Cornerstone SDS is an impartial advice and information service based in the Aberdeenshire area. The team offer support by helping you to understand SDS (Self-Directed Support) and the care available to you. Through providing guidance, they can help you make the most of your care package by finding solutions that best meet your needs.

The team of advisors cover Aberdeenshire as well as Aberdeen City and are available to help you make sense of self-directed support and to support you for the duration of your care package.

The introduction of the Social Care (Self-Directed Support) (Scotland) Act means you have four options to choose from about how you would like your care and support to be arranged and delivered. SDS enables you to have more choice and control over the support you receive.

The introduction of the Social Care (Self-Directed Support) (Scotland) Act means you have four options to choose from about how you would like your care and support to be arranged and delivered.

Option 1: Direct Payment

Option 1 is also known as a direct payment. This option gives you the flexibility to arrange all of your support, giving you maximum control over your care. This can be arranged by you or somebody acting on your behalf (usually a loved one, family member or power of attorney/guardian). Often, people choose to employ personal assistants through this option.

The funds needed to organise your support will be paid to you directly. This will either be paid into a bank account in your name or what is known as a payment card account. You or your representative will oversee this money.

Choosing a direct payment puts you in total control of the support you receive, you will decide how your agreed outcomes are met and organise care that you feel best meets your needs.

Option 2: Individual Service Fund

Option 2 is more commonly known as an individual service fund (ISF). This option gives you choice and control over your support without having to manage your budget.

The funds needed to pay for your support will be organised and held by what is known as an individual service fund provider. An individual service fund provider is a third-party organisation who manages your budget on your behalf. For example, if you would like to purchase support from a care agency, your provider would handle the invoices and payments for your support directly to the agency.

Option 3: Arranged Services

Option 3 is also known as arranged or traditional services. This means that your local council will manage your budget and organise support for you.

Arranged services will still offer you some choice over the support you receive, but your local council will make the final decision about your support and organise this on your behalf.

This option offers the least amount of responsibility, and although it limits your choice and control, it can also make receiving support simpler for you. You can access the following support through arranged services:

• Day services
• Respite
• Home care

Option 4: Mixed Budget

Option 4 is also known as a mixed budget. A mixed budget is a combination of options 1, 2 and 3. It allows you to choose elements from each option that will best suit you and meet your outcomes.

For example, you might receive council arranged care (option 3) twice a week but would like to purchase specialist equipment that will enable you to meet an outcome through option 2.

A mixed budget is an excellent option if you are happy receiving some arranged services (option 3) but would like more control over other elements of your care and support.

Cornerstone SDS can help you to plan which elements of your support can be met through a mixed budget and support you to achieve this.

Cornerstone SDS