Four Essential Questions About Consumer-Directed Services in Missouri
Home and community-based services allow adults with disabilities to live comfortably in their environment. Paraquad understands each person living with a disability knows their needs best. Consumer-directed services (CDS) in Missouri allow participants to take charge of their daily care — read on to learn more about the CDS program and how Paraquad helps you get started.
What are consumer-directed services in Missouri?
Under Medicaid, consumer-directed services provide personal care attendant services to individuals with disabilities — enabling them to live with greater independence in the community, rather than in a nursing home.
Through Paraquad’s CDS program, personal care attendants assist in a wide array of daily living activities. Our caregivers for adults with disabilities may assist with:
Bathing
Dressing
Transferring
Essential Transportation
Meal preparation, feeding and cleanup
Medication management and administration
Housekeeping and laundry
How do I know if I am eligible?
To be eligible for consumer-directed services in Missouri, you must be:
Enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid (MO HealthNet eligible)
18 years of age or older
Able to direct your own care
Physically disabled
Capable of living independently with the services of a personal care attendant
Require at least a nursing facility level of care
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) will assess those who meet the minimum qualifications to determine their eligibility for the program. If you meet the requirements, DHSS will work with you to create a care plan that outlines the types of services you will be approved to receive from a CDS personal care attendant.
Why are CDS programs important?
The true beauty of consumer-directed services in Missouri is the element of choice. Many people can become qualified caregivers for adults with disabilities — it’s up to you to choose who makes you feel completely comfortable in your day-to-day care.
Your personal care attendant could wind up being a friend, family member, spouse or professional sourced from Paraquad’s CDS registry. It’s fully within your power to recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise and even fire your caregivers. Every element of care falls under your control — and Paraquad sticks by your side to ensure you have access to more options.
Paraquad maintains an extensive list of qualified, passionate individuals ready to provide you with proper care. Our goal is to connect you with personalized attention and additional resources to help you reach your independence goals.
How do I start CDS with Paraquad?
Before we connect you with our services, one of our intake specialists must conduct a preliminary screening and refer you to DHSS for an assessment. If you meet the minimum program requirements, Paraquad will provide you with our list of caregivers for adults with disabilities. From there, our attendant services department will help your chosen personal care attendant prepare for employment.
For more information on how Paraquad facilitates consumer-directed services in Missouri, call us at 314.289.4266 or send us a message through contactus@paraquad.org
