Self Directed Support (adults and older people)
Self Directed Support (SDS) gives you choice and control over the support you get to enable you to live as independently as possible.
Some people can manage their support on their own, while others need help either from family or friends, or a support organisation.
Who can receive SDS?
Anyone who is assessed as eligible for social care support will get support through one of the SDS options.
SDS options
You have 4 options for how you can receive your social care:
Option 1
- Who Decides: You arrange your own support.
- Your Role: You arrange your support, employ your own staff, or purchase goods and services.
- Best For: You want control and flexibility in managing your care. You choose and arrange your own support.
Option 2 - Individual budget
- Who Decides: You choose your support provider.
- Your Role: We arrange your support with your chosen provider.
- Best For: You know the support provider you want but prefer the council to handle the administrative tasks.
- Find out more about Option 2
Option 3
- Who Decides: We choose your support provider.
- Your Role: We arrange your support, employs staff, or purchases goods and services.
- Best For: You want the council to handle all aspects of your care, or you are unsure about managing your own support.
Option 4
- Who Decides: Mix of 1, 2, and 3.
- Your Role: Mix of 1, 2, and 3.
- Best For: A combination approach tailored to your needs.
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How do I decide on the best option?
You will be given information and support to help you think about which is the right option for you. It is a good idea to think about:
- what you want to get out of your support
- what the outcomes (the things that matter to you) will be
- and how these could best be met.
You must first have an assessment where you will find out the support you may be eligible for. You will be told how much money (your 'budget') is available to help you to meet your assessed needs.
At this stage you will be told about the different options. It is important that you understand what each of the options involves, allowing you to make the choice that suits you.
If something in your life changes, you can ask for your care and support to be looked at again, including maybe choosing a different SDS option.
Case study: Roddy and Marjorie chose Option 1