What is self-directed support?
Self-directed support is a flexible way of providing social care services, which gives you more choice over the way your care and support needs are met. It also gives you more control over how your support is arranged and managed. This includes deciding:
- the kind of support you want
- when you want to use it
- who will provide you with it.
Self-directed Support is about giving people more choice and control over how their support services are designed and making sure people receive the support that meets their needs and outcomes.
Self-directed support enables people to live independent lives in the community, it enables you to have a say in how your budget is managed.
What does this mean to me?
SDS gives you and your family more choice and control over your care and we will work with you to create a flexible and individual care package that meets your needs.
This means we will:
- ask you to take part in an assessment. This will help us understand your needs, discussing if you have support already and the goals you would like to achieve. These are sometimes called your outcomes. We will use your answers to decide whether you are eligible for support from Argyll & Bute Health & Social Care Partnership. If you are eligible for support, we will tell you what your indicative annual budget will be and provide you with a copy of your assessment
- we will work with you to agree a support plan
- review the plan with you every year to make sure it still suits your needs
When your support plan is agreed and we will discuss the financial contribution you may be asked to make towards your care. You will also be provided with written and verbal information on the 4 options to help you decide how to direct your care.
How do I use SDS?
If you have been assessed as being eligible for certain support needs, there are four ways in which your support can be arranged and managed.
- Option 1 - the council provides you with a direct payment which you use to buy support yourself. Read the guide to Option 1.
- Option 2 - you choose the support you want and ask the Council or another party to organise your support on your behalf. Read the guide to Option 2.
- Option 3 - you ask the council to choose and organise the support you need.
- Option 4 - you choose a combination of options 1, 2 or 3.
Your assessor will look at your support plan with you and together you will make sure that it:
- gives you the support you need
- helps keep you and others healthy and safe
- helps you achieve the outcomes that are important to you
- is a good way to spend your budget
What can I use SDS for?
Self-Directed Support can be used in many ways. You 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 to go to 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 respite or for equipment and temporary adaptations
Carr Gomm provides support and advice to people of all ages across Argyll and Bute through their Community Contacts scheme
The SDS pathway
- Getting started - Contact your local social work department
- Social care assessment - Are you eligible for support?
- Planning your support - What do you want from your support?
- Discuss the four options (as listed above) and decide your preference
- Support plan agreed
- Support provided = Regular review of needs
Further information
- NHS inform
- The SDS Handbook
- Personal Assistant Programme Board
- Disclosure Scotland
- The Pensions Regulator
- SDS Scotland
Any Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about SDS, there are several ways you can get in touch with us:
- Email us
- Phone us on 01546 605517
