Self-Assessment of Needs • Overview: Self-assessment of needs is a process where individuals evaluate their own health and social care requirements, often in collaboration with professionals. This approach empowers individuals to identify their needs and the support necessary for independent living while ensuring their involvement throughout the assessment. • Process: ◦ Involves individual participation or partnership with professionals. ◦ Focuses on desired outcomes and personal circumstances. ◦ Collects information about care needs and potential solutions. • Eligibility Determination: ◦ Local authority assesses eligibility for long-term social care support. ◦ Determines indicative personal budget based on assessed needs. • Preventative Measures: ◦ Identification of aids (e.g., jar openers) to enhance safety and independence. ◦ Home adaptations (e.g., handrails, stair-lifts) to facilitate safer living environments. ◦ Information about community support services available. • Involvement of Professionals: ◦ Professionals guide the self-assessment process without dominating it. ◦ Emphasis on listening to individuals' aspirations and providing relevant information. ◦ Encourages autonomy and decision-making by the individual, respecting their choices. Managed Accounts • Overview: Managed accounts are financial arrangements where local authorities manage funds on behalf of individuals, ensuring that the money is spent according to their wishes for community care services. This system provides a level of support while maintaining some degree of user choice and control over service provision. • Definition: ◦ A managed account is controlled by the local authority, which allocates funds based on individual needs and preferences. • Local Authority Role: ◦ Local authorities oversee the management of funds. ◦ They may provide services directly or commission non-government providers (private companies or charities) to deliver care. • User Control: ◦ Individuals have knowledge of available funds and can influence how they are used. ◦ However, user choice and control may be more limited compared to direct payments. • Comparison with Direct Payments: ◦ Direct payments allow individuals to manage their own funds and choose their services freely. ◦ Managed accounts offer less flexibility as the local authority manages the spending, but still aim to align with the individual's preferences. Direct Payments • Overview: Direct payments are cash payments provided to individuals eligible for community care services, allowing them to arrange their own support instead of receiving traditional social services. This approach promotes personalisation and empowers individuals to make decisions regarding their care. • Definition: ◦ Cash payment given directly to eligible individuals or their nominated representatives. ◦ Intended for arranging agreed-upon support services as per a personal budget. • Usage: ◦ Funds can be used for various services, including hiring personal assistants or paying care agencies. ◦ Individuals must keep accurate records of expenditures related to their support plan. • Restrictions: ◦ Cannot be used for long-term residential care or services provided by social services. ◦ Employment of close relatives is generally prohibited unless no alternatives exist and prior agreement is obtained. • Accountability: ◦ Recipients are responsible for ensuring funds are spent appropriately according to their support plans. ◦ Local authorities may manage accounts in line with individual wishes, providing oversight on spending. Changing Roles of Professionals • Overview: The changing roles of professionals emphasize a shift from control by the professional to empowerment of individuals. This involves being sensitive, providing information, and supporting decision-making, allowing individuals to take charge of their own lives while ensuring their needs are met. • Empowerment: ◦ Encouraging individuals to make their own decisions. ◦ Recognizing and valuing individual aspirations and self-esteem. ◦ Promoting autonomy and independence in life choices. • Sensitivity: ◦ Being non-judgmental and attentive to individual needs. ◦ Listening actively to understand personal goals and preferences. ◦ Building trust through respectful interactions. • Decision Making: ◦ Supporting individuals in making informed choices. ◦ Providing relevant information without compromising safety. ◦ Facilitating self-assessment of needs in partnership with professionals. • Information Provision: ◦ Ensuring access to necessary resources for informed decision-making. ◦ Sharing knowledge about available services and support options. ◦ Highlighting the importance of co-production in service delivery.