Help at Home
Missouri Consumer Directed Services
How Does It Work?
CDS helps individuals in Missouri with significant physical disabilities maintain or improve independence through in-home services like meal preparation, cleaning, and personal hygiene.
The Consumer Directed Services program and Personal Care Attendant (PCA) pay is covered through Medicaid. The Whole Person acts as the fiscal agent and is responsible for processing the PCA payroll and taxes, but the Consumer (person in need of care) is the employer of the PCA.
Am I Eligible?
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) (or its designee) will assess individuals who meet the minimum qualifications to see if they are eligible for the Consumer Directed Services program.
If a person is eligible, DHSS and the potential participant will create a Plan of Care that outlines the type (s) of service(s) the person will be approved to receive from a personal care attendant through the Consumer Directed Services program.
If you cannot or prefer not to self-direct, contact The Whole Person for other service options or referrals.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Medicaid eligible
- Meet Missouri DHSS care level requirements
- Physically disabled and able to live independently with an attendant
- Capable of fully directing own care
- Located in Cass, Clay, Jackson or Platte county in Missouri
What is the Process?
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 our regional centers in Missouri, like The Whole Person, we help 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.
Initial Call
Provide basic information (name, contact details, Social Security, Medicaid numbers) and a brief overview of your needs.
State Assessment
The State will contact you to create a care plan and schedule a home visit to review medications and care needs. Once DHSS approves your care plan, The Whole Person will guide you in hiring your chosen attendant and processing onboarding paper work.
Attendant Hiring
The Whole Person will guide you in hiring and supervising your attendant and completing required paperwork. Attendants can be friends or family (not spouses), must be 18+, and pass a background check.
Approval & Training
An Independent Living Advocate will train you on submitting time sheets and program guidelines.
How Can I Start?
Becoming a Consumer
I Need Assistance
Call The Whole Person’s Intake Specialist to see if you meet the requirements at 816-659-9402, or submit a request using our online Request Assistance form.
If eligible, we’ll work with DHSS to get you an appointment with an evaluator to begin the process.
Transferring Services: If you are receiving CDS from another agency, contact DHSS at 816-889-2206 or email info@health.mo.gov to transfer services to The Whole Person.
Becoming a Personal Care Attendant
I Can Provide Assistance
PCA Responsibilities:
- Support Consumers based on their Plan of Care
- Assist with daily living activities, grooming, bathing, housekeeping, laundry, meal prep, and transportation
PCAs must be 18 and pass a basic background check. Consumers select their PCA, but The Whole Person maintains a file of applicants.
To apply, contact our Intake Department at 816-659-9402, or submit a request on our online form.