Self Directed Support

Thousands of people across Medway could soon find themselves able to live more independent lives when the council introduces Self Directed Support (SDS).

Since 2003 the council has offered people in need of social care “direct payments”. This has involved giving them money to buy care that suits their needs - giving them greater control over their lives and their care - instead of providing them with a standard service.

SDS is the next stage in the transformation of social care and will transform social care into a totally personalised system by 2011.  

Under SDS, people will be given a budget that will allow them to plan and organise their own support. They will be able to take the budget as a direct payment or the council will hold it on their behalf. The money can be spent in whatever legal way will achieve the outcomes that have been agreed with a care manager.

For example, under SDS if an older person wants to attend a day centre that is not contracted by Medway Council, or wants to employ a different, and perhaps more flexible, agency or individual to help with cooking and shopping, they can.

Direct payments have benefited Rosemary Kerwick and her husband Colin from Chatham.

Colin, who suffers from dementia and Parkinson’s disease, has been receiving direct payment for nearly two years. He originally attended a day centre but didn’t enjoy it.

Rosemary said: “Colin didn’t like the day centre but through the direct payment system we can now employ our daughter to come to our house two days a week and care for him. My husband likes his own home so this is a better solution.”

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Services Cllr Tom Mason said: “The move to Self Directed Support will transform social care into being completely personalised and put those who use services and their family in the driving seat. Families will be able to make their budget work for them. It’s about giving people freedom of choice.”