Call (661) 688-6628 or email info@thehsn.net.

Common questions

Do Homemaker Services cost my family anything?

Services that the Regional Center authorizes and funds are provided at no cost to the individual. If you have questions about your own situation, ask your service coordinator.

How many hours of help will I get?

Hours are set by the Regional Center, based on your IPP assessment. Your service coordinator can explain what has been authorized for you.

When do visits happen?

The HSN provides Homemaker Services Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by appointment.

What if I already have other services?

Your IPP lists the services the Regional Center authorizes for you. If you already receive other services, talk with your service coordinator about how Homemaker Services would fit with them.

Are Homemaker Services available in Spanish?

Yes. The HSN provides Homemaker Services in English and Spanish.

Where does The HSN provide Homemaker Services?

The HSN serves adults across North Los Angeles and South Central Los Angeles, including Santa Clarita, Valencia, the San Fernando Valley, the Antelope Valley, and South LA. See the full list on our Coverage Areas page, or learn more about our Homemaker Services.