Your care. Your choice. Our support.
Get paid to care for a loved one
If you have Missouri Medicaid and need help at home, you can choose your own caregiver — even a friend or a family member — and Medicaid pays them. It is called self-directed care, and we are here to make it happen for you.
What caregivers earn
Paid every Thursday, by direct deposit
- Paid weekly. The pay week runs Sunday to Saturday, and payday is the following Thursday.
- Direct deposit or a pay card, whichever you prefer.
- We handle the paperwork, payroll, taxes and background checks. You give the care.
- Family counts. You can be paid to care for a parent, grandparent or friend. Spouses and legal guardians cannot.
Who we are
Your trusted CDS provider
Caring Companions Consumer Directed Services is proud to support Missourians who choose self-directed care.
Through the state's Consumer Directed Services program, we help seniors and individuals with disabilities hire and manage their own trusted caregivers, often family members or friends, while Medicaid covers the cost of care.
Whether you are just learning about CDS or ready to switch providers, we make the process simple, clear and supportive. Our vision is for every eligible Missourian to know their options and have the freedom to choose the care arrangement that fits their life.
We check your eligibility quickly, guide you through the paperwork, and support you every step of the way, so you can focus on living independently with dignity and peace of mind.
Self-directed care will change your world
Long-term care is stressful. Really stressful. Every one of these can be eased by self-directed care, and we want to get you there as quickly and simply as possible.
- Loss of independence
- Worries about quality of care
- Financial pressure
- Limited personal space and privacy
- Loneliness and emotional strain
- Fear of neglect or abuse
- Mountains of paperwork and bureaucracy
Getting started
Two ways in, depending on who you are
If you need care
You may qualify if you:
- ✓Are 18 or older
- ✓Have active Missouri Medicaid
- ✓Need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meals or getting around
- ✓Live in your own home, not a nursing home
If you want to be paid to give care
Caregivers can help with:
- ✓Bathing, dressing and grooming
- ✓Meal preparation and feeding
- ✓Light housekeeping and laundry
- ✓Medication reminders
- ✓Errands and grocery shopping
What is the CDS program?+
The Consumer Directed Services program lets you get help at home with daily tasks while staying independent. Best of all, you choose your own caregiver, such as a family member or friend, who can be paid for their time.
Who qualifies for the CDS program?+
- Are 18 or older
- Have active Missouri Medicaid
- Need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meals or mobility
- Live in your own home, not in a nursing home
Can I choose a family member as my caregiver?+
Yes. You can choose a trusted family member or friend. Legal guardians and spouses cannot be paid caregivers through the program.
How much will my caregiver get paid?+
$15.00 per hour, paid weekly by direct deposit or pay card. The pay week runs Sunday to Saturday and payday is the following Thursday. The rate is set by what the Department of Health and Senior Services funds, so we will tell you if it ever changes.
What kind of help can I get?+
- Bathing, dressing, grooming
- Meal preparation and feeding
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Medication reminders
- Errands and grocery shopping
What if I don't have anyone to be my caregiver?+
That is not a problem. We keep our own list of people looking for caregiving work across the counties we serve, and we introduce you to someone near you. It is not a directory you browse: we match on your county and the hours you need, then make the introduction, and you still choose who you hire. Ask us to find someone.
Who pays the caregiver?+
Medicaid funds the care, and we handle all the paperwork, payroll, taxes and background checks. You direct the care and we take care of the rest.
How do I apply?+
To receive care, start here. To be paid as a caregiver, start here. Or call us on 417-218-2888, or toll free 866-863-5151, Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.
No cost to you
You may be eligible
If you have Medicaid, you are likely eligible. CDS is a free program available to all Medicaid participants. There is no cost to participate.
Prefer to talk? Call 417-218-2888, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Thank you — we will call you back.
Usually within one business day. If it is urgent, call 417-218-2888.
Hear from our community
What people say about Caring Companions
“Caring Companions made it easy to care for my grandma while I'm in college. I was able to become her paid caregiver and still keep up with school. They handled the paperwork and answered all my questions. It's been a blessing for both of us.”
“The best decision we've made for my mom's care. We didn't want her going into a facility. CDS through Caring Companions let us keep her at home, and now my sister is her paid caregiver. Real people who truly care.”
“Been in CDS for years, had a few other companies, but Caring Companions is way better. When I call they actually answer and help me. Before, I'd be on hold forever or never get a call back.”
“I'm 20 and have a disability so I need help with some daily stuff. CDS lets me get care at home and keep my independence. They don't treat me like a number, they actually care.”