Home › CalAIM › How It Works

From first call to first visit

Here is what happens after you contact us. Plus how to apply for IHSS, and how to line up care before you leave the hospital. Jump to: How care starts · IHSS guide · Leaving the hospital

Illustration of a coordinator on the phone with a milestone path leading to a small house

2 ways to start

Doctors, nurses & case managers

Use our referral form or email psvintake@caregiving.divineagape.org. You can also refer straight to the health plan's CalAIM team at 1-805-437-5911 (fax 1-855-883-1552). Ask for Divine Agape by name.

Members & families

Call us at (805) 951-1121 or start online. We send the referral for you. Or you can ask your Medi-Cal health plan yourself: Member Services 1-888-301-1228 (TTY 711), the CalAIM line 1-805-437-5911, or the plan's Community Supports Referral Form.

Then here is what we do

We review your referral

We check your plan, county, and needs within 1 business day. If we do not work with your plan, we point you to someone who does.

Free home visit

Usually 2 to 5 days after the referral. We look at daily needs and home safety. This helps the plan say yes, and helps us pick your caregiver.

We ask the plan to say yes

We send the authorization request to your health plan. Most answers come in 3 to 7 business days. If you just left the hospital, it can be 24 to 72 hours.

We pick your caregiver

While the plan reviews, we match by skills, schedule, language, culture, personality, and location.

Approval & schedule

The plan sets your hours. We confirm your schedule within 1 business day of approval. You meet your caregiver before the first visit.

Care begins

A supervisor checks in often. We keep your health plan updated on your care. Active clients can reach us after hours too.

Your Medi-Cal health plan decides who qualifies and how many hours, at every step. The times above are typical, not promises.

Applying for IHSS in Ventura County

IHSS is the long-term program. The county runs it, and it lasts as long as you qualify. You pick your own helper, often a family member (spouses and minor children usually cannot be hired). If you qualify for IHSS, we will point you there. PCHS covers the gap while you wait.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Check the basics: you live in California, you are 65 or older or blind or disabled, you have Medi-Cal (or can get it), and you need help to stay safe at home.
  2. Apply with form SOC 295. You can fill it out on our IHSS page. Or call the county IHSS office at 805-654-3236, or apply by email, fax, or in person (Ventura or Simi Valley offices).
  3. Ask your doctor early for form SOC 873. The county needs it to approve you.
  4. A county social worker visits your home, usually within 10 business days of your application. Have a family member or friend there with you.
  5. You get a letter called a Notice of Action within 30 to 45 days. It says yes or no, and how many hours per month. If you disagree, you can ask for a State Hearing within 90 days.
  6. Hire your helper. They get fingerprinted and take a short class (allow 2 to 4 weeks). They send timesheets online twice a month.

Papers you will need

  • SOC 295 application form
  • SOC 873 (the doctor's form)
  • Medi-Cal card (BIC)
  • Social Security number
  • Photo ID and proof you live in California

Ventura County IHSS contacts

Apply by phone: 805-654-3236
IHSS Ventura office: 805-654-3260
IHSS Simi Valley office: 805-306-7935
Public Authority (provider registry): 805-654-3416

Numbers verified Aug 2026. The county's IHSS page is the official source.

The bridge: IHSS approval usually takes 30 to 45 days. PCHS can put a caregiver in your home during that wait. It can last until IHSS truly starts.

Leaving the hospital? Plan ahead

About 1 in 5 older adults is back in the hospital within 30 days. Help at home prevents many of those returns. Do not wait until the day you leave. A PCHS referral can go in before you go home.

In the hospital

Ask for the discharge planner or social worker in the first day or 2. The hospital must include you and your family in the plan. Say you want help at home.

Before you leave

The discharge planner or your health plan care manager sends the referral. Plans often rush these: 24 to 72 hours. Call us too: (805) 951-1121.

Your first 30 days home

This is the riskiest time. PCHS covers bathing, meals, medicine reminders, and cleaning. Respite can be added so a family caregiver can rest. See your regular doctor within 7 days of going home.

Later on, PCHS bridges into IHSS. We help with that too. Referring providers: submit a referral.

Ready when you are

1 call starts the referral. We handle the paperwork from there.

Call (805) 951-1121   Submit a Referral

Call us Get started