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What is Consumer-Directed Attendant Care?
There may come a point when we need help to remain in our homes. This may be the result of an accident, a lengthy illness, disability, or aging problems. Fortunately, there is an option for people in this situation: hire someone to help.
In the Medicaid home-and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs, there is an opportunity for you to have help in your own home. You may consider having a consumer-directed attendant care assistant.
This service is available if you are on the:
• Intellectual disability waiver,
• Elderly waiver,
• Brain injury waiver,
• Physical disability waiver, or
• AIDS/HIV waiver.
Consumer-directed attendant care services are called CDAC for short.
They are intended for people in an HCBS waiver program who need someone to help them to stay in their own homes.
You will be the employer of your CDAC service provider. You are responsible for finding, hiring, training, directing and, if needed, firing your helper.
The CDAC service is meant to help you do things that you would normally do for yourself if you were able.
CDAC must be a direct, hands-on service. CDAC cannot provide for your personal supervision or for someone to stay with you overnight
What is included under CDAC?
CDAC services may include assistance with:
dressing
hygiene
grooming
bathing supports
wheelchair transfer,
ambulation and mobility
toileting assistance
meal preparation
cooking
eating and feeding
housekeeping
medications ordinarily self-administered
minor wound care
employment support*
cognitive assistance
fostering communication
assisting with or accompanying during transportation.
*Employment support includes assistance needed to go to or return from place of employment and assistance
with job-related tasks while the member is on the job site.
Where are CDAC services provided?
CDAC services are provided in the member’s home or community.
How do I get CDAC Services?
You must already be on an HCBS waiver to receive CDAC.
You can request CDAC as a waiver service.
You will then have a meeting with your case manager and other people you want there (like a family member) to decide whether CDAC would help you.
Your case manager or service worker must agree that CDAC services are right for you so that you are healthy and safe.
When you are searching for a CDAC provider, remember:
• The person must be at least 18 years old.
• The person cannot be your wife or husband.
• The person cannot be your parent, stepparent or guardian
if you are under 18 years old.
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