Paraquad’s CDS Program: The 4 Values of at Home Personal Care Services
Consumer Directed Services (CDS) is a Medicaid-based program that provides at home personal care services for individuals with disabilities. Paraquad’s CDS program bases our practices around an independent living philosophy, creating value in each participant's life.
Read on for the top four values our CDS team provides.
1. Autonomy
CDS at Paraquad stems from the power of choice. We believe people with disabilities are experts on their own needs — it's only right that they direct all aspects of care.
CDS participants choose a care attendant who makes them feel most comfortable, whether a family member, friend or third party. They also tailor care to their preferences, such as how their food is seasoned or when they head to bed.
Through this, participants live successfully in their homes while remaining active in the community. One participant shared that the CDS model has allowed them to adjust care schedules for a night out with friends. That way, instead of arriving at 8 p.m., the attendant showed up just after they got home at midnight.
2. Support
Paraquad’s CDS specialists also function as independent living specialists, meaning we know what it takes to live on your own. Beyond providing at home personal care services, we connect you to any additional resources you may need.
For example, one CDS program participant contacted us for an adjustable hospital bed after theirs broke. We connected them with our Reuse Program, which sourced, delivered and set up a new bed — free of charge.
However, we also maintain an external resource network for assistance with housing, rent, utilities and beyond. Some of Paraquad’s community partners include:
3. Connection
The Paraquad team focuses on creating an enduring relationship with our CDS participants. We believe interpersonal connections are the heart of at home personal care services, as some support may require a more hands-on approach.
Each month, Paraquad conducts service delivery monitoring interviews with our CDS program participants. We ask questions about how your care aligns with an independent living philosophy, including:
How are you?
How is your attendant doing?
Are you following the rules?
Do you have any questions about compliance?
How else may I help you?
These conversations aren’t a box to check off. Instead, they offer an opportunity to discover better support tactics. For example, one conversation with a participant revealed that, while their care excelled, they were struggling with their bills. As a result, our team assisted with state utility assistance applications to ease their financial burden.
4. Empowerment
CDS program attendants don’t just do things for people with disabilities. Instead, they foster the skills needed to live independently. Beyond facilitating at home personal care services, the Paraquad team becomes a source of knowledge that further empowers individuals.
For example, one CDS participant was living in poor conditions but couldn’t afford to move. Our specialists taught budgeting skills that allowed them to save up, move to a nice rented home and live comfortably month-to-month.
Ultimately, when people with disabilities feel happy at home, they are more likely to contribute to society. The confidence CDS provides empowers people to work, socialize and give back — fostering a richer community for us all.
Join Paraquad’s CDS Program
Always remember that the term “disability” covers a range of conditions. You may be eligible for CDS but do not even know it. Conduct a self-assessment to gauge your ability to complete daily living tasks. Compare that to an independent living philosophy and then ask yourself: Would each day be easier if I had at home personal care services?
If you or a loved one is interested in joining Paraquad’s CDS program, contact Director of Consumer Directed Services Latoya Chauncey at (314) 289-4200.
