Simply Elegant Home Healthcare

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Consumer- Directed Services

CDS stands for Consumer Directed Services. It's a Medicaid program specifically offered in the state of Missouri . This program allows people with disabilities who are 18 or older to receive assistance with daily living activities in their own homes, promoting independence.

Here's a list of some services typically covered by CDS:

  • Personal Care: This includes assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and other personal hygiene needs.

  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Help with things like preparing meals, eating, cleaning, laundry, and medication management.

  • Transportation: Assistance getting to errands, appointments, and other outings.

Key point about CDS: You manage your own care! Unlike traditional home care, CDS allows you to:

  • Interview and hire your own personal care attendants.

  • Set work schedules for your attendants.

  • Train and supervise your attendants.

    To qualify for consumer-directed services, a person must be:

    • Medicaid eligible (MO HealthNet eligible)

    • 18 years of age or older

    • Able to direct their own care

    Programs like CDS are not available everywhere! Call Today for your FREE Consultation!

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Address

  • St. Louis, MO, USA

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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 need 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 compensated through Simply Elegant Home Health.

What Does Self-Directed Mean?

Self-directed services allow the consumer to instruct the caregiver on how to give them the best possible care. Because the consumer knows exactly what they need, this model of care allows them the freedom to hire or fire whomever they choose to suit their needs. The consumer is expected to hire and train their own caregivers to help them perform daily tasks such as laundry, taking medications on time, or cooking. Also, because this is a Medicaid-funded program, the consumer does not need to worry about any medical bills. Provided they meet the program qualifications listed below, this is a 100% free service.

MO HealthNet requirements

MO HealthNet is Missouri’s Medicaid program that covers qualified medical costs for people that meet specific eligibility requirements. To be eligible for CDS, you must be currently enrolled in MO HealthNet.

Your MO HealthNet eligibility will be dependent on your age, income, and assets. Let’s take a look at these requirements:

  • Have a net household income of less than $885 per month if single or widowed.

  • Have a net household income of less than $1,198 per month if married.

  • Own assets worth less than $2,000 if single.

  • Own assets worth less than $4,000 if married.

The monthly income numbers are equal to 85 percent of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines. So, they might change periodically.

Some assets don’t count toward the eligibility requirement numbers. This includes your home if you live there, and the equity value is not more than $585,000. Personal items and your car are also exempt from being counted as assets.

 

What are my Health needs requirements?

CDS is meant for people who cannot perform daily activities due to physical disabilities or illness. Unfortunately, it does not currently provide care for people with mental conditions like dementia.

Here are the requirements to be eligible for CDS:

  • Be a Missouri resident above the age of 18 years.

  • Have a physical disability that makes you unable to perform daily activities like meal preparation, bathing, cleaning, etc.

  • Require the level of care that might be provided at a nursing home.

  • Be able to direct your caregiver and train them according to your needs.

You do not have to be a senior to qualify for CDS, although many program participants happen to fall in the elderly category.

Who can be a caregiver?

You must be at least 18 years old, eligible for Medicaid, and able to direct your own care. You may also need to have a disability. You can't be eligible to be a caregiver for your spouse.

What types of care can be provided through consumer-directed services?

CDS includes personal care:

  • Grooming

  • Bathing

  • Personal hygiene

  • Toilet use

  • Mobility

  • Taking medications on time

  • Cleaning

  • Laundry

  • Cooking

  • Shopping

  • Essential transportation

How can my family or friends apply for a position?

Once you have selected your caregiver they can call us to start the process of their background check, family registry check and much more.

What is private pay in-home care?

Private pay is a financing option where clients pay directly for in-home care services without relying on government programs like Medicaid.

How much does private pay in-home care cost?

How much does private pay in-home care cost?

The cost of private pay care varies depending on the level of care needed, frequency of visits, and geographic location. We offer free consultations to discuss your specific needs and provide a personalized cost estimate.

How do I pay for private pay in-home care?

You can pay for private pay services with cash, check, credit card, or long-term care insurance.

Can I use long-term care insurance to pay for in-home care?

Some long-term care insurance policies cover in-home care services. We can help you determine if your policy applies.

Am I eligible for veteran in-home care benefits?

Eligibility for VA in-home care benefits depends on your medical needs, discharge status, and other factors. We recommend contacting your local VA medical center to inquire about eligibility.

How do I apply for VA in-home care benefits?

You can apply for VA in-home care benefits at your local VA medical center. 

Can I use VA benefits in conjunction with private pay services?

Yes, you can combine VA benefits with private pay to cover the cost of in-home care services.

 

How do I get started with in-home care services?

Contact Simply Elegant Home Health Care today for a free consultation. We can answer your questions, assess your needs, and create a personalized care plan.