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38 | RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Caregiver Appreciation Events Celebrate Contributions of IHSS Workers T he In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind, and disabled

partners to honor and celebrate the compassion and dedication of this significant workforce, and to recognize the contributions they make to improving the quality of life for thousands of at-risk adults. In late 2023, hundreds of caregivers came together at the annual Caregiver Appreciation and Resource Fairs in Riverside County; 216 caregivers were on hand at the Moreno Valley Conference Center and at the Palm Springs Pavilion 103 caregivers were in attendance. Attendees enjoyed a special luncheon, gifts, and appreciation for the care and compassion they provide every day to vulnerable adults across Riverside County.

I’m a caregiver for IHSS and I’ve been in the Public Authority for 15-plus years. I’m feeling very loved here with the encouragement and teaching us what to do in certain situations. There is a lot of information and I’m soaking it up as a sponge. — Elizabeth Ruiz, IHSS caregiver

individuals as an alternative to out of-home care. The program allows recipients to remain safely in their own homes, with family and friends nearby. IHSS caregivers are crucial to the success of this program. In Fiscal Year 23/24, more than 45,000 IHSS caregivers helped Riverside County clients with their activities of daily living. The IHSS Public Authority collaborates closely with the United Domestic Workers (UDW) Union and other community