What is the Consumer Directed Services program (CDS)?
The CDS Program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities to receive the services they need to remain independently in their home instead of living in a more restrictive institutional environment.
The idea behind the CDS program is to let the consumer (the care recipient) be in charge of their caregiving needs. They are the ones that know best when it comes to what they need assistance with, and the CDS program gives them the ability to hire caregivers that suit their specific needs.
One of the many benefits of the CDS program is that the care recipient gets to take charge of their care and is allowed to hire friends or family members to provide the caregiving services. The exceptions are the care givers cannot be the care recipients spouse, legal guardian or under the age of 18. By allowing the care recipient to hire a caregiver of their choice, the CDS program makes it possible for them to receive care from someone they like and trust.
Missouri Centers for Independent Living (MOCIL) is the original state-certified and leading trusted resource for personal attendant services such as Consumer Directed Services. Through regional centers in Missouri, like DRA, MOCIL helps people with disabilities remain in their own homes by assisting them in finding caregivers who can provide in-home personal care and support with household chores and daily meal preparation. Learn more about MOCIL CDS providers across the state.
What type of daily tasks might attendants assist with?
Care recipients may qualify for some or all of the tasks below.
- Housekeeping/laundry
- Dressing/grooming
- Toileting
- Ostomy/colostomy hygiene
- Obtaining medication
- Transferring
- Range of motion
- Meal preparation/feeding/cleanup
- Essential shopping
- Essential transportation
How much does this service cost?
The CDS program is funded by Medicaid/MO Healthnet. This service is free of charge to the care recipient with active Medicaid/MO Healthnet.
What geographical regions does DRA CDS serve?
DRA serves CDS care recipients in the following regions: Jefferson County, St Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Francois County, St. Genevieve County, Madison County, Crawford County, Franklin County, St. Charles County, Washington County and Iron County.
How do I request CDS Services?
Please contact DRA at (636) 931-7696 or fill out this online request form to request CDS Services and we will be in touch.
Interested in switching providers?
Please contact DRA at (636) 931-7696 or fill out this online request form to request a Provider switch and we will be in touch. DRA makes it super easy to switch. The care recipient will not lose services during the transition period and their plan of care will not be impacted.