Having worked closely to Direct Payments in a finance function, I have recently set-up my own business offering Payroll/Managed Accounts to service users employing PA's. As part of this I have been contacting LA's up and down the country to make them aware of my services. I have been surprised by the range in knowledge that applies to each Council. Some have advanced quite far in their implementation of the services on offer whereas a couple didn't have a clue what I was talking about when I was asking about their Personalisation and Direct Payment services. Has anyone else come across this? One Council even sent me a job application form for a vacancy and all I was trying to find out is how their support was operated for those accessing self directed support.
(PS My first post so hello to everyone)
Hi, Dean,
What a good idea - and what a tragic comment on personalisation after 20 years.The degree of awareness of different Councils is staggering. Once you have seen personalisation in action, and seen it working, there is an assumption that everyone is doing it. NOT SO.
Inclusion Scotland undertook research into accessible housing under the Freedom of Information Act, and wrote to every Local Authority for their report in 2009. http://www.inclusionscotland.org/reports.asp It is really interesting and worthwhile pursuing for your own agenda. (Link to freedom of information site: http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/YourRights/YourRights.asp)
The differences were vast - the lack of adaptations in some areas, striking. This is just accessible housing, remember. We have not yet meandered into those halcyon fields of allowing the user any control. If I were you, I would ask the question. Ask each Local Authority if they practice personalisation, and what the uptake is. From the uptake figures you will get your answer.
Recently in Scotland, I heard about "virtual budgets" - like a token for your electricity - because the user cannot be trusted, and it is far better if the token could only be used for L.A, staff anyway. "CHOICE", "PATIENT CENTRED" "QUALITY OF LIFE" do not seem to matter.
CONSULT THE USER....... Does anyone remember that advice?
Linda
Hello Linda
Thanks for the reply. You have provided some useful information for me to look at. That is why I like this forum, as the knowledge is there from other members and give a true perspective as to what is going on.
Pioneer: Recently in Scotland, I heard about "virtual budgets" - like a token for your electricity - because the user cannot be trusted, and it is far better if the token could only be used for L.A, staff anyway. "CHOICE", "PATIENT CENTRED" "QUALITY OF LIFE" do not seem to matter. CONSULT THE USER....... Does anyone remember that advice? Linda
Some places are a closed door and only offer services to a contracted partnership. This does not seem to be in the spirit of Personalisation as it is claimed that service users can chose who they like for services (not just mine should I add), but not given the options. When I worked in financial assessments and was responsible for contributions and invoicing, you would sometimes see service users coming off a traditional longterm care package onto DP and then access the same service (times/visits/needs) with the same provider. The only difference being their was no contracted rate therefore the individual ended up paying more as did the Council. Was this because the service user could not be trusted to access a service they saw fit for their needs? I am not saying that this is the same everywhere but people need to know their options in order to make a decision. In contrast, I have created relationships with the third sector and up to now, I am impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm. Without having inside knowledge of how things work, they seem to provide far more resources to attracting different forms of care away from the traditional route.
Dean,
I am just writing my paper on PERSONALISATION now.
I have taken twenty four submissions, and I found it really interesting. I took two similarly disabled people, who were similarly capable, but who had been treated differently by their Local Authorities. There was a passion to write to the Independent Living model which was not there with Services. The paucity of people willing to address quality of life in this area spoke volumes.
There is a fantastic opportunity in the Third Sector. All the best with your efforts.