Home

Social Services: Your Care Options

Taking Control of Your Loved One's Future

Carer having a chat and laugh on the sofa with a elderly gentleman

At Home Instead, we firmly believe that everyone deserves not just care, but choice in their care and quality of life. As families navigate the often complex world of social care, it’s vital to understand the options available and how you can empower your loved one to live life on their own terms. This blog post aims to shed light on social care services in the UK, with a particular focus on direct payments and the crucial role of Power of Attorney.

The Landscape of UK Social Care: Understanding Your Choices

When a need for care arises, whether due to age, illness, or disability, many families’ first port of call is their local council’s social services department. After an assessment of needs, social services will determine eligibility for support and discuss how those needs can be met.

It’s a common misconception that social services dictate how care is provided. While they assess needs and allocate funding (where applicable), the exciting truth is that you have significant choice in how that care is delivered. This choice extends beyond simply accepting the care provider suggested by the council.

Direct Payments: The Power in Your Pocket

One of the most empowering options available in UK social care is Direct Payments. But what exactly are they?

In simple terms, direct payments are monetary payments made by your local council directly to you (or a nominated person) to arrange and pay for your own social care and support. Instead of the council commissioning a care service on your behalf, they provide the funds, giving you control over:

  • Who provides the care: You can choose your own care provider, whether it’s a home care agency like Home Instead, an independent personal assistant, or a combination of services.
  • When and how care is delivered: You have the flexibility to tailor care around your loved one’s specific routines, preferences, and lifestyle.
  • The type of care: Direct payments can fund a wide range of support, from personal care and medication assistance to companionship, social activities, and even respite care.

This flexibility means your loved one’s care can be truly person-centred, reflecting their unique personality and desires, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Imagine being able to choose a carer who shares your loved one’s interests, or arranging for support at times that genuinely suit their daily rhythm. That’s the power of direct payments.

The Power of Attorney: Being Your Loved One’s Voice

For many families, especially when a loved one is living with cognitive impairment or is no longer able to make decisions for themselves, the concept of Power of Attorney (POA) becomes incredibly important.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows a person (the ‘donor’) to appoint one or more people (the ‘attorneys’) to make decisions on their behalf. There are two main types relevant to social care:

  1. Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare: This allows attorneys to make decisions about a person’s daily care, medical treatment, and living arrangements, only when the person loses the mental capacity to make these decisions themselves.
  2. Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs: This allows attorneys to manage a person’s money and property, including bank accounts, paying bills, and selling property. This can be used even when the person still has mental capacity, with their permission.

Why is this so crucial in the context of social care and direct payments?

If your loved one has lost the capacity to make decisions, having a Health and Welfare POA means you can be their voice when interacting with social services. You can:

  • Engage in assessments: Represent your loved one during care needs assessments.
  • Discuss care options: Advocate for their preferences and explore the most suitable care arrangements.
  • Manage direct payments: If you also hold a Property and Financial Affairs POA, you can receive and manage the direct payments on their behalf, ensuring the funds are used to provide the care they need and deserve.
  • Make choices that reflect their wishes: Having a POA empowers you to make decisions that align with your loved one’s known values, preferences, and desires, even if they can no longer express them.

In essence, a Power of Attorney allows you to ensure your loved one’s right to choice and quality of life is upheld, even when they can no longer exercise that power directly. It’s about preserving their dignity and ensuring their care journey is as person-centred as possible.

Taking the Next Steps

Navigating social care can feel daunting, but remember, you are not alone. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Always ask about Direct Payments: When engaging with your local social services, be proactive and inquire about direct payments as an option for funding care.
  • Consider a Power of Attorney: If your loved one is still able to make decisions, encourage them to consider setting up a Power of Attorney. If they have already lost capacity, seek legal advice on deputyship or other appropriate avenues.
  • Seek independent advice: Organisations like Age UK, Carers UK, and local advocacy groups can provide invaluable guidance and support.
  • Explore your options: Research local care providers and understand the different types of care available.

At Home Instead, we are passionate about empowering individuals and families to take control of their care journey. We understand the importance of choice and quality of life, and we are here to help you explore how direct payments can enable truly personalised care that puts your loved one at the heart of every decision.

We hope this article provides a clearer understanding of your social care options and empowers you to make informed choices for your loved one’s future. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Home Instead office for a friendly, no-obligation chat.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reference Links for further reading: