TAKE control of your care and support – that is the message to everyone in the region.
Health and social care bosses want people to be aware that if they or a loved one requires care or support to live their lives they should be ready to think about ‘self directed support’.
Explaining more, chief social worker Lillian Cringles this week said: “Many people don’t know that they hold the power over how their care and support is managed.
“Every day, somebody in the region becomes eligible to receive a package of care and support – whether that involves something like receiving personal care, help with medications or accessing their community.
“When that happens, discussions should take place with that individual and their loved ones over how they want to see that care and support secured, funded and managed.”
Self Directed Support is the name of the national legislation which presents four options to be available to people who become eligible for a package of care. They range from having support funding paid directly to an individual to an organisation, to choosing the council to arrange services and manage the budget, or a mix of the options.
Lillian said: “Realistically, we can’t always say that all of these options will be appropriate or workable for each person who starts to receive support or care.
“Whether you’re receiving care and support now, might require it soon, or it’s far off in the future, everyone needs to know that they can take control of their care and support.
“There may be limitations and exceptions, but we would strongly encourage everyone currently receiving care and support to explore their options through Self Directed Support, and everyone who might require it in the future to be aware of the opportunities it presents.
“Self Directed Support is for all ages, and is also designed for those who serve as informal carers – providing them with options around their caring role.”
For more information go to www.dumgal.gov.uk and search for ‘personalisation and self-directed support’.
