Self Directed Support Service
It is the Governments vision that by 2011 more than 30% of the people eligible for community care services will be using Direct Payments or Individual Budgets to purchase their services. This means a huge change in the way services are provided and the support people need.
Anyone who is eligible for Social Care Services from the Local Authority can receive Direct payments or Individual Budgets. The advantage of Direct Payments and Individual busgets is that:
- You can choose how to arrange your own care support by using an agency, employing your own personal assistant (or team of personal assistants) or a combination of both
- You have greater personal independence
- You enjoy greater freedom, choice and control
- You can continue to live at home
- You can have support not just for personal care but also for Social and Leisure opportunities
- In some areas of Leicestershire you can carry out your own self assessment and then discuss it with a social worker
Because this is a new way of working for many disabled and older people and those with long term health conditions, the idea of employing your own staff, doing payroll, budgeting etc can be daunting. This is why mosaic: shaping disability services set up the self directed support service. The SDSS team can offer payroll support, support in recruiting staff, support drawing up contracts and advice on employment law.
- advice on agencies that are available and how to recruit them
- help with financial monitoring which the Local Authority require
- a criminal records bureau check service
- a regular newsletter updating you on legislation etc
- a personal moving and handling training for your own staff, in your home, catering for your needs
- later in the year a Portable Appliance Testing service.
We are also able to offer a third party support service where you retain control as an employer but we pay your bills etc.
For further information about how to get Direct Payments and Individual Budgets or how to be able to use the Self Directed payments Support Service contact Haydn Paul (Team Manager) on 0116 251 5565 or email directpayments@mosiac1898.co.uk
The Self Directed Support Service can also offer the same support to people using Independent Living Fund monies or money from Access to Work.