AAA Advantage Home Care makes it easy for you or your loved one to receive personal care services at no cost in most cases. However, the program can be complex, so we’ve created this guide to Consumer Directed Services (CDS) in Missouri. If you’d prefer to speak with someone directly, we are always available to answer your questions at 314-970-3753.
Who is AAA Advantage Home Care?
AAA Advantage Home Care is a dedicated agency committed to providing top-tier, personalized care right in the comfort of your home.
What is CDS?
The Missouri Consumer Directed Services program helps people with significant physical disabilities obtain assistance with personal care and daily activities to maintain or enhance their independence. This includes services such as meal preparation, cleaning, and personal hygiene.
“Consumer directed” means that you, as the recipient of care services, make decisions about the type of care you receive and who provides it. AAA Advantage Home Care matches you with a suitable Personal Care Assistant (PCA). Best of all, your PCA can be a family member (except a spouse or dependent) or friend. You get to decide what is best for your unique situation.
The cost of these services is covered by Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) and is administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). AAA Advantage Home Care is authorized by DHSS to provide case management and payroll services for the program.
The personal care assistance you receive through CDS will be non-medical. You will get help with tasks you can no longer perform yourself due to your disability or tasks that take an unreasonable amount of time to complete. CDS only covers activities of daily living (ADLs) and does not include tasks requiring a licensed medical professional.
The goal is to give you more control in determining how best to meet your care needs. In other words, you have choices—including hiring and supervising your attendant and approving timesheets for payment. By allowing you to hire a caregiver of your choice, CDS enables you to receive care from someone you like and trust, rather than a stranger in a nursing home.
Am I eligible?
To qualify for CDS through AAA Advantage Home Care you must:
- Be a resident of Missouri
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be capable of directing their own care services
- Require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and certain Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
- Meet Medicaid’s financial eligibility criteria
If you are not enrolled in MO HealthNet click here to apply online or call AAA Advantage Home Care at 314-970-3753 for assistance.
What if I don’t have MO HealthNet?
CDS is only available to Missouri residents eligible for and enrolled in MO HealthNet, the State’s Medicaid program. There are income and asset limits for eligibility. Contact MO HealthNet at 855-835-3505 if you have questions or need assistance with applying for Medicaid. Or call AAA Advantage Home Care at 314-970-3753 if you have questions.
How do I apply for CDS PCA and what is the process?
AAA Advantage Home Care can help you with the application process. Call us at 314-970-3753 for help. Participants, family, friends, or informal supports can submit new referrals (applications are known as referrals) directly by phone at 866-835-3505, using the Online Home & Community Based Services Referral Form, or by sending an HCBS-1 Form to [email protected].
The referral form is the first step to newly apply for Home and Community Based Services through the Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS).
Once your application is received, the State will assign a coordinator to assess your eligibility and needs. They will schedule a pre-screening and a home assessment to determine your requirements for assistance and personal care. They will assess the Level of Care (LOC) needed, which refers to the intensity of effort required to maintain or improve your physical or emotional status. The final determination is called the State Plan of Personal Care and is completed based on the intake information by the State.
The Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS) is responsible for the administration of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), including intake of referrals, assessing nursing facility LOC, and authorizing services through person-centered care planning.
The process is further explained here.
What kind of care does the CDS provide?
Attendant care, also known as personal care assistance, is a type of home care service that supports and assists with activities of daily living (ADLs) for individuals who need help due to physical or cognitive limitations. Attendant care services can include assistance with tasks such as:
- bathing
- grooming
- dressing
- toileting
- mobility
- medication reminders
- meal preparation
- light housekeeping
- transportation
Caregivers who provide attendant care services are trained to offer personalized and compassionate support, helping individuals maintain their independence and quality of life at home. It’s important to note that PCAs are not licensed medical or health providers.
How is the assessment for my care determined?
In Missouri, the Level of Care (LOC) score is used to determine the appropriate level of care and services needed, particularly in the context of Medicaid and long-term care services. The points and process used to determine the LOC score can vary based on the specific program or service. Here are some general aspects:
1. Assessment Tools: Missouri uses standardized assessment tools to evaluate an individual’s needs. One commonly used tool is the [InterRAI (International Resident Assessment Instrument)](https://interrai.org/). This tool assesses various aspects of an individual’s health and functioning.
2. Criteria Evaluation: The assessment considers physical health, mental health, daily living skills, and the need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
3. Scoring System: Points are assigned based on the assessment tool’s findings. Each area of need or impairment is weighted, contributing to the overall score.
4. Care Levels: The total score determines the level of care needed. Higher scores typically indicate a greater need for assistance and may qualify you for higher levels of care or more intensive services.
5. Review and Adjustment: Scores and care levels are reviewed periodically, and adjustments can be made based on changes in your condition or needs.
6. Case Management: Case managers or assessors review the assessment results to ensure the care level assigned is appropriate and aligns with your needs and preferences.
The specific details and procedures can be found here.
What are the benefits of CDS?
The Missouri CDS program offers several key benefits:
1. Comfortable Living: You can stay in your own home or a familiar environment, avoiding the need for a nursing home.
2. Personal Caregivers: You can hire friends or family (excluding spouses or legal guardians) to provide care, ensuring you get help from someone you trust.
3. Independence: With a personal care assistant, you can continue working, studying, or enjoying hobbies that your disability might otherwise limit.
4. Earning Potential: Caregivers can earn money while caring for loved ones, as long as they are not spouses or legal guardians.
Who are PCA caregivers? How are they paid?
Caregivers hired by CDS participants or through us are compensated by the state, via Medicaid, for the care they provide. As mentioned, they can be friends or family (but not your spouse or dependent).
AAA Advantage Home Care acts as the Fiscal/Employer Agent (F/EA) to provide Financial Management Services (FMS). We handle the payments and administrative responsibilities, so you don’t have to manage payroll and tax liabilities. The pay rate varies and is generally set by the state.
How many hours a week will my PCA help me?
This is determined by the State during the intake process. AAA Advantage Home Care provides PCA services per the State’s guidelines set forth in the State Plan for Personal Care.
What if I need more care than the State Plan for Personal Care provides?
You may be eligible for the Independent Living Waiver (ILW) program, which offers additional services beyond those covered by the Consumer Directed State Plan Personal Care program. ILW services include case management, personal care, environmental accessibility adaptations, and specialized medical equipment and supplies. AAA Advantage Home Care participates in this program as authorized by the State. Contact us at 314-970-3753 for more information.
I am a caregiver. How can you assist me?
AAA Advantage Home Care employs a stringent screening process to ensure that only the most trustworthy and skilled caregivers are selected. We use a rigorous four-step process to vet all potential PCAs:
1. Interview Process
2. Reference Check
3. Credentials Check
4. Background Check
This process is conducted regardless of whether you are a friend or family member of the consumer participant. This ensures the highest levels of professionalism and safety. If you’re interested in becoming a caregiver in Missouri, call us at 314-970-3753.