This allows people who usually rely on social services to meet their care needs to make their own arrangements. For example, a physically disabled person on direct payments can choose when, where and how they employ someone to help them.
The scheme, run and monitored by the East Sussex Disability Association (ESDA) for the county council, has been welcomed by staff and clients, their carers and relatives because it helps people take control of their lives.
"This excellent scheme allows people to become more independent and make their own decisions about the care they need,” said Councillor Joy Waite, the lead member for health and social services.
ESDA is putting together an electronic toolkit for people receiving direct payments so that they can submit payment forms via email. There is a printed alternative for those who do not have access to computers.
In line with its priority to care for older people, the council aims to increase the take up of adults over 18 receiving direct payments in key groups such as the elderly over 75 and those with a learning or physical disability.
Each social services team has a direct payments champion who provides advice to colleagues about the service.
A report to East Sussex County Council cabinet from the all party social services scrutiny committee showed that clients found direct payments had improved their quality of life, reduced stress and allowed one man to take a holiday for the first time.
The committee recommended that awareness of direct payments should be raised among assessors to increase potential take up. Clients have also suggested creating a network among those who receive the payments, such as user group meetings, a newsletter or an Internet forum.
Reference:
05/085/SR
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