Anita, 62, from Sedalia, faces daily challenges living with spinal degeneration. The pain she experiences makes it difficult to cook, clean, or even move around her home most days.
Without other sources of assistance, Anita relies entirely on the Consumer-Directed Services (CDS) care at home program through WILS to help her manage daily living and stay independent in her own home.
When asked if the program has been a success for her, Anita didn’t hesitate to share how much it means:
“I’m so crippled up I can hardly do anything. An attendant helps me out a lot and makes sure I don’t fall, and clean the house. If I didn’t have an attendant I probably wouldn’t be able to walk and get around good. My house would be a mess and I wouldn’t get adequate meals to eat.”
Through the CDS Program, Anita can hire and direct her own care attendant—someone she trusts to help her maintain comfort and safety. This approach gives her control, dignity, and peace of mind.
Her story reflects what independent living is all about: empowering people to stay in their homes, make their own decisions, and live life their way.