Get paid for the care you’re already providing through Consumer-Directed Services

Many families across Northeast Missouri are already providing care for their loved ones. Adult children help aging parents with bathing and meals. Grandchildren assist grandparents with shopping and housework. Friends support each other with daily tasks. It’s care given out of love, but it’s also hard work that takes time and energy.

What many families don’t realize is that Missouri has a program that allows you to get paid for this care. It’s called Consumer-Directed Services, and it can make a real difference for families who are already caregiving but struggling financially.

At Northeast Independent Living Services (NEILS), we help families navigate this program every day. Let’s break down how it works and how you can get started.

What Is Consumer-Directed Services?

Consumer-Directed Services (CDS) is a Missouri Medicaid program that lets people with disabilities hire their own personal care attendants. Instead of getting assigned a stranger from an agency, you get to choose who helps you. And that person can be a family member or friend.

Here’s the important part: Missouri Medicaid pays the attendant’s wages. The person receiving care doesn’t pay anything out of pocket. NEILS handles all the payroll paperwork and makes sure everything runs smoothly.

It’s a win for everyone. The person receiving care gets help from someone they trust. The family member gets paid for work they’re likely already doing. And both people get to spend quality time together.

Who Can Participate?

For the person receiving care, you need to:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet)
• Be able to direct your own care (meaning you can tell your attendant what help you need)
• Need help with daily living tasks

For the personal care attendant, you can be:

• A son or daughter
• Another family member like a grandchild, sibling, or parent
• A friend or neighbor
• Someone already helping with care

There’s one important rule: spouses cannot be paid attendants. Also, attendants must be at least 18 years old.

What Tasks Can Attendants Help With?

Personal care attendants through CDS can help with many daily activities, including:

• Bathing and personal hygiene
• Getting dressed
• Using the bathroom
• Preparing meals
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Shopping and running errands
• Transportation to appointments
• Medication reminders

These are the everyday tasks that help someone live safely and independently at home.

How Does Payment Work?

The attendant gets paid an hourly wage through Missouri Medicaid. While exact rates can vary, many CDS programs in Missouri pay between $14 and $16 per hour. NEILS handles all the payroll, so you don’t have to worry about tax forms or paperwork.

The person receiving care doesn’t pay anything. This is covered by their Medicaid benefits.

How to Get Started with NEILS

Getting set up with Consumer-Directed Services through NEILS is simpler than you might think. Here’s the basic process:

Step 1: Check if you qualify

The first step is making sure the person needing care has Missouri Medicaid. If they don’t have it yet, NEILS can help you apply. You can reach out to us at 573-221-8282 and we’ll walk you through the eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Complete the application

Once you’re eligible for Medicaid, you’ll need to apply for the CDS program specifically. NEILS will help you fill out the necessary forms and submit them to the right agencies.

Step 3: Choose your attendant

This is the easy part. You decide who you want to hire as your personal care attendant. It could be your daughter, your grandson, your best friend, or anyone else you trust (except your spouse).

Step 4: Get trained

Both the person receiving care and the attendant will receive training. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. The training covers how to direct care, how to keep records, and how to manage the working relationship. NEILS provides this training at no cost.

Step 5: Start receiving care

Once everything is set up, your attendant can begin providing care. NEILS will handle all the payroll, so your attendant gets paid regularly for their work.

Why Families Love Consumer-Directed Services

Families across Northeast Missouri have found that CDS makes a huge difference in their lives. Here’s why:

Trust and comfort. Getting care from a family member or friend means no strangers in your home. You’re working with someone you already know and trust.

Flexibility. You decide when care happens and how it’s provided. You’re in control of your own schedule.

Quality time together. Instead of just visiting, family members can spend meaningful time together while providing care.

Financial relief. Many family caregivers have to cut back on work hours or leave jobs entirely to provide care. Getting paid helps ease that financial pressure.

Stay at home. CDS makes it possible for people to stay in their own homes instead of moving to a facility. Home is where most people want to be.

What Counties Does NEILS Serve?

NEILS provides Consumer-Directed Services in the following counties: Clark, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, Shelby, Knox, Scotland, and Audrain.

If you live outside these counties, contact us anyway. We’re expanding services and may be able to help you or connect you with resources in your area.

Common Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

The Medicaid application process can take a few months. Once you’re approved for Medicaid, getting set up with CDS typically takes a few weeks. NEILS will keep you updated throughout the process.

Can I have more than one attendant?

Yes. Some people prefer to have multiple family members or friends share the caregiving responsibilities.

What if my needs change?

That’s completely normal. NEILS will work with you to adjust your care plan as your needs grow or change over time.

Is this really free for the person receiving care?

Yes. This is a Medicaid-funded program. The person receiving care doesn’t pay anything out of pocket.

Ready to Learn More?

If you think Consumer-Directed Services might be right for your family, NEILS is here to help you every step of the way. We’ll answer your questions, help you apply, and make the whole process as smooth as possible.

Call NEILS today at 573-221-8282 or visit our Home Care Services page to learn more about how you can hire a family member as your personal care attendant.