When is self directed support being implemented in Bury?
We are currently in the process of planning what we need to do, and who we need to involve in implementing self directed support. This information is being put into a draft project plan. Please watch this space to find out more about key timescales and targets when these have been agreed.
Is self directed support about saving money?
No. Self directed support has been shown to provide greater choice and control for service users, greater links with their local communities and better outcomes leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Who can receive self directed support?
Due to limited resources we cannot help everyone who wants assistance. To make sure that our services go to the people who need them most, we have to assess all people who ask for support against an agreed set of eligibility criteria, called our Fair Access to Care Criteria
For more information on Fair Access to Care Eligibility Criteria, see our leaflet on how to access our services.
Is self directed support available now?
If you are assessed as eligible to receive a service under the Fair Access to Care criteria, then you may be able to receive a direct payment to buy your own service, instead of having Adult Care Services arrange or provide that care for you.
For more information on direct payments, see our direct payments page
We are also planning and setting up new ways of arranging and receiving self directed support, although this is not available yet. Watch this space for updates about how we’re getting on.
Will I need to make a financial contribution to my care?
There's no change to the existing charging policy. Service users will have a fairer charging assessment, as usual, which will decide how much they are expected to contribute toward the cost of their care, if anything. If they choose to receive a direct payment, their payment will be reduced by the amount they are expected to contribute.
Will self directed support affect an individual's benefits?
No. Benefits aren't affected by self directed support because any funding given is for social care and support and is not treated as a benefit or income.
If an individual works, will this affect their funding under self directed support?
The amount of funding identified by the Resource Allocation System would be the same whether the person is employed or not. However, their financially assessed contribution to the cost of their support may be affected by their earnings.
Can service users decide to not have an individual budget?
No. Once self directed support is implemented for all service users, everyone will have an individual budget as this will be part of our mainstreamed process. However, if service users feel they do not want to arrange their own support, they will have access to people or services that can do this on their behalf.
Self Directed Support sounds like a lot of work…
We will give you all the help you need to decide what support you need and how you will get that support.
What happens if I am not eligible for support from Adult and Community Services?
You can expect to be given advice about where to get other help. There are some low level preventative services that may be available to you.
How will the role of social workers change under self directed support?
The role of social workers will change. Some have said that it will mark a return to 'old fashioned' social work. The emphasis of the role will shift away from rationing access to services and financial control; and move toward advocacy, support, and enabling people to engage in self directed support. There will be a proportional approach to supporting people, providing more support to those least able to direct their own support, and those with the highest risk management support needs. There should be greater scope for innovation and creativity, too.
What will happen to people receiving grouped services like day care?
If people wish to use self directed support to leave grouped services, they can do. For example, they may choose to spend their individual budget on more individualised services. The challenge for providers is to provide flexible and responsive services that people will wish to continue to receive.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN BACK TO THE MAIN SELF DIRECTED SUPPORT HOMEPAGE, WHERE YOU CAN OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING SELF DIRECTED SUPPORT IN BURY.
If you would like any further information or have any queries, please contact the Self Directed Support Team on 0161 253 6751 or via email at selfdirectedsupport@bury.gov.uk.
