Your Choices Explained
Self-Directed Support can give people in Falkirk more choice and control over the care and support they receive.
Rather than automatically having every part of your support arranged for you, Self-Directed Support allows you to be involved in deciding what help you need, how it should be delivered and, depending on the option chosen, who provides it.
Falkirk Council describes Self-Directed Support as a way for anyone assessed as needing social or community care support to choose how their support is arranged. A social care worker will complete an assessment, discuss your goals and identify the support you may require. If you meet the eligibility criteria for funded support, an individual budget and support plan will then be agreed.
What Happens During a Care Assessment?
The first step is to contact Falkirk Council’s Social Work team and request an assessment.
During the assessment, a social care worker will talk to you about your circumstances, the difficulties you are experiencing and what you would like your support to help you achieve.
This may include help with:
- Washing, dressing or personal care
- Preparing meals, eating or drinking
- Remaining safe and independent at home
- Shopping and attending appointments
- Meeting friends and accessing your community
- Taking part in activities, education or employment
- Providing respite or support for an unpaid carer
Falkirk Council states that the assessment should focus on your personal goals and identify how your eligible needs can be met. If you qualify for funded care, the council will create a support plan and confirm your individual budget.
The amount awarded is not automatically the same for everyone. It will depend on your assessed needs and personal circumstances.
The Four Self-Directed Support Options
Falkirk Council offers four ways to arrange your support.
Option 1: You Choose and Arrange Your Support
Under Option 1, Falkirk Council provides a Direct Payment that you can use to arrange your own care and support.
This option may allow you to:
- Purchase care from an agency or organisation
- Employ a personal assistant
- Pay for services or activities that meet your assessed outcomes
- Arrange support in a way that fits your routine
Option 1 offers a high level of control, but it also brings responsibilities. If you directly employ a personal assistant, you may become responsible for matters such as contracts, tax, pensions, annual leave and employment requirements.
Purchasing support from an established provider can reduce some of that administrative responsibility because the organisation employs and manages its own staff.
Option 2: You Choose and Someone Else Arranges It
With Option 2, you decide what support you want, but Falkirk Council or another organisation arranges and pays for it on your behalf.
An Individual Service Fund may also be used, where a provider holds and manages the agreed budget while you remain involved in decisions about your support.
Option 3: Falkirk Council Arranges Your Support
Under Option 3, Falkirk Council chooses, arranges and pays for the support identified in your assessment.
This option may suit people who do not want responsibility for managing a care budget or organising services themselves.
Option 4: A Combination of Options
Option 4 allows you to combine Options 1, 2 and 3.
For example, Falkirk Council might arrange personal care at home under Option 3, while a Direct Payment under Option 1 is used for support to attend activities or get out into the community.
This gives you the ability to control the parts of your support that you feel comfortable managing while allowing someone else to arrange the remainder.
What Can an SDS Budget Be Used For?
Your budget must be used to meet the needs and goals agreed during your assessment.
Falkirk Council gives examples that include:
- Purchasing care from an agency or organisation
- Employing a personal assistant
- Paying for aids, equipment or home adaptations
- Accessing community activities
- Receiving respite care
- Attending education or volunteering
- Receiving support to access employment
- Employing someone within your household in certain agreed circumstances
Spending restrictions or limits may apply, and any purchase must relate to the outcomes identified in your care plan.
What Is the Falkirk SDS Funding Rate?
The current hourly rate provided to Creative Homecare for Falkirk Self-Directed Support is:
£28.12 per hour
This is the hourly amount that may be allocated towards eligible support, subject to your individual assessment and agreed budget.
The public Falkirk Council SDS page does not currently publish a universal hourly rate. It states that each person’s funding depends on their circumstances, including their age, income, health and the services they require. Your support and budget may also be reviewed if your circumstances change.
The £26.60 figure should therefore be presented as the current rate advised to Creative Homecare rather than a guaranteed award for every applicant.
If your chosen provider charges more than the amount available within your budget, ask your social care worker whether a personal contribution or another arrangement is permitted before agreeing to any service.
Will You Have to Pay Towards Your Care?
Falkirk Council explains that some people may be asked to contribute towards the cost of their support. The amount depends on personal circumstances, including income, age, health and the type of service received.
Eligible personal care is provided free to adults following a Social Work assessment under Scotland’s free personal care rules.
Examples of personal care can include:
- Help with washing, bathing or showering
- Support with continence
- Help with mobility
- Assistance with eating
- Support with specialised meal preparation
However, some non-personal care, day services, community alarm services and Direct Payment arrangements may still be subject to charges or a financial assessment.
It is important to ask your allocated worker for a clear written explanation of:
- Your total individual budget
- Which services are funded
- Whether you need to contribute
- The hourly amount available
- Whether a top-up is permitted
- How often your care plan will be reviewed
Can You Choose Creative Homecare?
Depending on the option you choose and the outcomes agreed in your support plan, you may be able to use your SDS budget to purchase services from Creative Homecare.
We provide professional homecare across Falkirk from Monday to Friday. Our support can include:
- Personalised care at home
- Companionship
- Help attending appointments
- Shopping and errands
- Support to attend clubs and community groups
- Days out and social activities
- Respite and reassurance for family carers
Creative Homecare is rated Grade 6 Excellent by the Care Inspectorate.
We also place great importance on continuity. Wherever possible, the people we support see familiar support workers rather than a constantly changing team. This helps build trust and gives individuals and their families greater reassurance.
Care That Supports Strathcarron Hospice
Creative Homecare is a social enterprise established by Strathcarron Hospice.
Every penny of profit from our service goes towards supporting the hospice and its work caring for local people living with life-limiting illnesses.
By choosing Creative Homecare, you can receive professional, personalised support while also contributing to an organisation that benefits the wider community.
Can You Change Your SDS Option Later?
Yes. Falkirk Council states that you can request to change your SDS option if your circumstances change or your current arrangement is no longer meeting your needs.
You should contact your Social Work team and discuss the reasons you would like the arrangement reviewed.
Where you have directly employed staff under Option 1, you will also need to consider your responsibilities as an employer before ending or changing the arrangement.
Independent Help Is Available
Falkirk Council refers people to Self Directed Support Forth Valley for independent information and assistance.
This service can help you:
- Understand the four SDS options
- Consider which option may suit you
- Find local care providers
- Understand the basics of employing a personal assistant
- Review whether your current arrangement is meeting your needs
The council states that its Social Work team will explain the options during your assessment but will not make the decision for you.
How to Request an Assessment
To request a social care assessment, contact Falkirk Council:
📞 01324 506070
Choose Option 3 for Social Work
You can read the council’s full guidance here:
Falkirk Council Self-Directed Support:
https://www.falkirk.gov.uk/social-care/adults-and-older-people/self-directed-support
Speak to Creative Homecare
After your assessment, our team can explain the support Creative Homecare provides and discuss whether our service could help meet the outcomes in your care plan.
We cannot decide your eligibility or the funding you will receive, but we can help you understand our services, charges and the questions you may wish to ask your Social Work team.
📞 01324 827394
📧 administrator@creativehomecare.co.uk
🌐 www.creativehomecare.co.uk
Care with heart. Support with purpose.