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How it worksYou choose the life and the people. We make the support work.
A clear path from the first conversation to the first shift — with each step owned by someone specific, and no promises made before they can be kept.
Five steps. One team.
Tell us about the person
Who they are, where they live, the services they have today and the kind of support they want. No health records needed yet.
We confirm the fit
We check the program, the services authorized in the plan, the location and whether we can provide what’s needed. If we’re not the right provider, we say so quickly.
Choose the support team
Name the family member, friend or trusted person you’d like as a DSP. We confirm whether that relationship can be paid for that service.
Employment and setup
The DSP applies and completes background screening, required training and onboarding. We set up scheduling, time and documentation.
Authorized services begin
Shifts start within what’s authorized. We supervise, keep records complete and stay in touch with the family and Support Coordinator.
We do not commit to a start date until authorization, DSP readiness and operational setup are complete.
Clear roles, no surprises.
Utah’s system has several parts. Knowing who owns each decision saves families a lot of phone calls.
| Who | What they do | What they don’t do |
|---|---|---|
| The individual and family | Choose the life they want and the people they want involved. Take part in planning. Name a trusted DSP if they have one. | Don’t have to become an employer or run payroll. |
| DSPD and Utah Medicaid | Determine eligibility for DSPD services and Medicaid, operate the waivers and fund authorized services. | Don’t choose your provider for you. |
| Support Coordinator | Helps build the Person-Centered Support Plan, coordinates services and monitors how the plan and budget are used. | Doesn’t employ or supervise your DSP. |
| giv.care | Employs and trains DSPs, schedules and documents shifts, reviews authorizations, bills Medicaid for authorized services and supervises the work. | Doesn’t determine eligibility or authorize services. |
| Your DSP | Provides the support in the plan, records each visit, completes shift notes and keeps training current. | Doesn’t work outside what’s authorized. |
DSPD and Medicaid roles: DSPD and Utah Medicaid.
What a DSP needs to get started.
Direct support is professional work. Everyone on a giv.care team meets the same standards — family member or not.
Background screening
Utah requires a DHHS background check for people who work directly with the individuals they support.
Required training
Training on safety, rights, reporting and the specific person you support — completed on a schedule, and kept current.
A smartphone
Used for scheduling, visit verification and shift notes.
Documentation
Every visit is recorded and every shift gets a note. It protects the person, the DSP and the funding.
Tell us about the person.
A short form, then a conversation with our Utah team. We’ll explain honestly whether giv.care is a fit.