Understanding Self-Directed Support (SDS) in Scotland
Navigating care options can feel overwhelming, but Self-Directed Support (SDS) in Scotland is designed to put you in control. It’s a way for individuals who need social care and support to have more choice, flexibility, and say over how their care is provided.
What is Self-Directed Support?
At its heart, SDS is about personalisation. Instead of the local council simply arranging services for you, SDS empowers you to decide how your care budget is used to meet your needs and achieve your desired outcomes. This means you can choose what support you receive, who provides it, and when and where it’s delivered.
It’s backed by Scottish law, ensuring that if you’re eligible for social care, you have the right to an assessment of your needs and the opportunity to choose how your support is managed.
The Four SDS Options
There are four main ways to receive your SDS:
- Option 1: Direct Payment.You receive a direct payment (cash) into an account and manage your own budget. This gives you the most control and responsibility, allowing you to directly employ staff or purchase services from providers like Northwind Healthcare.
- Option 2: Individual Service Fund (ISF).You choose how your budget is used, but the money is held and managed by a third party, such as a care provider or an independent organisation. They pay for your services on your behalf, giving you control over the care plan without the day-to-day financial administration. Northwind Healthcare can work with you under this option.
- Option 3: Council Arranged Services.The local council arranges and pays for your services directly. While you still have a say in your care plan, the council chooses the provider from their contracted list.
- Option 4: A Mix of Options.You can combine any of the above options to create a support package that perfectly fits your unique needs and preferences.
How Northwind Healthcare Can Help with SDS
Northwind Healthcare specialises in providing high-quality, person-centred complex care within a home environment. We are ideally positioned to support individuals choosing SDS Options 1 and 2.
- Expert Care at Home: Our highly trained nurses and healthcare support workers (HCAs) are skilled in managing diverse and complex care needs, enabling you to maintain independence and well-being in the comfort of your own home.
- Your Choice, Our Support: If you choose Option 1, you can directly employ Northwind Healthcare to deliver your care. If you opt for Option 2, we can work closely with you and your chosen ISF manager to ensure your budget is used effectively to provide the exact care you need.
- Navigating the Process: We understand that the SDS journey can seem complex. While we cannot provide the initial SDS assessment (which is done by your local council), we can guide you on how our services integrate with your SDS plan once your budget is approved. We are registered with the Care Inspectorate (CS2025000226) and are ready to engage with local authority procurement teams to ensure a smooth process.
Getting Started
The first step to accessing SDS is to contact your local council’s social work department for a care needs assessment. They will determine your eligibility and the amount of your individual budget.
Once you have your approved SDS budget and are considering Options 1 or 2, we encourage you to get in touch with Northwind Healthcare. We’re here to discuss your specific complex care needs and explain how our dedicated team can provide the tailored support you deserve, helping you live life your way, at home.