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Consumer Directed Services provides personal care attendant services to the elderly and people with disabilities, allowing them to live independently in the comfort of their homes. Friends For Life LLC also offers home care assistance in St. Louis, Missouri, ensuring local families have access to compassionate and reliable support. Consumer Directed Services are designed for those who need to stay home and are Missouri Medicaid eligible, who are able to help manage their own services. In this program, the consumer can hire their own caregiver with assistance from us. You can hire a qualifying family member who is not your spouse. Friends For Life LLC will provide you with assistance to train and employ your caregiver.

To qualify for Consumer Directed Services, a person must be:

  • Medicaid Eligible 
  • 18 Years Old or Older 
  • Able to Direct Their Own Care 
  • Physically Disabled 
  • Capable of Living Independently

Here are the assistance CDS provides:

  • Bathing and Toileting 
  • Dressing and Grooming 
  • Ostomy or Colostomy Hygiene 
  • Medication Reminders 
  • Transferring and Range of Motion 
  • Meal Preparation, Feeding, and Cleanup 
  • Housekeeping Including Laundry 
  • Errand Transportation 

Empowering Independence Through Personalized Support

Consumer-Directed Services give individuals the ability to take an active role in their own care by choosing who provides support and how that support is delivered. This approach allows clients and their families to remain comfortable in their homes and communities while receiving care tailored to their unique preferences. It is a model that emphasizes independence, respect, and dignity while ensuring important daily needs are met.

Why Consumer-Directed Services Matter in Home Care

When it comes to home and community-based care, Consumer-Directed Services offer families a unique opportunity to take control of how care is provided. Instead of relying solely on traditional agency staff, individuals can hire, train, and supervise the caregivers they trust most, such as friends or family members. This not only strengthens relationships but also ensures care is delivered in a way that feels natural and personal, making life at home more comfortable and secure.

  • Flexibility in choosing caregivers – Families can decide who provides care, ensuring compatibility, trust, and comfort in the relationship
  • Tailored support to personal needs – Services are adapted to daily routines, cultural values, and unique preferences rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
  • Empowerment for individuals and families – Clients maintain more control over their care plans, schedules, and decisions about what support looks like day to day
  • Stronger bonds and continuity of care – Having a familiar caregiver reduces stress, strengthens trust, and provides stability for both clients and their loved ones
  • Cost-effective and sustainable model – Families may find this approach offers more efficient use of resources while improving overall satisfaction and outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can get consumer-directed services?
CDS is usually available to adults with disabilities or health conditions who qualify for Medicaid and want to choose their own caregiver. We can explain the eligibility rules and help with the application process.
Can a family member be paid as a caregiver through consumer-directed services?
Yes, in many cases, family members like adult children, relatives, or friends can be hired and paid to provide care. We can confirm the rules in each situation and help with the enrollment steps.
What kind of help do caregivers provide under consumer-directed services?
Most caregivers help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, meals, cleaning, and errands. We review what’s allowed under the program and make sure the caregiver’s duties match those needs.
What’s the difference between consumer-directed services and traditional home care?
Traditional home care agencies assign caregivers, while CDS lets people choose and manage their own. We support both options and explain the benefits so people can decide what works best for them.
Who can qualify for consumer-directed services?
Most programs require a person to be Medicaid eligible, at least 18 years old, physically disabled, able to direct their own care, and capable of living independently. We guide people through the qualification process.

Discover the Care and Support You Deserve

If you have questions about our services or any concerns, please contact us! We’re here to listen and provide the support you need.