Care from the people who know you best.
Consumer Directed Services
Hire a family member or friend as your paid caregiver through Missouri Medicaid. We handle all the paperwork and payroll — you focus on what matters most: family.
About this care
How we help at home.
Consumer Directed Services (CDS) is a Missouri Medicaid program that puts you in charge of your own care. Instead of receiving help from a stranger, you choose someone you already know and trust — a family member, friend, or neighbor — and they become your paid caregiver. It is one of the most popular home care programs in Missouri because it keeps care personal and familiar.
Angel’s Care serves as your Fiscal Management Service (FMS) provider. That means we handle all the complicated parts: payroll processing, tax withholding, workers’ compensation insurance, background checks, and compliance reporting. Your chosen caregiver receives bi-weekly paychecks while you focus on getting the care you need from someone who genuinely knows and loves you.
The CDS program recognizes that nobody understands your daily needs better than the people closest to you. Whether it is a daughter helping her mother with meals, a spouse assisting with mobility, or a trusted friend providing companionship, Consumer Directed Services makes it possible to receive quality care while strengthening family bonds. We provide free training to all caregivers to ensure they are equipped to provide safe, effective assistance.
What we provide
Everything in this service.
- Hire your own family member or friend
- Medicaid approved program
- Bi-weekly pay for caregivers
- Free caregiver training provided
- No prior experience required
- Angel’s Care handles all payroll
- Background checks and compliance
- Flexible scheduling you control
What to expect during a visit
With Consumer Directed Services, you and your chosen caregiver decide the schedule that works best for your family. Your caregiver may assist with personal hygiene, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation to appointments, or companionship. Hours are determined by your Medicaid assessment, typically ranging from 8 to 40 hours per week. You are the employer — you decide when, where, and how your caregiver helps you.
Eligibility and coverage
To qualify for CDS, you must be enrolled in Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) and assessed as needing in-home care assistance. The program is available to elderly individuals, adults with disabilities, and children with special health care needs. A state assessment determines the number of hours you are approved for. Our team can help you apply for Medicaid if you are not yet enrolled and guide you through the entire eligibility process.
Can a spouse be my CDS caregiver?
In most cases, yes. Missouri Medicaid allows spouses, adult children, other family members, friends, and neighbors to serve as CDS caregivers. The only exception is that a legally responsible parent cannot be a paid caregiver for a minor child. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
How much does a CDS caregiver get paid?
Caregiver pay rates are set by the Missouri Medicaid program and vary by region. In the St. Louis area, rates are competitive and caregivers receive bi-weekly direct deposit. We handle all payroll taxes and withholding — your caregiver does not need to worry about self-employment tax filings.
What if my caregiver needs time off?
You can designate a backup caregiver who is also enrolled in the program. This ensures your care is not interrupted if your primary caregiver is sick, on vacation, or otherwise unavailable. We help you set up backup caregivers at no additional cost.
How long does it take to get started?
Once you contact us, we can typically get your CDS program up and running within 2 to 4 weeks. This includes the Medicaid assessment, caregiver enrollment, background check, training, and payroll setup. We walk you through every step.
Other kinds of care
Ready to get started?
Our care coordinators can answer your questions, check your coverage, and help you take the first step toward care at home.