Self Directed Support website launched

A new website has been launched to provide information on an innovative approach to the funding and delivery of social care services in the Highlands.

The website, http://www.highland.gov.uk/sds.htm provides an introduction to the Self Directed Support (SDS) programme, a new flexible option for social care services.

Chairman of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee, Councillor Margaret Davidson said:  “This website offers information on how Self Directed Support could help you or someone you know to have more choice and control over their care, and presents a new and useful resource for current or future service users, their families, carers and professionals. Having the flexibility to take into account very individual needs will have a very positive effect on people’s individual lifestyles.”

The website covers all aspects of SDS and goes through the process step by step. It also includes a detailed toolkit which provides sample forms and gives guidance on how to get the most out of SDS.

Anyone on the SDS programme will be assessed to find out their needs and preferences and then an individual budget is agreed. The person then creates a support plan by describing how they want and propose to live their life. This plan details the specific aims they want to achieve with the support provided by SDS. The person can spend their budget as they wish, providing it is legal and follows their agreed support plan. This gives people control over how, when and where their support is provided.