Self Directed Support

Self-Directed Support (SDS) is a personalised approach to social care that gives people more choice, control, and flexibility, to improve quality of life for both supported individuals and unpaid carers. It's set out in the Social Care (Self-Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013, which takes a human rights based approach to personalising social care across Scotland.

This short video from SDS Scotland gives a helpful introduction:

Who Is It For?

People of all ages, including older people, young carers, and unpaid adult carers (where a local authority assessment shows the carer needs a break), who meet local eligibility criteria for funded care and support.

This short animation, with text, narration, and British Sign Language, explains what SDS is, who it's for, and how to access it: 

How Care Can Be Managed

Under the 2013 Act, anyone assessed as eligible for funded care and support, including at hospital discharge or for housing support, must be offered four SDS options. The right level of choice and control should reflect what each person wants; these options are available to everyone, but never required.

• Option 1: You take full responsibility for arranging your own care and managing the direct payment yourself, including choosing a care provider or employing your own staff. Age Scotland Orkney can support you with this (see Contacts below).
• Option 2: You arrange your own care and support, or an overnight short break, but without managing the funding yourself.
• Option 3: A traditional, council-arranged service, offering less choice and control over how care is delivered.
• Option 4: A combination of any of the above.

Requesting an Assessment

Contact the Adult social work duty worker, available 9:00am to 1:00pm, Monday to Friday.

If you already have a social worker, they'll discuss SDS with you at your next review or assessment.

If you need urgent care, a basic assessment will be carried out first to make sure support is in place quickly, with a fuller SDS assessment to follow once things are more settled.

Contacts

For people who've chosen a direct payment under SDS Option 1, Age Scotland Orkney can help with:

• Advertising and recruiting staff
• Advice on appropriate insurance
• Advice on relevant training
• Payroll, tax, and National Insurance
• Contracts, job descriptions, and health and safety policies