Consumer Directed Employer Program

Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA) is the Consumer Directed Employer (CDE) for Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The CDE program allows individuals to self-direct their care and remain in their home and community.

As the CDE, CDWA employs thousands of dedicated Individual Providers (IP) who provide in-home personal care and respite services using the Agency With Choice Medicaid service model.

Agency With Choice is a co-employment option where the Client, as managing employer, is in control of who provides care and services.

  • The Client or their authorized representative chooses, schedules, and supervises their IPs.
  • CDWA acts as the legal employer and handles tasks like payroll and administrative duties.

The CDE Program supports the following

Personal Care Services
IPs provide support for activities of daily living (ADLs). Some examples of ADLs are:

  • Bathing/Grooming
  • Dressing
  • Toileting
  • Eating

Personal care services may also include assistance with everyday tasks, known as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which allow Clients to live independently and improve their quality of life. IADLs include but aren’t limited to:

  • Meal preparation
  • Shopping
  • Laundry
  • Medication reminders
  • Light housework

Respite Services
These services are meant to provide relief to the primary IP while ensuring Client needs are met.

The respite worker can provide:

  • Personal care
  • Support
  • Supervision
  • Companionship

Respite services allow Clients to stay in their home while giving their primary IP the rest they need.

CDWA works closely with the following organizations to provide in-home care services across Washington.

  • Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
  • Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
  • Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
  • Home and Community Services (HCS)
  • Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
  • SEIU 775
  • SEIU 775 Benefits Group

Talk to your Case Manager to determine eligibility for long-term care services and to develop a Plan of Care.  If you qualify for CDE services, your Case Manager will refer you to CDWA to start the hiring process for your IP.  If you do not already have someone identified to provide your care, CDWA will assist you in finding someone.