Self Directed Support
Self Directed Support is a term used to describe the ways in which social care services and support can be offered to individuals and families. It gives greater control to the person who needs social care and to those close to them, to ensure they can shape the support they need to suit their lives.
Individuals have the freedom to choose the type of support they want to meet their assessed needs, where they want it and when.
For example, arranging support staff to visit at a time that suits the service user, or enabling them to employ their own personal assistant.
They can choose how their support is provided and have as much control as they want over their personal budget.
A personal budget is a sum of money identified by the Trust to meet the assessed needs of a person who is eligible for social care support services. At the centre of every personal budget is an individual support plan developed by the individual and/or their representative. This support plan outlines the agreed personal goals and outcomes to meet the individuals assessed need.
Once a support plan is agreed by the Trust, the individual and/or their representative will decide how the personal budget will be managed.
The individual’s personal budget can be used in any of the following four options:
- A Direct Payment
- A Managed budget
- The Trust can arrange a service (Trust Arranged)
- A mixture of options 1-3
Self Directed Support is a unique partnership between families, individuals, carers, and independent sector organisations and Government bodies.
If you are interested in exploring Self Directed Support, contact your named worker or the Trust’s Area Manager for Self Directed Support contact 028 2563 5464.
Self Directed Support Podcasts
Self Directed Support is part of the Transforming Your Care strategic approach to developing Person Centred Services. It is a pathway where individuals are enabled and encouraged to have more choice and control in how their care and support is provided. Self Directed Support is available as a way to meet the needs of individuals who access social care in both children and adult services.
This series tells the service users story on how self-directed support can improve health, wellbeing and maintain independence at home and gives listeners a unique insight into how the process could benefit those currently in Northern Trust arranged support.
We meet Jackie, who tells us the story of her diagnosis of Multiple sclerosis and how she has managed to keep her independence through the use of self-directed support. With insight into the Direct Payment process and how she was able to find her Personal Assistant.
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