.Hope someone can advise I live in over 55yrs acommodation care is given through an agency,the staff are here 24/7 at the moment its done through social services I pay them 350 a month,but when I want to change anything it has to go through social services I haven’t been allocated a social worker and getting to see someone is impossible,I feel I have no control over anything and want to start dealing with this agency direct,do I just tell social services I no longer want care through them am just a bit worried with all benefit changes at the moment get middle rate care and disability premium so can afford to go it alone,just sick of having to deal with it all alone,…Margaret
Margaret you need to ask SS for a review asp.At that meeting you will be able to say what you would like to do to change to be able to manage your care as you wish.
Hi, I use Direct Payments to pay for care. My hubby was doing it all himself for several years, before I moved on to DPs.
I employ 3 carers myself and pay them with the funding.
I never fancied using an agency as i could get several different carers coming in. But as I said, I am not on my own, so if there is a problem, he still takes over.
I also have a problem seeing the same social worker. I have seen 4. Then they discharged me after theys sorted extra hours for me. I would like the same one, to build a relationship with them, but thats not going to happen.
If you want to change your set up, then ring social services and tell them. I find the system works quite well usually, but future cuts could spoil that.
luv Pollx
Hi Margaret,
It may be worth you contacting your local MS Soc. Branch or Service Development Officer because it’s quite likely that they can either help you directly or if not, at least advise you on what do do.
If you’re not sure who to contact, then at the top of this page, click on the tab which says ‘Near Me’ and follow the links from there.
Eiona
I work in social services…and this is the problem with all the changes…you get so many different workers. However you do need to ask for a reassessment. We have something called self directed support and people manage their own budgets via a direct payments. My experience that direct payments puts you in control and is a more personal service. I carry out these assessments and put plans together with service users. Look on the local authority website and see what they are saying about being in control. Part of my work is dealing with people that live in accommodation like yours with carers on site and this can make direct payments harder as the carers in on site are usually paid by block contract however there must be a way to make it easier for you. Nowadays the government are all about putting people in control and reducing the unnecessary workload for simple changes. Have a nosey in the net and contact social services. Good luck x x x