The purpose of the Personal Assistant Services (PAS) program is to empower individuals with disabilities and older adults by equipping them with the necessary skills, tools, and resources to connect with caregivers and essential support for their personal care and housekeeping needs.
Program Eligibility
- Individuals with disabilities and older adults, who require help with personal care, housekeeping, or other activities of daily living.
- Both recipients of In-home Supportive Services (IHSS) benefits and persons, who have private resources for paying caregivers, are able to use the DMC PAS registry service.
For more information about the Personal Assistant Services program call 714.621.3300 or complete the online form.
Referral Process
Potential consumers are referred to the Personal Assistant Services program by a variety of sources such as case managers from senior centers and community-based organizations, hospital discharge planners, medical personnel, family members, friends, and others, who have used the service. Individuals may also be self-referred.
Available Services
Independent living skills will be provided in order to learn methods for recruiting, managing, and sustaining personal assistants, as well as, providing support with the eligibility criteria and application process for the In Home Support Services (IHSS) program. A personal assistant registry is maintained for use by consumers seeking caregiver services. In order to locate individuals, who are interested in working as personal care assistants, the program coordinator advertises online and conducts community outreach activities.
Prior experience is verified through a screening process. Applicants are logged onto the DMC PAS registry for referral to consumers, who interview and choose personal assistants for themselves.
Mediation assistance is provided by the program coordinator to aid a consumer and his/her/their caregiver to address and resolve disagreements and related issues that affect their working relationship.
Services in the PAS program are monitored for 90 days or until goals in the consumer’s independent living plan have been reached or until they no longer are interested in receiving assistance through the Dayle McIntosh Center.
CAREGIVERS WHO CARE ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
DMC IS RECRUITING CAREGIVERS
Everyone could use assistance. This statement rings true especially for people with disabilities and older adults. Having a helping hand in-home can help one overcome challenges and push forth a sense of well-being and independence with support to improve quality of life and daily living.
DMC is actively recruiting for Personal Assistant Service Caregivers.
Want to learn more?
Download our PAS Recruitment Flyers now (available in three languages!)
PAS CAREGIVER RECRUITMENT FLYERS
ENGLISH: http://daylemc.org/…/04/Caregivers-Flyer_English-2025.pdf
SPANISH: http://daylemc.org/…/04/Caregivers-Flyer_Spanish-2025.pdf
VIETNAMESE: http://daylemc.org/…/Caregivers-Flyer_Vietnamese-2025.pdf
Caregivers/Provider Specific FAQ
- Question: How long does it take to complete the enrollment process to become an IHSS caregiver?
DMC Program Answer: It will take approximately 2 months to complete.
- Question: How much do I have to pay for the fingerprint for the IHSS?
DMC Program Answer: The cost is approximately $60-80, including any rolling and government fees.
- Question: Why do I have to pay for the 2nd fingerprint for DMC if I have recently completed one for IHSS?
DMC Program Answer: The PAS Program has a responsibility to ensure that we protect our consumers who are vulnerable as people with disabilities and older adults. We are not able to access the Live Scan results that go to IHSS and need to get the results directly to DMC before pairing with our clients/consumers.
The good news is that you’ll only pay for the Rolling fee, which is approximately $30 depending on the Live Scan location. DMC will reimburse up to $25 with a receipt if you are passed/cleared, subject to funding availability.
- Question: Is DMC’s PAS Program the same as IHSS or Public Authority?
DMC Program Answer: No, PAS at DMC is separate from IHSS and the Public Authority. We are an independent living center focused on helping consumers find resources that support their independence.
Here is how we are different:
- DMC’s PAS does not pay the caregiver
- DMC’s PAS cannot approve more IHSS hours
- DMC’s PAS cannot hire or manage a caregiver for consumers
- DMC’s PAS will provide caregiver leads, however it is up to the consumer to interview, hire, and maintain the working partnership.
Program Success Stories
Reconnection = Successful Outcome
An older individual working with our Deaf Services IL Instructor informed us they had been without care for several months. The consumer had unfortunately fallen through the cracks in the system due to a lack of accommodation for their needs. They were left in the dark for several months, unable to connect with the caseworker or obtain any information on how to receive the care they needed. However, through the efforts of a good friend, the consumer’s brother, and our Personal Assistance Services team, we were able to step in and advocate for her rights and needs. After several hurdles and combined support, we established contact with the case worker, who could provide us with the essential information needed to proceed with the consumer’s care services.
Once we had the information needed, our team worked diligently to assist the consumer’s brother in becoming their primary caregiver. We were also able to provide them both with the necessary tools and support for registration and use of the IHSS Electronic Service Portal. This collaborative effort ensured that the consumer finally had the care they required, delivered by a trusted family member.
