Self Directed Support North Lanarkshire

My name is Linda Towler and my role in SPAEN as Self Directed Support Worker is to offer information and support to people in the North Lanarkshire Council area who
• require assistance starting their own independent living packages
• currently are on Self Directed Support (Direct Payments)
• are transferring from the old ILS Scheme, or
• are part of the In Control pilot project. 
If you have had a care assessment and receive support from the local authority, or are in the process of this you may choose to receive funding from the council and organise your own care.  You can do this by becoming an employer or contracting with an agency. 
Being in receipt of Self Directed Support and using this money to employ your own workers can be a very daunting prospect.   I can assist with preparation of Job descriptions and adverts for personal assistants. I can advise on insurances you would require as an employer.  I can also give you details of who can help you with payroll calculations which covers tax and national insurance deductions. 
Those eligible to receive Self Directed Support 
• disabled adults assessed as requiring community care services, including housing support services
• disabled 16 and 17 year olds assessed as requiring community care services including housing support services
• disabled adults with parental responsibility to purchase children’s services their children have been assessed as needing
• parents and people with parental responsibility  for a child in need (under the age of 16) who has been assessed as requiring children’s services
• parents and people with parental responsibility for children whose health or developments may be impaired or below a reasonable standard without services from the local authority
• disabled adults and 16 and 17 year olds to purchase housing support services
• older people 65 years and over who are assessed as needing community care services due to infirmity or age
• attorneys and guardians with relevant powers can receive Self Directed Support on behalf of people who are unable to give consent to arranging their own services
The benefits to people receiving their care this way is that choice, control and flexibility is given back to you.  You can decide who comes into your home to assist you, when this happens and for how long.  If a change to your daily routine is required, as happens more often than not, you are in control of the arrangements that need to be made to suit you.  If you require assistance 7 days per week, or have a package of a few hours per week, either way, you can make the choice of using Self Directed Support and organising your care for yourself.
If you are eligible to receive Self Directed Support and live in North Lanarkshire and need support with any aspect of your package please contact me for assistance.