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3. HOW SELF-DIRECTED SUPPORT WORKS
Questions and answers in this chapter outline the benefits of self-directed support and how you can make it work for you.
Pathway to self-directed support |
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Information on self-directed support
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Referral to local support service
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Assessment of needs by council
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Are you entitled to services?
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Discussion on self-directed support and/or council-arranged services
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Personal care plan agreed
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Agree how services will be arranged and managed (with help if necessary)
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Arrange training where necessary
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Sign paperwork so you can direct your own support
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Plan and arrange services (provider/ PA recruitment)
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Start date and review dates agreed
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Person receives money to spend on their own care
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Ongoing monitoring by council
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Ongoing support offered through local support service |
What is self-directed support?
Self-directed support is when you arrange some or all of your (or your child's) support instead of receiving directly provided care services from your local authority social work or housing department. It is for people who would like more flexibility, choice and control over their care so that they can live at home more independently. It is not the name of a particular type of service, but a way to tailor-make community care that better suits you. It is sometimes called direct payments because money is allocated to you to pay for the support you need. We now refer to direct payments as self-directed support because it emphasises that you are in control.
From June 2003 every Scottish local authority must offer those who are eligible the opportunity to direct their own support. Self-directed support gives you choices over the services you get so that you can tailor arrangements to suit your individual circumstances. This might be for short term help after a hip operation, for example, or for longer term needs.
Some people may not always find social services flexible enough to respond to their needs, or some may feel that services lack continuity. You may find that the home help or carer arranged by the local authority cannot come at the time you want. If you direct your own support you can negotiate times to suit you.
People directing some or all of their support can decide how their needs will be met, by whom and at what time. They are in control. They say it is more creative and responsive to their needs, helping them to build their confidence and self-esteem. It is a lifeline, helping them do more with friends, family and community.
Who can direct their own support?
Almost any disabled or older person should be able to direct their own support if they choose it.
Helpful hints: |
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Those who are eligible are: - older people who have been assessed as needing community care services;
- disabled people who have been assessed as needing community care services;
- disabled 16 and 17 year olds assessed as needing children's services;
- those who need some mental health services support;
- parents of, or people with parental responsibility for, a child (under the age of 18) who has been assessed as needing children's services, and
- attorneys and guardians with welfare and financial powers to act on behalf of a person with reduced capacity.
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There are only very limited circumstances when self-directed support would not be offered, but local authority eligibility criteria must be met. The flexibility achieved is such that those with complex needs can also have self-directed support using the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 to safeguard their interests.
What can you use it for?
You (or your child) can get support to live in your own home, such as help with having a bath or getting washed and dressed. Out of the home it could support you (or your child) in college, to continue in employment or take a job, or to enjoy leisure pursuits more. Instead of relying on the activities run at a day centre, you might arrange for a personal assistant ( PA) to help you attend local classes, go swimming, or be a volunteer helping others. It could also be used to provide a short break (respite), for equipment and temporary adaptations, or for housing support services. You can choose whether you would prefer to get support from a service provider such as a voluntary organisation or care agency, or by employing PAs, or a combination of both. It may also be used to pay for someone to provide care and support to enable you to take a short break.
If you wish, you can get a mixed package of self-directed support and local authority arranged social care services, it is up to you.
How does it work?
You need a community care assessment carried out by your local authority social work department to look at your needs. You can work out a care plan together and decide which needs you would want to manage using your own practical arrangements, with help from a local support service.
In some local authorities, you may hear the term individual budget. This is the sum of money you get for your self-directed support to meet your total support needs. It may be made up of money from many different funds to help you meet different needs, perhaps including health and disability benefits. The total cash payment to pay for your care goes into a dedicated bank account so that you can keep track of what you have to spend more easily. The money is monitored as a whole, and with as light touch as possible to enable the most flexible outcomes for you. You know your combined total budget up front because your assessed needs directly relate to the resources allocated you.
For example, besides local authority care budgets that may include Supporting People (for housing needs) and funding for equipment and temporary adaptations, some disability benefits may be included in your individual budget such as the Independent Living Fund ( ILF), Access to Work, Disabled Student Allowance ( SAAS), Disability Living Allowance ( DLA) and Carer's Allowance ( CA). Health money may also be included.
Your social worker or care manager arranges this budget for you and will make clear what you can spend the money on. It is an opportunity to meet your total needs in creative and flexible ways. It also keeps the system as accessible, joined-up and streamlined as possible.
You will need to show the council that the support you want to buy meets your assessed needs. You will need to show how you are spending the money by recording it in various ways and by keeping bank statements and receipts.
Self-directed support from your council is not taken into account for the purpose of assessing income for social security benefits and is not liable to income tax. This is explained further in the next chapter.
Self-directed support does not put you at an advantage over other people who have requested services: the same prioritisation and eligibility is applied whether for self-directed support or arranged services.
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