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24/08/2009 - Direct Payments - Know Your Rights
Major changes have taken place in the social care and support system but many people are either unaware of these or don’t fully understand them. One of the changes is the introduction of Direct Payments for people who receive care through Social Services.
What Are Direct Payments?
Until recently if you were assessed by social services as being eligible for care, they decided which care company came to you, how much care you needed, what care was given and the duration of any visit. The introduction of Direct Payments have changed all that.
If you are eligible you will now receive a monthly payment so that you can buy the services you need from any care company of your choice. This payment is called a Direct Payment.
As an alternative you can use the money to employ a Personal Assistant (PA) to provide your care, but this would mean you taking on all the onerous responsibilities of an employer for things such as insurance, payroll, contract of employment, managing sickness and holiday arrangements.
What are the Benefits of Direct Payments?
The main benefits of Direct Payments are that they give you choice and control over your care. You can now choose the care company you prefer to deliver your care and tell them what care services you require.
Previously if you were assessed by social services as eligible for care they would decide exactly what the care provider was allowed to do to help you. For example it might be helping you get up in the morning and preparing a meal for you. But if one day a family member was there to do this instead, you might prefer the carer to do something else. Under the old rules this would not have been possible as carers were only permitted to carry out the care as directed by Social Services.
Under the new rules with direct payments YOU are in control. If you want something different your carer will adapt to your day to day requirements.
Direct Payments Law
The law has been changed so that councils must make an offer of Direct Payments to eligible individuals who are able to provide consent. Direct Payments should be discussed as a first option at any care assessment or review and remember, YOU can choose who provides this care for you.
Where Can I find out More?
Candlelight Homecare have produced a FREE booklet to help people understand more about Direct Payments. For your free copy call 08458 123678 or DOWNLOAD it from our website. Alternatively, contact your local social services department or go to www.dh.gov.uk.
