Consumer Directed Services-CDS

Consumer Directed Services (CDS) is a Medicaid based program that allows clients to hire their own attendant to assist them with their daily tasks at home. The CDS program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities to receive the attendant services they need to live safely in a home setting instead of living in a restrictive environment. With CDS you can provide comfort and care to a parent, friend, neighbor or relative while getting paid for your time.

One main component of the CDS program is the individual who receives CDS is the employer of the attendant. CDS participants are responsible for locating, hiring, setting work schedules and managing their own attendant. A qualified friend or family member may be hired as an attendant. However, a souse or anyone under the age of 18 can NOT be employed as an attendant.