Can Someone With Dementia Get CDS in Missouri?

CDS requires the participant to direct their own care. See how the state treats memory loss, guardians and the other options families have.

Many families ask whether a parent or spouse with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia can use Missouri's Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program. The honest answer depends on whether the person can direct their own care, which the state treats as a requirement. This page explains the state's rules in plain language. The state makes the final decision for each person.

The Rule That Matters Most

CDS participants must be able to hire, train, supervise and direct their personal care attendant. The state's policy says a person must be able to supervise the attendant, verify wages, use Electronic Visit Verification and report changes and problems. See What CDS Asks of You.

CDS is also for adults with a physical disability, as the state defines it, who meet nursing facility level of care and have active Medicaid.

How the State Looks at Memory and Thinking

When there are concerns about someone's ability to direct their care, the state's policy says staff can use several tools, including a memory and thinking exam called the SLUMS and statements from the person's healthcare professional. The state reviews the information before deciding.

What If the Person Can't Direct Their Own Care?

The state's policy says staff will tell the person or their authorized representative about other options, including agency-based personal care services. The person can appeal if they disagree.

A Special Case: Physical Disability Plus Cognitive Impairment

The state's policy says a physically disabled person who can direct their care but has a cognitive impairment that needs a designated person to help run the program can only be authorized through the Independent Living Waiver, not the standard CDS benefit. The waiver is a separate program, and details and availability differ. Ask the Division of Senior and Disability Services.

Guardians and Conservators

A person with a guardian or conservator can't be rejected for CDS only because of that, according to the state's policy. The policy also says the paid attendant can't be the participant's legal guardian.

Help for Dementia Caregivers That Isn't CDS

Missouri Caregiver Program. The state's page describes free caregiver education and help paying for respite care and certain care-related products for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. The program is administered by Memory Care Home Solutions, (314) 645-6247, and funding is limited. See Respite Care in Missouri.
Area Agency on Aging. Call the Missouri Senior Resource Line at 1-800-235-5503.

How HomeTeam Can Help

HomeTeam is a Missouri Consumer Directed Services (CDS) vendor based in Ballwin. CDS is a Medicaid program that lets eligible participants choose their own caregiver, including a family member in many cases, and HomeTeam handles the payroll and paperwork. If you're not sure what applies to your family, call HomeTeam at (314) 863-5987 and we'll explain your options.