When Jose Bonilla came to live with his sister Paula more than a year ago, he needed significant support.
He had experienced a stroke and heart problems. A fall had resulted in a head injury. And Paula, 65, suddenly found herself helping care for her brother while also supporting her husband, who was experiencing health challenges of his own.
She did what families so often do: she stepped in. But caring for someone you love around the clock can take a toll.
Last year, Jose was hospitalized at Stanford, more than two hours from Paula’s home. The family paid for someone to stay with him at the hospital while Paula managed the long drives, hotel stays and mounting expenses.
Remembering that period is still emotional for her. Then an IHSS worker saw how much Paula was carrying and told her about additional support available through 24 Hour Home Care.
Care Built Around Jose’s Life
Today, Jose receives care throughout the day. His IHSS caregiver supports him in the mornings and early afternoon, and Paula provides additional care for her brother through 24 Hour Home Care.
“Having this support has been a lifesaver for both of us. I can go to work knowing my brother is being cared for and that someone is there for him.” – Paula
For Paula, the ability to provide that care herself, as someone Jose already knows and trusts, has been a “lifesaver.”
It means she can continue working knowing that Jose has the support he needs. And because Paula is compensated for the care she provides, that income also helps her cover everyday necessities for her brother, from groceries to medical supplies.
For Jose, it means receiving care from someone who already knows him, his needs and his routines. That familiarity and trust are part of what makes choosing your own caregiver so meaningful for families.
“The program has helped me so much. The income I earn caring for Jose helps me provide the things he needs, from groceries to medical supplies.” – Paula
From Crisis Toward Stability
Paula has watched her brother make progress. She estimates Jose is about 40% better than when he first came to live with her. Her hope is that he will continue getting stronger and eventually be able to return to his own home.
“Jose is doing so much better than when he first came to live with me. I would say he’s about 40% better, and I’m seeing him get stronger and make progress every day.” – Paula
Until then, having support has made their situation more sustainable. Paula says the program has helped her tremendously, and she wants other families facing similar circumstances to know that this kind of support exists.
For families like Paula and Jose’s, care isn’t simply about completing a list of tasks. It’s about giving someone the ability to care for a person they love without having to carry everything alone. And sometimes, that support can make all the difference.
How Community Supports Helped Jose Stay Independent at Home
One of the unique features of 24 Hour Home Care’s Community Supports program is the Agency With Choice model. Rather than being assigned an unfamiliar caregiver, eligible members can choose someone they already know and trust, such as a family member, friend, neighbor, or other trusted person in their community.
For Jose, that meant receiving support from his sister Paula, someone in his family who understood his needs and routines.
Through Community Supports, eligible Medi-Cal members can receive services designed to help them remain safely and independently at home. Services are covered through participating Medi-Cal managed care plans at no cost to eligible members.
Learn more about Community Supports from 24 Hour Home Care.
