Self Directed Support has been in place since April 2014 – it came into effect after the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013, which gives you the right to choose your own care and support.
You can read an easy-read guide to this Act on the Scottish Government website.
What is self-directed support?
Similar to Adult Carer Support Plans (ACSPs), the process usually starts with a conversation with a social worker. They will assess your needs and outcomes, according to local eligibility criteria.
An example would be:
- Outcome: to get help at home each day with washing, dressing and taking medication
- Goal: to enable you to live at home independently
Social care needs are graded as low, moderate, substantial or critical. Most people are eligible for social care services if their risk is assessed as substantial or critical. Four types of social care needs are assessed:
- Personal safety
- Personal care and domestic tasks
- Family and social responsibilities
- Carers’ needs
The four self-directed support options
Option 1
You (or someone else, on your behalf) take on the responsibility of managing your budget and choosing your services. This is known as a direct payment.
Usually it means you would employ a Personal Assistant (PA) or pay for support from an organisation.
Option 2
Your local authority or another organisation is responsible for managing your budget, while you choose what services to spend the money on.
Option 3
The local authority arranges a service on your behalf. They are responsible for choosing the service and paying for it.
Option 4
You can use a combination of options 1 to 3. For example, you might use option 1 (direct payment) to organise care at home and attend a day centre organised for you using option 3.
E-learning resource
A video of our Self-Directed Support (SDS) session – great for carers who may not be able to attend the live events!
An introduction to Self Directed Support
As part of our Carer Training Programme, we run a free online training session for carers: An introduction to self-directed support. To find out when the next session is, please visit our Carer Training website.
Removal of charges for carers
The Social Care (Self-Directed Support) Scotland Act 2013 introduced the right for carers not to be charged for any support they receive as a carer.
This does not apply to services that are provided to the person who is being cared for – the normal charge for non-residential care services will still apply to them.
In this Act, support is defined as “any form of services of assistance which will help the adult to provide, or continue to provide, care for the person cared for.”
Accessing local support
Edinburgh Council
Eligibility criteria
Direct payments information
Midlothian Council
Accessing SDS
Paying for care
Employing personal assistants
Useful links
Self-directed Support Scotland
A charity working across the social care sector to promote choice, control and flexibility.
Care Sourcer
A website where you can research and compare care companies.
Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL)
Access one-to-one support to manage your SDS package, including personal assistants.
Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA)
A charity promoting independent advocacy.
Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership
How you can access SDS through the health and social care partnership.