Increased Caregiving Produces Access and Independence
A middle-aged man contacted the Dayle McIntosh Center to request help with obtaining an increase in caregiver hours through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. He also asked for aid to locate a personal assistant willing to work under the IHSS program. After several months of advocacy, the PAS Coordinator was finally able to gain approval for more caregiver hours for the consumer. An IHSS approved personal assistant was also identified. Additionally, the PAS Coordinator assisted the man to acquire a Hoyer lift through Medi-Cal. Without this support, the consumer may have been forced into a nursing home.
Finding the Perfect Caregiver Match
A female consumer with mobility challenges had been approved for IHSS two years ago but was unable to secure a caregiver despite repeated attempts. The PAS team successfully connected her with a caregiver, resulting in immediate improvements: her home is now clean and organized, she is learning to prepare healthy meals, and she can shower safely without fear of accidents. The consumer expressed deep gratitude for the support, highlighting the positive impact of this connection on her daily life and independence.
Preparation Meets Opportunity = Consumer Success
A male consumer in his seventies faced significant mobility limitations, and his home required extensive organization and care—needs that were not apparent during intake.
During a home visit, the PAS team was able to observe these challenges firsthand and discuss them in detail with a potential caregiver. This preparation allowed the caregiver to arrive fully informed and ready to provide targeted support. As a result, the consumer and caregiver are now connected and being monitored, with the goal of establishing a long-term, stable partnership.
Caregiving Support Gifts Consumer with True Life Care Package
The PAS team successfully provided caregiver leads to four consumers, resulting in two successful connections. One notable case involved a female consumer with Ocular Albinism, for whom we facilitated the recruitment of a caregiver to assist with medication management and home organization, enhancing her safety at home.
At our follow-up, the consumer expressed her gratitude and satisfaction with the caregiver’s support. During one of the caregiver’s shifts, the consumer experienced an accident and promptly informed the caregiver, who contacted emergency services for immediate assistance.
The caregivers played a vital role in ensuring the consumer received the necessary care and support afterward. The consumer has expressed her deep appreciation for our services and the valuable connection we have provided for her.
Caregiving Support Assists Consumer Quality of Life
A consumer is now able to maintain her apartment more safely and consistently.
Her caregiver ensures her prescriptions are picked up on time and supports her with organizing her care needs. She was also assisted with creating her online IHSS portal, and the caregiver is helping her navigate the ongoing process of submitting and approving her hours.
New Caregiving Match Results in Consumer Safe Haven
A consumer with low vision had been feeling uneasy and uncomfortable with her previous caregiver. We were able to match her with someone she immediately felt safe with and welcomed into her home. A few weeks later, the consumer called back to express her gratitude for helping her find a caregiver who truly meets her needs.
Timely Support Elevates Caregiving Impact
A consumer in his 70s who had been living alone for quite some time reached out to DMC for support with finding a caregiver. On the caregiver’s first day, the consumer experienced a serious fall, crashing through his shower glass door and sustaining significant injuries. The caregiver immediately administered first aid, stopped the bleeding, called an ambulance, and then stayed behind to clean the bathroom to ensure the consumer’s home was safe for his return.
This case stands out as a true success story. Had the caregiver not been present, the injuries could have been much more severe or gone untreated for too long.
During a follow-up call, the consumer shared that while it’s been an adjustment having someone new in his home, he feels grateful for the connection made through our program.
- Consumer Question: What is the PAS Program?
DMC Program Answer: The PAS program provides resources and information related to care services. This Program works with consumers to help them recruit and connect with potential private pay or IHSS caregivers. We do this by posting jobs, sharing leads, and guiding you through the search process. The PAS Program can also refer consumers to community programs that may help meet care-related needs
- Consumer question: Who can use Personal Assistant Services (PAS)?
DMC Program Answer: Any person with a disability, older adult or Veteran who lives in Orange County, CA and needs care resources and or is seeking assistance in caregiver recruitment and placement.
- Consumer Question: Do you have a caregiver registry like the Public Authority, and how long does it take to find a caregiver?
DMC Program Answer: The PAS Program does not have a registery like the Public Authority which is shared openly. At DMC, we recruit and place as needed when caregivers who meet your needs are available. Placement time can vary and depends on several factors, including your location, schedule flexibility, number of hours available, and the type of care needed. In some cases, a caregiver may be found within the first month. In other situations, it may take us the full three months working together. There are also instances in which, despite ongoing efforts, we may not be able to secure a caregiver.
- Consumer Question: Do I have to pay for these services?
DMC Program Answer: No, the PAS program is free to individuals who meet the eligibility.
- Consumer Question: Are you hiring a caregiver for me?
DMC Program Answer: The Dayle McIntosh Center does not hire caregivers on behalf of individuals. The PAS Team of staff searches for caregivers to work through In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) pay or occasionally private pay. The consumer or person in need of care decides who they hire and fire.
- IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CAREGIVER, CLICK HERE
