Comparing Adult In-Home Care and CDS Programs in Missouri

Paraquad believes people with disabilities should integrate into society fully, have equal opportunities and maintain control of their lives. But if you or your loved one needs assistance with daily tasks, how can you maintain independence? Adult in-home care and consumer-directed services (CDS) are similar yet distinct care options for adults with disabilities. Read on to see if Paraquad’s CDS program in Missouri is right for you. 

Adult In-Home Care in Missouri 

In-home services keep people with an illness or a disability at home instead of moving to an assisted care facility. Typically, the individual or their family does not choose the caregiver. The agency or company that employs the caregiver matches them to someone based on availability.

These professionals have completed training that sets standards for daily living tasks, such as bathing, eating, dressing and medications. They may run errands or shop, but adult in-home care does not allow carers to transport the individual anywhere. 

Notably, the individual does not need to have the capacity to direct their own care to receive in-home services. For example, consider a person with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. They may need extensive support, but their condition makes them unable to direct their own care. In this circumstance, an in-home services provider offers scheduled relief for family members who take on most of the care. 

CDS Program in Missouri

Consumer-directed services provide personal care attendants to seniors or adults with disabilities. This CDS program in Missouri serves Medicaid recipients under the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). All participants must meet outlined criteria before they can hire any CDS professional. 

The senior or adult with a disability fully controls where, how and when they receive care. DHSS works directly with the individual to construct a care plan specific to their disability. Similarly to adult in-home care professionals, personal care attendants assist with daily living tasks. Unlike in-home services, care plans may allow them to provide the individual with essential transportation. 

Personal care attendants are selected by those receiving care. Participants may even have someone in mind to hire, such as a family member or friend. In this circumstance, carers  may reside with the person receiving care. However, these professionals do not perform any task requiring a licensed professional, such as speech or occupational therapies. 

Note that the main distinction for the CDS program in Missouri is that participants must be able to direct their own care. For example, consider an adult with paraplegia. While they may need support in daily living, they are still fully capable of dictating their wants or needs. Paraquad’s CDS program would allow them to maintain independence of choice while still receiving assistance.

Personal Care on Your Terms 

Adult in-home care and CDS programs are valuable options for seniors and people with disabilities. While different, each service has the same goal of helping people live comfortably at home while maintaining independence. 

For those interested in consumer-directed services in Missouri, Paraquad maintains a diverse network of caregivers. You may be eligible to connect with one of our qualified personal care attendants. Contact us at 314.289.4266 or contactus@paraquad.org to learn more about Paraquad’s CDS program in Missouri.