Self Directed Support: Getting Help with Decisions
The local council and others must find ways to help everyone direct their support and make decisions.
Some people who have a learning disability, mental health problems or dementia may need some help to decide about things and to make decisions. Other people who have a physical disability that makes it hard to communicate, might be able to make decisions but may need some help to tell others about their decisions.
If the council knows someone has a disability that makes it hard for them to make a decision or find it hard to communicate, and
- the council thinks the person can benefit from some help with decisions, and
- the person does not have a guardian or anyone else with powers to help, then
the council must try and find someone who can help the person.
The person must agree to this help.
Power of Attorney
People who can help the person include friends and relatives or their circle of support if they have one. Sometimes an adult cannot make decisions - even with a lot of support. An adult may have a guardian or an attorney to help with decisions. Then the guardian or attorney can choose and arrange support. If an adult cannot make decisions and does not have a guardian or attorney then the local council should arrange the support.
Power of Attorney and Guardianship
Every Local Authority / Health and Social Care Partnership should provide information about independent support, community brokerage and advocacy for anyone who needs it, and in a way that is accessible to everyone.
Information and Support
There are independent services that can offer information and advice to residents in West Lothian
Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (opens new window)
Carers of West Lothian (opens new window)
Advice and Advocacy
Local councils and health boards already must provide advocacy services in local areas for people with learning disabilities, or mental health problems.
Some people may need some extra information and advice about support or need some advocacy support to understand the information and make choices.