Personal Assistance and Homecare Referral
DISCLAIMER: CRIL does not employ Personal Assistants! We can only help you find one through online resources and referral contacts!
Most people with disabilities and older adults are capable of living independently in their own homes. However, in order to maintain their independence, some may require assistance with certain tasks. If you or someone you know is looking for personal assistance, CRIL can help you with the process!
CRIL maintains a registry of Private Pay Personal Assistants who have been screened, interviewed and are available to work privately for individuals with disabilities and seniors in their own homes.
(También se ofrecen servicios en español.)
Quickmatch and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Personal Assistants provide help with such activities as personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming), dispensing oral medications, transferring from bed to chair or vehicle, and also assist with domestic care such as laundry, cooking, feeding, companionship, transportation to doctor appointments, and shopping.
Quickmatch is a shared database of Personal Assistants located in the Bay Area. CRIL along with other Independent Living Centers (ILCs) collaborate to add additional Personal Assistants this quality database. CRIL is able to assist with finding the best match according to the consumer's specific needs (gender preference, language, location, and schedule). When a consumer requests Personal Assistant referrals, CRIL's IL Coordinators can assists with checking the "Quickmatch" registry (https://quickmatch.org) for compatible workers.
The best way to view Quickmatch is to think of it like this… You are the employer, and you are searching for an employee. Quickmatch is the website where you can view all qualifications, skills, and specific preferences that meet what YOU are looking for. CRIL is here to help you ask the right questions for the interview and reference check process that comes after your selection.
CRIL provides materials and sample forms to help the consumer with the interview process. The consumer then conducts his/her own phone interview and face to face interview (highly recommended to be done in a public area or at one of CRIL's offices) so one can select the Personal Assistant(s) with whom they are most comfortable. Hiring and paying for a Personal Assistant is the sole responsibility of the consumer who is the employer. Some low-income consumers may qualify for funding assistance through In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).
For more information on IHSS, visit: www.alamedacountysocialservices.org
For Personal Assistants to qualify for placement on the Quickmatch registry, they must first complete an initial application process. We check their personal and professional references and conduct an in-person interview.
FAQs
What type of assistance can a Personal Assistant give me?
Personal Assistants provide help with such activities as personal care i.e. bathing, dressing, grooming, medication administration, lifting & transferring. As well as assistance with domestic care i.e. meal preparation & clean-up, laundry, dusting, and grocery shopping. Other activities include companionship, transportation to doctor appointments, and medication reminders.
What is the process to hire a Personal Assistant?
When a consumer requests Personal Assistant referrals, CRIL's IL Coordinators will assist the consumer to check the Quickmatch registry for compatible workers. CRIL is able to assist with finding the best match according to the consumer's specific needs (gender preference, language, location, and schedule). CRIL provides materials and sample forms to help the consumer during the interview and reference check process. The consumer then conducts his/her own phone interview and face to face interview (highly recommended to be done in a public area or at CRIL's office, with prior notice) so the consumer can select the Personal Assistant(s) with whom they are most comfortable.
Who pays my Personal Assistant?
Hiring and paying for a Personal Assistant is the sole responsibility of the consumer who is the employer. Some low income consumers may qualify for funding assistance through In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). For more information on IHSS, visit: www.alamedacountysocialservices.org or contact CRIL's PAS Coordinator.
Additional Resources
Quickmatch: https://quickmatch.orgCLICK HERE
Alameda County Public Health IHSS: www.alamedacountysocialservices.orgCLICK HERE