About Adult Services

Adult Services operates two programs: Protective Services for Adults and In-Home Supportive Services.

Protective Services for Adults

The Adult Protective Services program protects dependent adults and seniors. It investigates allegations of abuse, intervenes when necessary, and provides community education. Services are provided without regard to income, to assure that elderly and dependent adults who live in the community and who are in danger of neglect, abuse, or exploitation receive prompt intervention to investigate and mitigate abuse. We provide 24-hour response to persons in immediate danger; as well as service coordination, counseling, case management, in-home protection and supportive services to victims of abuse.

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

The In-Home Supportive Services Program provides homemaker/chore services to over 2,000 seniors and disabled residents through the services of over 1,400 caregivers. Domestic care such as meal preparation, laundry, shopping and personal care services are provided to enable elderly, blind, or disabled persons to remain in their own home, to help maintain and strengthen capability for self-care, and to safeguard functioning in their own home.
You may be eligible for IHSS if you are a current recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or would otherwise be eligible for SSI except for your level of income. IHSS is provided through Individual Providers who are hired by you, monitored by the Department, and paid by the State.

How to Apply for Adult Services

If you are elderly, blind or disabled and concerned for your own safety or if you are concerned about the safety of an elderly or dependent adult in San Luis Obispo County, please call (805) 781-1790.
Any person has the right to apply for In-Home Supportive Services for aged or dependent adults. Certain conditions must be met to qualify for the program. It is important if you or an elderly person you know needs help to contact the Department of Social Services and speak with a Social Worker.

To Apply

Please call telephone number (805) 781-1790 to apply.

More Help for Needy Adults

The Adult Services division collaborates with community partners from around the county on the Adult Services Policy Council which handles issues that concern the county's dependent adults and seniors.  Click here to go the the Adult Services Policy Council web page for useful information and resources for seniors and dependent adults living in San Luis Obispo county.

Click here to go to the home page of the Department of Social Services.