Consumer Direct Services

Consumer Directed Services (CDS) is a Medicaid based services to individuals with disabilities; enabling them to live independently. Individuals in the CDS program are trained to hire their own personal care attendants to assist them with daily tasks such as: Bathing/Showering; Toileting; Obtaining/Organizing Medication; Meal Preparation/Cleanup; Housekeeping/Laundry; Essential Transportation.

The CDS program is a Consumer (patient) managed program, which means that the person with a disability receiving services the “Consumer” is the employer of the attendant. The consumer participants are responsible for locating, hiring, setting work schedules and managing their own attendants. A friend or family member may be hired as an attendant, with the exception of a spouse or anyone under the age of 18.

The attendant must have a clean background check through the Missouri State Family Care Safety Registry before being employed by a CDS participant.

Accurate In-Home Family Care, Inc. provides training on hiring and managing attendants for CDS participants in St. Louis City and County areas.

The Consumer Direct Services patient must:

• Be receiving or eligible to receive Medicaid.
• At least 18 years old.
• Have a physical disability.
• Able to self-direct their services.
• Able and willing to recruit, hire and manage attendants.
• Seeking or living in an independent environment.