Self-Directed Care: An Evaluation

This study evaluates self-directed care (SDC), a program introduced in 2000 in Washington State to promote consumer direction in community-based services for persons with disabilities. This report summarizes findings on satisfaction with the program, service quality and consumer safety, instances and outcomes of consumer abuse and neglect, and staffing issues in SDC. Methods included surveys and interviews with participants in SDC and review of existing databases, complaint logs and reports, and departmental field notes. Major findings were no negative outcomes for consumers, improvements in quality of life and quality of care for consumers, high satisfaction, perception of SDC as a valued option, and the challenges of ensuring adequate staffing.