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Consumer Directed Services Missouri- A Guide for New Participants

Posted on by Delta Center
Consumer Directed Services Missouri

If you are considering the Consumer-Directed Services in Missouri (CDS) program, you are taking a positive step toward increasing your independence and controlling your care. The program gives individuals with physical disabilities the ability to hire, manage, and be the employer of their own personal care attendants. Delta Center for Independent Living is here to guide you through every step of the application process and support you as you begin using CDS to live a fuller, more independent life.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what CDS is, how Delta Center can help, and answer some common questions that new participants may have.

What is the Consumer-Directed Services (CDS) Program, and Who Qualifies?

CDS is a consumer-controlled program, meaning that you, as a participant, become the employer of your personal care attendant(s). This empowers you to choose who works with you, how you schedule care, and how to manage your attendants.

To qualify for CDS, participants must meet the following criteria:

If you meet these requirements, you can start the process of applying for CDS, with the support of Delta Center.

How Does Delta Center Assist in the CDS Application Process?

Navigating the CDS application process can seem overwhelming, but Delta Center’s Intake Coordinator is here to help every step of the way. Our team assists individuals by making referrals to the Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS) and provides ongoing follow-up to ensure that the process runs smoothly.

Here’s how we assist:

  • Guidance with paperwork: We help fill out necessary forms and documents.
  • Friendly reminders: We provide helpful reminders throughout the application process.
  • Background checks: We help you run background checks on potential attendants to ensure their suitability.

Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible so you can quickly start benefiting from CDS.

Common Challenges When Applying for CDS—and How Delta Center Helps Overcome Them

One of the most common challenges new applicants face is not having active Medicaid. If this is the case, Delta Center will provide information on how to apply  for Medicaid and ensure you understand whether you qualify.

Additionally, some individuals are unfamiliar with the CDS process or feel unsure about the responsibilities involved in being an employer. Delta Center provides personalized support to clarify these points and help you feel confident as you navigate the program.

What Kind of Training or Guidance Does Delta Center Provide?

If you’re new to managing your own care, Delta Center offers comprehensive training and support to ensure that you fully understand how the CDS program works. Before starting services, our case managers meet with you and your personal attendants for an Intake Meeting, where we explain the following:

  • Your rights and responsibilities as an employer
  • How to manage payroll and report time worked by your attendants
  • How to properly supervise and communicate with your attendants

This training is essential to making sure you’re equipped to manage your attendants and ensure smooth, efficient care.

Understanding Your Responsibilities as an Employer

As a CDS participant, one of the key responsibilities you’ll have is managing your personal care attendants. Delta Center ensures that you fully understand these responsibilities before you start.

Through a variety of signed documents and forms, we provide clarity on the following areas:

  • Hiring and terminating attendants
  • Setting schedules
  • Managing payroll and reporting hours worked
  • Supervising the attendants’ work

By addressing these responsibilities head-on, we help ensure that you’re confident in your role as the employer and can manage your care successfully.

Ongoing Support and Resources for CDS Participants

Once you’re approved for the CDS program, Delta Center doesn’t just leave you to navigate the process on your own. We continue to provide regular check-ins to ensure everything is running smoothly. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Monthly check-ins with your case manager to discuss your care, attendants, and any concerns.
  • Annual home visits from a case manager to ensure you’re receiving the support you need.
  • Access to additional core services, such as advocacy, skills training, and peer support, all available through your case manager.

These ongoing touchpoints help ensure that you continue to receive the support you need to maintain independence and manage your care.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About CDS

One of the most common misconceptions about the CDS program is that attendants are employed directly by Delta Center. In reality, as a CDS participant, you are the employer of your attendants, and Delta Center merely processes payroll on your behalf. This distinction is important because it clarifies that the responsibility for hiring and managing attendants lies with you, not the organization.

How CDS Improves Independence and Quality of Life

We’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that the CDS program has on the lives of participants. Many individuals who are part of the program report feeling more independent, safer, and happier at home.

Delta Center conducts an annual consumer satisfaction survey, and consistently, CDS participants report that they are able to remain in their homes and communities because of the support provided by the program. Some individuals have even been able to return home after rehabilitation, further emphasizing the program’s effectiveness in maintaining long-term independence.

Not Sure if CDS is Right for You?

If you’re unsure whether CDS is the right fit, Delta Center is here to provide guidance. We help you understand the expectations of being an employer and what managing your own care entails. If you feel the responsibilities are too overwhelming or if you prefer not to manage attendants directly, we can refer you to In-Home Services, which sends attendants on your behalf.

Moving Forward with CDS at Delta Center

The Consumer-Directed Services (CDS) program is an incredible opportunity for individuals with disabilities to take charge of their own care and live independently. At Delta Center for Independent Living, we are dedicated to helping you navigate this process, ensuring that you understand your responsibilities, and providing ongoing support to maintain your independence.

To learn more about CDS or to start your application, visit us at dcil.org or contact us at (636) 926-8761. Let us help you take control of your care and build the life you want.