What is Consumer Directed Services (CDS)?

CDS is a Medicaid-funded program that allows disabled or elderly people in Missouri to hire the caregiver of their choice to help with daily activities. This caregiver, or personal care attendant (PCA), can be a friend, a neighbor, or a family member other than a spouse or legal guardian. A PCA can help with daily chores or hygiene, including:

• Help with cooking, cleaning the house, doing laundry, or taking medications on time.
• Assistance with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, or other personal hygiene tasks.
• Support on errands or appointments, or general help with mobility.

This service is administered by the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), and it’s available to eligible adults over the age of 18. The goal of this program is to help participants live independently and choose someone they trust to provide them with care. Participants are responsible for hiring and managing their own attendants.

What this means is that if you are in need of extra assistance in your home, and you qualify for CDS, you may hire your own personal care assistant. The friend or family member you hire will be paid  through Armor of Love Home Healthcare.

How Does Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Work?

STEP 1

Get assessed

A nurse will visit you at home to determine if you’re eligible for the CDS program. You’ll find out how many weekly hours of care you can get.

STEP 2

Choose a caregiver

You choose a caregiver: your daughter, son, relative, or friend. We come to your home to enroll you in the program.

STEP 3

You get care — they get paid

You get ongoing care from a person who loves you. They get peace of mind — because they’re getting paid for the care they give.

How Do I Apply for Consumer Directed Services (CDS)?

That’s why we are here.

The CDS application can be complicated if you don’t have expert guidance throughout. We hold your hand and walk you through every step from start to finish. We know how to expedite your CDS application to speed up the process.

STEP 1

Get assessed

A licensed nurse will visit you at home to determine if you’re eligible for the CDS program. You’ll find out how many weekly hours of care you are entitled to.

STEP 2

Choose a caregiver

You choose a caregiver: your daughter, son, relative, or friend. We come to your home to enroll you in the program. We can also provide an aid for you.

STEP 3

You get care — they get paid

You get ongoing care from a person who loves you. They get peace of mind — because they’re getting paid for the care they give.