Self Directed Support
What is SDS?
Self directed support is a means by which you are given funding so that you can arrange your own care and support instead of receiving it from the local authority. This gives you choice and control over who supports you and will allow you to live as independently as possible.
How is SDS different from direct payments?
It’s different because the money will be given directly to you in order for you to access your own care following on from an assessment visit by someone from the social work department. The amount allocated depends on your individual needs and has to be agreed by them.
Where can I find the support?
Once funding has been agreed, you can purchase your care and support from a care agency or choose to employ your own staff as personal assistants. Your local authority can give you a list of care agencies, but it is up to you to find out all you can about them so that you make the right choice.
Caledonia Healthcare is a quality nursing and care agency, providing tailor made packages of care for people who wish to remain in their own homes. We have had many years experience of doing this sort of thing.
A good place to look is on the Care Commission website as every care provider must be registered and inspected by them. Caledonia is very proud of our recent Grade 6 Excellent Care at Home Care Commission Inspection Report of January 2011.
You can also find lists of other care providers in your GP surgery or local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
What do I do next?
If you are already using social work services, they will let you know of the options available and about the people who can provide the service for you. If you are not known to the social work department, you will need to contact them through your local authority as they will need to assess your needs and agree to a level of funding. You may be asked to fill in a self assessment questionnaire. If social work services agree that you need support, you will be given the choice of SDS instead of council services, or you may combine the two.
For more information click on this link to visit the Scottish Government website:
www.sdsscotland.org.uk
