Unlocking the Benefits of Self-Directed Care

Benefits and Options of Self-Directed Care

• Self-directing participants report up to 90% more satisfaction with their lives.
• Self-direction leads to better health outcomes and reduces the cost of services.
• Participants can receive necessary services from home, which significantly reduces unmet needs and promotes life in the community.
• Caregivers of self-directing participants are very satisfied with overall care.
• Self-direction allows greater access to services in rural areas and expands the labor force by creating new opportunities for caregiver employment.
• It honors the cultural uniqueness of individuals and allows participants to be served by individuals they know and trust.
• Continuity of care is critical, particularly for those with dementia, as preferences may change over time.
• Self-direction costs the same or less than traditional personal care services and facilitates easier access to services on nights and weekends.
• Flexible budgets allow for greater access to community activities.
• Participant Directed Goods and Services (PDGS) can include a wide range of items and services, such as dental, vision, adaptive equipment, music therapy, and more.
• The Fiscal Management Service (FMS) option provides the most power, choice, and control over services and is the most popular.
• The Agency with Choice option is commonly used in Intellectual and Developmental Disability programs, but scrutiny is needed to protect the rights of participants.