Self directed support has launched!
Monday 4 October 2010 marks the official introduction of self directed support as the way people access adult social care in Oxfordshire. This new way of working puts the individual at the centre of all decision-making about the support they need, and puts them in charge of how the available funds are spent.
From now on, all new, eligible people are offered a personal budget. The council will also be writing to people who are already receiving care and support to explain when they be moved onto a personal budget over the coming months. If this applies to you, you do not have to take any action.
A long time coming…
The new approach to helping Oxfordshire residents live independent lives on their own terms didn't spring up overnight. The county council’s Transforming Adult Social Care programme has been developing self directed support since April 2008 and a learning exercise started as long ago as December 2008.
This staged approach has led to a brand new way of offering care and support to individuals, replacing the previous model of care management.
It all started with a Condordat (an agreement) between several government departments, signed in December 2007. This document, Putting People First (.pdf, 394Kb), outlines the government’s view on giving people choice and control over their care and support, so that they can live independent and fulfilling lives. The new government fully supports this view.
So, what's different?
Telling people how much money is available for their care needs is certainly different, as is putting them in control of how it is spent. The individual puts together their own support plan, but this then needs to be approved by the council before the money is made available, so as to ensure that the funds are spent in a lawful, effective and affordable way.
Some things stay the same, however. For example, you will still be assessed by the council to determine your needs. You will have an assigned case worker at the council whom you can contact when you have questions or need help. And if your carer needs help, they can also ask for an assessment, just like before.
Is it about saving the council money?
Yes and no. Self directed support was not initially developed to save the council money, but to make the available funds for adult social care go further, while giving the individual more choice and control.
However, the council now has less money to spend and this is reflected in adult social care. This means that personal budgets need to be stretched, to meet care needs with less money. The positive side of having self directed support is that it offers far more freedom to choose your services than ever before. Given the choice, many people often opt for solutions that are cheaper than traditional services, or even free.
Want to know more?
Four public events are taking place around Oxfordshire to help you find out what the changes mean for you and your families. These will be friendly, informal afternoons, with voluntary and community organisations taking centre stage in the 'marketplace'.
There will also be short, informative talks throughout the afternoon and staff will be on hand to talk with and answer any questions. You do not need to book to attend.
- 5 November, 1 - 4pm: The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury
- 19 November, 4 – 7pm: County Hall, Oxford
- 26 November, 1 – 4pm: Windrush Leisure Centre, Witney
- 10 December, 1 – 4pm: The Cornerstone, Didcot.
If you have an enquiry about the public events, please email the team on: TASC@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
We look forward to welcoming you!
