How CDS Works
Consumer Directed Services allows an eligible participant to choose, hire, train, supervise, and direct a qualifying caregiver. Valentine’s CDS provides the administrative structure and ongoing support needed to keep the arrangement organized.
Choice Should Not Feel Complicated
Consumer Directed Services allows an eligible participant to choose a trusted caregiver, including certain family members or friends, when program requirements are met.
Valentine’s CDS helps participants and caregivers understand the required steps, organize documentation, and maintain clear communication throughout the process.
The participant remains in control of the care arrangement.
How the Process Begins
1 — Speak With Valentine’s CDS
We review the situation, explain the general process, and identify the information needed to begin.
2 — Complete Eligibility and Authorization Steps
The participant completes the applicable state assessment, provider selection, and required documentation.
03 — Onboard the Chosen Caregiver
Once approvals are in place, Valentine’s CDS completes employment and payroll onboarding and supports the ongoing arrangement.
The Participant Chooses the Caregiver
In CDS, the participant is the employer.
A caregiver may be a qualifying adult family member, friend, or another trusted person selected by the participant. The caregiver must meet applicable program and employment requirements.
A spouse or legal guardian generally cannot serve as the paid attendant under Missouri State Plan CDS.
Valentine's CDS does not assign the caregiver.
The participant chooses. We help support the process around that choice.
We Coordinate the Referral and Transfer Process
Families should not have to make repeated calls just to understand what happens next.
Valentine’s CDS helps coordinate referrals, provider transfers, required documentation, and communication with the appropriate parties.
For participants moving from another CDS provider, we help organize the transition and explain the steps within our role. Final approvals and service changes remain subject to the applicable Missouri program process.
Ready to Understand Your Next Step?
Speak with Valentine’s CDS about eligibility, selecting a caregiver, transferring providers, or beginning the referral process.
We Help Organize the Paperwork
CDS requires documentation before services and payroll can begin.
Valentine’s CDS helps participants and caregivers understand what is required, identify what has already been completed, and organize remaining items.
Clear documentation supports timely onboarding, payroll processing, and continued program compliance.
Care Remains Directed at Home
CDS is not traditional agency-assigned care.
The participant remains at the center of the arrangement and directs how authorized care is provided.
Valentine’s CDS supports the administrative process while respecting the participant’s choices, routines, and preferences.
For Chosen Caregivers
A chosen caregiver carries meaningful responsibility inside the home and may already understand the participant’s routines, preferences, and way of communicating.
Valentine’s CDS supports the arrangement through onboarding guidance, timekeeping expectations, payroll communication, and ongoing support.
Caregiver compensation is reviewed during onboarding and is subject to the approved care arrangement, program requirements, and current company pay standards.
Who May Qualify
CDS may be available to an individual who:
- Is age 18 or older
- Has active Missouri Medicaid eligibility
- Has a qualifying physical disability
- Meets nursing-facility level-of-care requirements
- Can select, supervise, and direct a caregiver
- Completes the required assessment and authorization process
Eligibility and authorization are determined through the applicable Missouri program process.
The Valentine's CDS Difference
CDS gives families choice. Valentine’s CDS brings structure to that choice.
The participant should understand their role.
The chosen caregiver should understand what is expected.
The family should know what happens next.
Our role is to provide organized onboarding, payroll support, required documentation, and steady communication throughout the care arrangement.
Consistency in care is not optional.