Self-Directed Support

Self-directed Support (SDS) is an approach to social care that puts the person at the centre of the support planning process. It means that people can decide what support they need, have more control over their budget, choose and arrange some or all of their own support. It is not the name of a particular type of support service, but aims to make sure that care and support is better suited to the people who need it.

It means that more choice will be available for:

  • Who supports you

  • When you get support

  • How you are supported

SDS has been one of the biggest changes in the way care is provided, from April 2014 onwards all Councils in Scotland had to offer SDS options for those that are eligible for care.

Self-Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) 

is a national membership organisation which promotes independent living by supporting, working with and championing the aims of Self-directed Support organisations. They raise awareness of SDS options among service providers and help them to deliver SDS options to individuals and families.

Support Choices
is a charity based in Dunkeld, Perthshire. They offer a free, independent service, helping people in Perth and Kinross through the process of organising Self-directed Support. They aim to ensure people have the information and support they need to make informed choices.

Self-directed support for unpaid carers

Being an unpaid carer can be challenging and unpaid carers often need support themselves. Accessing SDS support as a carer works in a similar way to anyone else who needs support. A difference is that supporting a carer might involve providing services to the person they’re looking after rather than directly to them, so that they can have some time off, but the general process is the same.

How do you know if you will be able to get support?

In order to get support, Perth and Kinross Council will check whether you are eligible by doing an assessment. During an assessment, the person doing it will talk to you about how you cope with your caring role and how support might be able to help.

Depending on the carer’s level of need they may be offered either a full package of support, information, advice, or details about other support available to them.

If your circumstances change and you are finding it more difficult to cope with caring, you are providing more care, or looking after more people, you may become eligible for support. You can have another assessment done if your circumstances change so much that you think you might need more support.

Carers Trust Scotland is the largest provider of support for unpaid carers in Scotland, reaching around 40,000 adult carers and more than 3,500 young carers (aged up to 18) from all groups and communities, through a unique network of independent carers’ centers and young carers’ services (Network Partners) throughout Scotland.