New guide to direct payments for those needing care
19/09/2007
The national charity Counsel and Care has published two step-by-step guides to using direct payments for older people, their families, carers and involved professionals. Although direct payments can offer a positive way of maintaining control and independence for older people, most older people with support needs still do not benefit from them. In fact, only 2% of eligible older people in the UK currently receive direct payments.
A recent project called "Keeping Control - Ensuring Choice and Independence for People over 65 in Need of Care and Support" examined the reasons why there was a low take-up of Direct Payments by older people, and sought ways of encouraging involvement in this beneficial scheme.
This resulted in the two guides, entitled the "Brief and Complete Direct Payments Guides for people over 65", which were developed in close consultation with older people, their families and carers, and also with input from involved professionals.
Stephen Burke, Chief Executive of Counsel and Care, says: “Some older people find the idea of Direct Payments and employing a personal assistant to support them at home daunting. With the appropriate advice and information provided in these guides, combined with ongoing support, older people can get the best out of the scheme, keep control over their care and remain living independently within their own home and community.”
Copies of the guides can be ordered by contacting Counsel and Care, Twyman House, 16 Bonny Street, London, NW1 9PG, 020 7241 8555, at a cost of £5.99(+p&p) for the Brief Guide and £9.99(+p&p) for the Complete Guide.
Advice on issues affecting older people can be obtained by calling 0845 300 7585 or emailing advice@counselandcare.org.uk.
Alternatively visit the website linked below.