Self-Directed Support

ℹ️ Learn about Self-Directed Support and the new policy in Falkirk below, before completing the survey.

📄Download a full copy of the draft policy at the bottom of this page.

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What is Self-Directed Support?

What’s in the Self-Directed Support Policy?

The policy describes who can access Self-Directed Support; the options people can choose between; and the support available to make sure people can make an informed choice about their care.

Who can access Self-Directed Support?

Anyone who needs to access social care support through their local council will access Self-Directed Support. This includes:

• People with disabilities or long-term conditions
• People who need support to live independently.
• Carers or family members who provide unpaid care for someone they know.

To check if someone is eligible, an assessment will be completed to apply Falkirk’s Eligibility Criteria, which is based on national guidance. This assessment will decide what next step should be taken, which could include:

• Providing advice or signposting to other services.
• Further assessment by health and social care services.
• Urgent provision of services due to crisis or to address a significant risk.

The eligibility criteria ensures fair allocation of resources based on people’s needs, prioritising the most significant needs and risks. People may have a mix of high and low priority needs, which means not all needs will be met immediately. 

Why do we need a Self-Directed Support Policy?

The aim of the policy is to ensure people are empowered to make decisions about their own care; to help families and carers access to support; and to provide consistent practice across Falkirk. The policy also upholds the principles of national legislation, which are:

• Participation & Dignity: Everyone has the right to be involved in their care and live with dignity.
• Involvement: People should actively participate in deciding their support needs.
• Informed Choice: Individuals must be supported to understand their options.
• Collaboration: Care planning should be a joint effort between individuals and professionals.

What support is available?

If you are assessed as needing social care or community care support, you can choose from four options to decide how you meet these needs. Advice is available to help you understand the four options, which are:

Option 1: You choose and arrange

You receive money (a direct payment) to choose and arrange your own support. You can use this payment to purchase services, activities, and items which meet your identified care and support needs. You will be responsible for any contracts or employment responsibilities you enter into. Example: Use option 1 to hire a personal assistant directly.

Option 2: You choose and tell

You choose your support and tell Falkirk Council or a provider which services, activities, or items you want to be paid for on your behalf. This is similar to option 1, but you won’t be responsible for employment contracts or responsibilities. Example: Use option 2 to choose your own provider and have Falkirk Council pay them directly.

Option 3: We choose and arrange

You can ask your local authority, Falkirk Council, to choose, arrange, and pay for the care and support you need. This option is necessary if the person requiring care cannot make decisions on their own behalf, or does not have a legal guardian or Power of Attorney to act for them. Example: Falkirk Council identifies a care provider and arranges them to attend your home when needed.

Option 4: A mix of options 1,2 or 3.

You can choose different options for different parts of your care. This flexible approach can help people take full control of the areas they are comfortable with. Example: You can use Option 1 to manage some services personally, but ask Falkirk Council to arrange other elements under Option 3.

What guidance is available to help me understand the options?

There are local organisations which can offer independent guidance or advocacy support. These include:

• Self Directed Support Forth Valley, www.sdsforthvalley.org
• Forth Valley Advocacy, www.forthvalleyadvocacy.com
• Falkirk & Clackmannanshire Carers Centre, www.centralcarers.org

You can also learn more about Self-Directed Support by using the national SDS handbook at www.handbook.scot.

Take part now

Now you have learned more about the draft policy and self-directed support, you can share your views about accessing support and the information available to inform choices by completing the online survey. If you need support to share your feedback, please contact HSCPComms@falkirk.gov.uk.