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CDS Guest Blog: A Different Way to Receive Home-Based Services

Jet Schuler
Touch of CLASS

June 3, 2014

If you or someone you know requires personal care services in the home, you've probably heard of Consumer Directed Services (CDS). CDS is a service delivery option that the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) offers for many services in many of its programs. The CDS option is not a separate DADS program, it's just a different way to deliver services within its programs.

Under the CDS delivery model, a program participant is responsible for many of the aspects of their own personal care, primarily in the area of hiring and firing their care staff and scheduling their care. The participant selects a Financial Management Services (FMS) Agency to process the payroll, pay the associated payroll taxes, and process the billings and collections for them. This is distinctly different from a Direct Services Agency (DSA) delivery model, where the agency handles all aspects of the delivery of the services.

The CDS model allows for the participant to have much more control over who will be providing their care and when and where that care will be provided. Although it's not for everyone, this option can be very beneficial for program participants who have the ability and desire to take control of their care.

As a FMS Agency owner, I find that the CDS option often solves a problem that many agencies face on a regular basis: finding care providers who are compatible with the program participants. The caregiver/participant relationship is a very special one as these people spend a large amount of time together, and often the caregiver is assisting the participant with intimate activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing themselves, etc. As such, in order to be successful, the caregiver and the participant must be very compatible and comfortable with each other. Who is better to select a compatible caregiver than the program participant him or herself? Consequently, the participant is often, if not always, happier with a caregiver they select, hire and manage rather than one selected for them by an agency. As a result, this delivery model is often a win-win situation for the program participant and the service delivery agency.

Because of its success and the positive experiences by most the participants using the option, I would expect the CDS option to continue to grow as an alternative to the Direct Service Agency model of care.

For more information regarding the CDS delivery option, click here to visit DADS' website.

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About Jet

Jet Schuler has 30 years experience as a CPA in health care, 20 of which are in home health care. Jet is currently the co-owner and President of Touch of CLASS, a FMS Agency, primarily in the DADS Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) program. He also sits on the board of directors of CTD.