This week we are celebrating Social Work Week by shining a spotlight on some of the ways we are working with residents to promote independence and improve lives. Here, we Discover Direct Payments.
Published: Wednesday, 20th March 2024
People in Hounslow who require care services and want to live independently can take control of their care through the Council’s Direct Payments scheme.
Under Direct Payments, the funding that is allocated by the Council to someone with a disability, learning difficulties, mental health issues or other support needs, is paid directly to them. So, instead of the Council providing support to the individual, they can use this money to design a package of care that best suits their needs.
This can include hiring a personal assistant, choosing their own dedicated carers or providing other services. Whatever the agreed plan is, Direct Payments puts the resident right at the heart of the care they receive.
Anyone who wants to be considered for Direct Payments must first undergo a series of assessments by the Council’s Direct Payments Team. From here, the team will work with the resident to build a care and support plan, which explains how the money will be used to meet any goals the resident wants to achieve.
In Hounslow, approximately 700 people, including children, have taken control of their care through Direct Payments.
Now, the Council has produced a special video that explains more about Direct Payments through the stories of the people who have chosen this route.
The feature follows residents from across Hounslow, who have a range of needs, as they discuss how the programme has had a real impact on their lives.
You can watch our Direct Payments video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rd4FHGV6Gg&t=6s
Safi steps out thanks to Floppy
Helping hound: Direct Payments client Safi and (inset) Floppy.
Hounslow resident Safi Connolly has had a real transformation thanks to more than a little help from man’s best friend.
Safi, 32, who has autism, admits he didn’t venture out much before he switched to Direct Payments. He lives alone and used to receive 24 hours a week of support from carers visiting him at home.
But with an urge to become more independent and see more of the world, Safi took the plunge and moved over to Direct Payments. This enabled him to buy and train his now constant companion Floppy.
With Floppy at his side, Safi has reduced the level of direct care he receives to virtually nothing and enjoys nothing more than a stroll in Hounslow’s great outdoors.
Safi said: “Direct Payments have helped me to train my dog and now my dog has helped me to go out and get exercise. I’m able to go to places I don’t normally go because my dog gives me the confidence to go out in public.”
