Colorado offers amazing flexibility for home care. If you want to hire a family member or friend to provide your care, you generally have two “self-directed” options: Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) and the Agency-Based In-Home Support Services (IHSS) model, now available under Community First Choice (CFC).
Many families assume CDASS is the only way to hire a loved one. But CDASS comes with a hidden burden: It requires the patient (or their representative) to become a legal “employer.”
This means managing audits, handling liability insurance, and navigating complex tax allocations. For many families, this turns caregiving into a second full-time job.
There Is a Better Way: The Agency-Based Model
At Caregivers First Choice, we offer the Agency-Based CFC Model. This gives you the best of both worlds: the freedom to hire your loved one, without the stress of running a small business.
Here is the difference:
- We Are the Employer: We handle the payroll taxes, liability insurance, worker’s compensation, and employment paperwork. You never have to worry about an audit or a tax penalty.
- You Just Care: Your family member becomes our employee, but they work exclusively for you. You still choose who comes into your home and when, but we handle the HR headaches.
- Better Support: Because we are an agency, your family caregiver gets access to professional training, RN oversight, and agency support that independent contractors in CDASS don’t get.
Comparison: Who Handles the “Heavy Lifting”?
| Feature | CDASS Model | Caregivers First Choice Agency Model |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring Family | Yes | Yes (We hire them for you) |
| The Boss | You are the legal employer | We are the legal employer |
| Paperwork | You manage budget & taxes | We handle payroll, taxes, & liability |
| Backup Care | You must find your own backup | We provide 24/7 backup support |
| Training | You train your attendant | We provide professional training & RN oversight |
The “Backup Care” Safety Net
One critical difference often overlooked is safety. In the CDASS model, if your caregiver gets sick or needs a vacation, you are responsible for finding a replacement. If you can’t find one, you may go without care.
In our Agency-Based model, we are required by state regulations to provide backup attendants. If your primary caregiver is unavailable, we have a roster of trained staff ready to step in, ensuring you are never left unsupported.
The Verdict
If you are comfortable managing a monthly budget, handling employment taxes, and recruiting your own backup staff, CDASS is a valid option.
However, if you want to hire a loved one without the stress of administrative liability, the Agency-Based model is the safer, more sustainable choice. You focus on the care; we handle the compliance.
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