In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a social service that allows people who need long-term care to receive it in the comfort and safety of their own homes. In Lake County, approximately 2,400 IHSS workers provide long-term care services—including household work, personal care services, and paramedical services—to nearly 2,760 older adults and people with disabilities.
Click here to learn more about the essential long-term care IHSS workers provide.
Without our IHSS workers, thousands of our vulnerable neighbors would lose access to essential long-term care. Despite providing critical services, Lake’s IHSS workforce earns just $17.15 an hour, only $0.65 above California’s minimum wage and far below the $22.83 hourly wage needed to cover a single individual’s household expenses in our county.
Lake IHSS workers are joining together to secure a strong contract that not only increases wages and improves benefits for workers but guarantees just, equitable access to long-term care for all who need it in our community.
Campaign Update #2: August 20, 2025
SEIU 2015 members took to the Lake County Board of Supervisors meeting to speak on the emotional and economic realities of home care providers in the county. Despite being a critical part of the county’s care infrastructure, they receive just $17.15 an hour, only $0.65 above California’s minimum wage.
“The entire community benefits from having trained, compassionate, caring home care providers for these recipients,” said Lake IHSS provider Dianna Wilyard. “Our essential work keeps thousands of people safe at home and out of expensive care facilities.”
With her son and recipient Anthony James by her side, Wilyard said the IHSS program was a blessing for her family. However, before she decided it would be best for her to become a home care provider, she had completed school to become a massage therapist. “A lot of providers have had to leave well-paying jobs to do what’s right for their families,” she said.
SEIU 2015 member Ellie Hayes said she was fortunate to recently acquire a used car, since she previously had to take her recipients on the bus. “At various times, I’ve had to work two to three jobs to support my family,” she said. “The IHSS wage is not enough to cover all my family’s costs.”
Hayes also spoke on the importance of the caregiver-recipient bond, and how the trust gained in these relationships is a significant part of the care. A long-time provider, Hayes has lost several consumers, including her own mother, and she knows that time caring for her current 91-year-old recipient is limited.
“I know that she won’t be with us for much longer, and that’s a difficult thing to sit with,” she said. “Anyone involved in care work will tell you that.“
See more SEIU 2015 member remarks from the August 20, 2025 Lake Board of Supervisors meeting below.
Campaign Update #1: July 22, 2025
Negotiations on a new contract agreement have finally resumed between IHSS providers and Lake County leadership. At the July 22 Board of Supervisors meeting, SEIU 2015 members noted their previous contract has been expired for more than a year and household costs have only gone up in the meantime.
Bargaining team member Ceva Giumelli said she had to take on IHSS work to stay afloat because her Social security isn’t enough to live on. “Most people retire in other professions–not us.“
Giumelli implored the Board to give IHSS workers a fair contract. “You guys have the power to give us a livable wage so I don’t have to work so hard at 70,” she said.
Roseanne Dimenco, another SEIU 2015 bargaining team member, argued that recipients and providers would benefit from competitive wages that retain good caregivers. “Investing in long-term care is a win-win,” she said.
Dimenco said that family caregivers like her do not only make a positive impact on their families. “IHSS providers in Lake give thousands of older adults and people with disabilities the care they need,” she said. “We save the county millions of dollars by keeping them our of expensive living facilities.“
“This should be a high priority in the county’s budget,” she added.
See more remarks from SEIU 2015 members at the July 22 Lake BOS meeting:
Meet the Lake IHSS workers who will represent you at the bargaining table!
Roseanne Dimenco provides care to her uncle through IHSS.
“I’m excited to bring my experience as a nursing home union steward and Chief Negotiating Captain to our Lake IHSS bargaining table. I believe we can win big for caregivers and those we care for!”
Ceva Giumelli has cared for several individuals at the end of their lives over the 30 years she’s worked for IHSS.
“I am determined to fight for better wages and benefits for long-term care workers alongside my union family. When we fight together, we win together!”
Vicki Osborne has been an IHSS provider for over 20 years and worked as a CNA before that. She currently provides care for her husband through IHSS as well as their three children.
“I’m proud to be a part of our union where I learn new things and help others win better contracts.”
Jackie Jordan has been an IHSS worker since 2015.
“As a member of the bargaining team, I am hoping to improve working conditions for the future of all IHSS workers, including getting a decent living wage.”
Simone Tatman has been a home care provider for 16 years and started doing IHSS in 2017. She currently cares for her daughter and a woman in her community.
“I’ve confronted many issues and accomplished a lot through our union over the years, and I’m proud to continue that work as a member of our Lake bargaining team.”