As a mother and the Legally Responsible Individual (LRI) for my disabled child, I am emotionally drained by the endless need to justify why I should be allowed to care for my child under Consumer Directed Services. These amendments, though presented as oversight, are suffocating for families like mine. Each new requirement feels like a punishment for simply trying to do what’s best for my child.

The idea of posting an 'advertisement' to find a stranger to care for my child is unbearable. How could I trust someone to understand the nuances of their daily care? My child doesn’t just need a caregiver; they need me—the person who knows their needs better than anyone. Who else would know how to prevent a meltdown when a loud noise overwhelms them? Who else would immediately recognize the signs of an oncoming seizure and act without hesitation? The thought of entrusting those critical moments to a stranger is unthinkable. My dedication to my child's care is unwavering.

I can’t do this anymore. The endless forms, the justification, the need to prove my worth as my child’s caregiver—it’s too much. I’ve reached out to the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), desperate for them to understand that these requirements are not just frustrating—they’re cruel. They make it impossible for me to focus on what truly matters: my child’s care. How am I supposed to sleep at night knowing that my ability to be there for my child is constantly threatened by paperwork and bureaucracy? This isn’t about accountability; this is about survival. I'm exhausted.

I’m begging DMAS to reconsider these exhausting requirements. I’m not asking for special treatment—I’m asking to be allowed to care for my child without being forced through a process that drains me of the time and energy I need actually to do that. Every minute I spend justifying my role is a minute I’m not there for my child. These rules don’t save money or improve care—they only pile more stress and fear onto families already carrying unbearable burdens. I want to protect my child, but these ongoing demands make it feel like I’m failing them every step of the way. I'm terrified about the future and what these requirements mean for my ability to care for my child.