When Hellen Deanda first began caring for her son, José Elias, who has cerebral palsy, she didn’t have any formal training. But she knew that if she learned new skills and tapped into unexpected resources, she could give him a much more fulfilling life, despite his special needs. Today, Hellen’s story isn’t just about the skilled care she provides her son; it’s about the powerful transformation that came when she found the right caregiver training and support to be the best caregiver she could be.
Struggling, But Never Giving Up: A Mother’s Determination
Hellen’s life was never easy. As a single mom, she juggled part-time jobs while caring for José Elias, who needed constant support. Despite their struggles, she remained fiercely dedicated to her son’s well-being. During José Elias’s early childhood, they lived with Hellen’s parents to ensure full-time care for him and save on rent. Although most of José Elias’s medical needs were covered under the L.A. Care Health Plan, there were still other gaps in his care—especially when it came to some specialized equipment.
A chance encounter with a local police officer helped them solve the issue of specialized equipment. When the police officer heard about their need for a better wheelchair that would enable José Elias to navigate his school campus more easily on his own, the officer started a fundraising campaign. With help from colleagues in the police force and the wheelchair manufacturer, they were able to provide José Elias with the wheelchair he needed.
When Hellen’s father fell ill and went into hospice care, it became clear that they couldn’t live at her parents’ home anymore. Another friend in the community stepped in to help raise funds to get Hellen and José Elias into an apartment in a building that had wheelchair accommodations.
With help like this from their community, Hellen and José Elias were able to overcome many challenges. Through all their hardships, Hellen never stopped advocating for her son.
She knew that even though their journey was tough, there was always hope for a better future, especially when they had supportive community members who were ready to lend a helping hand.
A Lifeline Comes Unexpectedly: The IHSS Program
One day, another helping hand was extended their way. José Elias’s primary care doctor shared a surprising bit of news with Hellen that would change everything: Hellen could get paid for being a caregiver under California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. This wasn’t just financial relief; it was a path that would give Hellen the chance to focus more on caring for José Elias and less on juggling outside work.
The doctor didn’t stop there. She personally helped Hellen navigate the IHSS website and fill out the forms necessary to enroll José Elias as an IHSS member and qualify Hellen as his IHSS caregiver.
The process was challenging for Hellen, who finds online forms confusing, but the doctor’s hands-on guidance made it possible. Soon, Hellen officially became an IHSS provider, allowing her to receive compensation for the care she’d always given out of love.
Empowering Change: The Gift of Professional Caregiving Skills
With a new sense of stability, Hellen found that the support didn’t end with just wages—it also came with opportunities to improve her caregiving skills. Through the IHSS program, Hellen was introduced to free caregiver training that was offered to IHSS workers through the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA), in partnership with the L.A. Care Health Plan. This training was a chance to gain formal skills and truly elevate and improve the care she could provide.
When Hellen saw an ad on Facebook for CCA’s “Caregiving Essentials” course being offered through the L.A. Care: IHSS+ Home Care Integration Training Program, she was happy to see that it was available to caregivers of care recipients who were members of the L.A. Care Health Plan. Hellen immediately signed up.
Over several weeks, Hellen, with José Elias by her side, learned invaluable skills, like proper body mechanics, infection prevention, oral care, bathing methods for people with limited mobility, and nutrition planning. The interactive Zoom classes taught them practical skills and approaches to care that directly impacted their day-to-day lives.
A Journey of Growth: How Training Transformed Their Routine
Hellen was amazed by how the training shifted her approach to caregiving. She realized that person-centered care—focusing on her son’s individuality and promoting his independence—was the key to helping him thrive. It wasn’t just about helping him survive; it was about making him feel more empowered and capable in taking care of himself and his well-being.
José Elias, in turn, blossomed. He began to take more responsibility for his own care, reminding his mom when it was time to brush his teeth or take his medication. He even started asking for more space, signaling a growing desire for independence. These small moments were huge victories for Hellen, whose primary goal was to help her son live a full, rich life.
“Since we completed the CCA caregiver training course, I have learned that person-centered care is important because it gives the care recipient more independence. This course teaches caregivers to help our care recipients get outside more and interact with others to improve their wellbeing and quality of life.”
— Hellen Deanda, IHSS Provider & CCA Caregiver Training Graduate
Bridging Two Worlds: Embracing Independence and Connection
One of Hellen’s proudest achievements has been helping José Elias bridge the gap between his world and that of others. She encourages him to connect with both the special needs community and the broader world, ensuring that he doesn’t feel isolated. She’s seen firsthand how important it is for children with disabilities to feel included, heard, and valued in all spaces.
“Before I took this course, I didn’t fully understand how much independence I could help José Elias gain,” says Hellen. “But now, he is engaging more with others and becoming more aware of his own needs. It’s been such a beautiful transformation.”
Giving Back: A Message of Hope for Other Families
Hellen’s story is not just her own—it’s a message to other families, particularly in the Hispanic community, that disability does not define a child’s potential. “Even if a child has disabilities, they can thrive if they have the right care, love, and support,” says Hellen. “It’s all about teaching them to be independent and helping them realize their worth.”
By learning the caregiving skills she needed, Hellen has created an environment where José Elias feels empowered to take charge of his life. She’s not only made sure he’s happy and healthy at home, but she’s also given him the tools to navigate the world with confidence.
The Power of Care: A New Beginning for Both of Them
Today, Hellen feels more equipped than ever to provide the best care for José Elias, and her journey is far from over. She hopes that by sharing her story, other caregivers—especially those in similar situations—will find the strength to seek out the resources that can make all the difference.
For Hellen and José Elias, the future looks brighter than ever. With new skills, stronger independence, and an unwavering bond, they’re living proof of the power of skilled care, love, and community.
Explore CCA’s caregiver training programs to gain practical skills and tools that can help: https://advancecaregivers.org/in-home-caregiver-training/
If you’re a caregiver or know someone who is, remember: support is out there. Programs like IHSS and CCA can make all the difference, giving you the tools you need to improve your own situation and offer your care recipient the best possible care—and help them live their most fulfilling life.
What is the IHSS, and how can family caregivers become paid IHSS providers?
As stated on the IHSS Los Angeles website, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) can help pay for services if a person is a low-income elderly, blind, or disabled individual, including children, enabling them to remain safely in their own home. The individual can designate a family member or another person as their IHSS provider of in-home care services. IHSS is considered an alternative to out-of-home care, such as nursing homes or board and care facilities.
Image credits: Hellen Deanda
