Serviced - Self-Directed Support

What is Self-Directed Support (SDS)?

Self-Directed Support, or SDS is the principle that dictates social care provision in Scotland and is defined within the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act. This outlines a local authority’s (LA) duty to offer 4 options of support for supported people who they deem eligible after an assessment of the individual’s support needs. This is to ensure individuals have maximum choice and control over what support they access.

Did you know that unpaid carers in Scotland may also be eligible to access self-directed support to provide them breaks from their caring roles?

The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 makes provisions for the power of a local authority to provide short breaks through self-directed support for carers who meet their local eligibility criteria.

Eligibility in West Dunbartonshire

To determine whether you are eligible for short breaks through self-directed support, we will complete an Adult Carer Assessment & Support Plan with you that assesses the impact that caring has on your life. The life areas that we focus on within your assessment are:

Physical health
Emotional wellbeing
Finances
Life balance
Employment and/or life learning
Living environment

If your caring role has a considerable to critical impact on one or more of these life areas, then you would be eligible for a referral to the Health & Social Care Partnership with the intention of securing a self-directed support budget for short breaks.

With thanks to Inspiring Scotland and the Support in the Right Direction fund, we offer advocacy and support to unpaid carers who are eligible for local authority support:

“My name is Melissa and I am the SDS Advocacy Worker at Carers of West Dunbartonshire. My responsibilities include completing your Adult Carer Assessment & Support Plan, supporting you with your referral to the Health & Social Care Partnership for self-directed support, and providing advocacy support to help you with your self-directed support journey.”