Option 4 - Mix and Match
This option enables the individual to choose more than one of the other three available options. It means that they can have more choice and control in respect of some aspects of their care and support than in others depending on their needs, circumstances, and preferences.
What does Option 4 involve?
With Option 4, you have the flexibility to choose from a mixture of some or all the other options (see below) in a way that will meet your support needs and agreed outcomes:
- Option 1 - Direct Payment
- Option 2 - Directing Your Support
- Option 3 - Arranged Support
This means that you can pick those parts of your support needs that you want to have most control over and what you want to leave to the Council to decide on your behalf.
By choosing Option 4 you have not lost any choice and control over your support. Your practitioner will still support and engage with you about how you would like your support to be delivered to meet your needs and will keep you informed about your chosen arrangements.
You can choose to mix the options in any way you want as long as there is an agreed plan for meeting your identified outcomes and support needs. Your practitioner will provide you with ongoing support in reviewing and managing the options you have chosen.
For example: During the assessment and planning process you may have already identified that Option 3, Arranged Support is meeting most of your support needs and agreed outcomes and you want to continue with this arrangement. It may be the case however that you want some different staffing support to enable you to participate in community activities and so employ a Personal Assistant (Option 1 - Direct Payment) for this purpose. Your Option 3 and Option 1 choices taken together become an Option 4 package.
Your assessment and support plan
Once your eligibility for a social work service has been confirmed, an outcome-focused assessment will evidence your assessed needs. A Support Plan will then be completed by you and your practitioner which will focus on what outcomes you want to achieve and how you hope to achieve them. As part of the support planning process, your practitioner will advise you how much your individual budget is, as it should be very clear as to what monies are available and how these can be spent to meet your agreed outcomes. If you have any queries about the assessment and support planning process, you should contact your named practitioner.
Your individual budget
The Council will inform you of the budget that is available for you to spend on meeting your agreed outcomes. This funding is provided by the Council and therefore must be accounted for and audited in line with statutory responsibilities.
Individual budgets will vary from person to person due to individuals having different needs, circumstances and preferred outcomes. Your individual budget will be subject to review on an annual basis.
Contributing to your care and support
A non-residential financial assessment will be completed, where applicable, to find out if you should make a financial contribution towards your support. Your practitioner will help you to complete the relevant form. Paying your contribution, if applicable, is your responsibility and you must pay this directly to the council/provider or into the direct payment bank account depending on which option you have chosen.
Self Directed Support: Eligibility and Contributions
You can get independent information and advice around Self Directed Support at any time by contacting our advice service providers. Self Directed Support: Getting Help with Decisions