Parent and Spouse Caregivers for In-Home Supportive Services Program Deserve Job Rights

In a world striving for gender equality, the burden of caregiving responsibilities still disproportionately falls on women’s shoulders, both in paid and unpaid capacities. A glaring example of this is exemplified by the devoted women who are part of California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. While IHSS has been instrumental in enabling low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence by employing caregivers, a critical issue remains unresolved – the lack of job rights and unemployment insurance for parent and spouse caregivers. This problem not only perpetuates gender and racial biases but also denies these caregivers the acknowledgment they deserve for their invaluable contribution.

The Untold Labor of Love: Role of Parent and Spouse Caregivers in IHSS

The IHSS program provides a lifeline for those who require assistance with daily living activities while aiming to remain in the comfort of their homes. Approximately 22% of IHSS caregivers are parent or spouse providers, the vast majority being mothers and wives. These caregivers devote themselves to providing essential long-term care to their disabled children or spouses, allowing their loved ones to maintain a sense of dignity and autonomy.

These unsung heroes work tirelessly, often dealing with demanding tasks and long hours, all while earning insufficient wages. Take the example of Christina Cruikshank, an IHSS provider from El Dorado County, who is the primary caregiver for her teenage daughter Alanna. Alanna’s complex medical needs require constant attention and care due to her frequent seizures, mental health challenges, and cognitive disabilities. Despite the strenuous demands of caregiving, parent and spouse providers like Christina find purpose in offering the best care possible to their loved ones.

The Tragic Consequences of Exclusion

However, the lack of access to unemployment insurance has serious consequences for these caregivers. When faced with emergencies or unexpected events, such as Alanna’s accident that left her in a coma, caregivers like Christina often find themselves without financial support. Christina’s unwavering dedication to her daughter led her to spend every moment by Alanna’s side during her critical recovery, resulting in a loss of income due to the inability to log IHSS hours. It was through community support, such as a GoFundMe fundraiser, that Christina was able to ensure her daughter had a place to return to.

Additionally, the aftermath of a client’s passing magnifies the challenges parents and spouse caregivers face. Not only do they experience the profound loss of a loved one, but they also lose their source of income overnight. This double blow underscores the urgency of addressing this systemic flaw within the IHSS program.

Closing the Loophole: A Call for Equality and Recognition

The exclusion of parent and spouse IHSS providers from unemployment benefits is not just an issue of gender discrimination. It is also rooted in a historical devaluation of domestic labor, further compounded by systemic biases against women and marginalized communities, such as Black and Brown women who have traditionally taken on caregiving roles.

Assembly Bill 1993, introduced by Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager, offers a glimmer of hope to counter this injustice. By extending unemployment insurance to parent and spouse IHSS caregivers, AB 1993 aims to bridge the gap and provide vital support to these dedicated individuals who provide care from the heart.

A Call for Acknowledgment and Equality

As the post-pandemic economy takes shape, it’s imperative to remember that equality extends beyond the workplace. Recognizing and valuing the contributions and the role of parent and spouse caregivers within the IHSS program is not just about fixing a flaw. It’s about upholding basic human rights and dignity. By signing AB 1993 into law, Governor Newsom has the power to make a resounding statement that caregiving is real labor, deserving of the same protections and rights as any other occupation.

Advocating for job rights and unemployment insurance can take a significant step toward dismantling gender and racial biases while creating a more equitable and compassionate society. The passage of AB 1993 is not just a legislative act, it’s a testament to the power of recognizing the importance of caregiving and providing justice where it’s long overdue.

1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience.