Support Individuals With Self Directed Support1 Understand Self Direc ✓ Solved

1. Understand self-directed support:

1.1. Explain the principles underpinning self-directed support and how this differ from traditional support.

1.2. Explain the benefits of an individual having self-directed support.

1.3. Explain how legislation, policy or guidance underpin self-directed support.

1.4. Explain what the following terms mean: A. Indicative allocation B. Supported self-assessment C. Support plan D. Outcome-focused review.

1.5. Outline the possible barriers to self-directed support.

2. Understand how to support individuals to direct their own support and develop their support plan:

2.1. Explain how to use person-centered thinking to enable individuals to think about what is important to them, and how they want to be supported.

2.2. Explain how individuals can direct their own support if they do not have a personal budget.

2.3. Explain how person-centered planning can be used to inform a support plan.

2.4. Explain the roles of others who can assist individuals in developing their support plan.

2.5. Describe different ways that individuals can develop a support plan.

2.6. Describe a range of person-centered thinking tools that can be used to help individuals think about different ways they can spend their personal budget.

2.7. Describe what might be included in the costings for a support plan.

3. Understand the different ways that individuals can use their personal budget:

3.1. Explain the different ways that individuals can use their personal budget to buy support.

3.2. Research innovative ways that individuals can spend their personal budget other than buying social care services.

3.3. Explain what restrictions may be imposed on personal budgets.

3.4. Describe the criteria that are used to sign off a support plan.

3.5. Describe a person-centered approach to risk that ensures that individuals have what is important to them whilst staying healthy and safe.

6. Be able to support individuals with an outcome-focused review:

6.1. Explain the process of an outcome-focused review.

Paper For Above Instructions

Self-directed support is a paradigm shift in the provision of care and assistance for individuals, particularly those with disabilities, health conditions, or elderly individuals needing assistance. Unlike traditional support systems that often impose external decision-making frameworks upon individuals, self-directed support empowers people by placing them at the center of decision-making processes concerning their own lives and well-being.

The principles underpinning self-directed support include autonomy, choice, and control. Autonomy is the foremost principle, asserting that individuals should hold the power to make decisions regarding their care and support. This contrasts sharply with traditional models where professionals typically dictate care plans. Choice emphasizes the right for individuals to select who provides their support and how it is given, while control reinforces the need for individuals to manage their personal budgets and the conditions of their care (Shakespeare et al., 2020).

One prominent benefit of self-directed support is the enhancement of individual agency, which leads to increased satisfaction and a higher quality of life. Research indicates that when individuals participate in the decision-making process, they experience improved outcomes in mental well-being, social integration, and personal fulfillment (Schneider et al., 2021). Legislative frameworks, including the Care Act 2014 in the UK, support these principles by mandating that individuals are given personal budgets and the means to direct their own support (Department of Health, 2014). This legislative backing promotes accountability and outlines the rights of individuals within the self-directed support system.

Key terms essential to understanding self-directed support include:

• Indicative allocation: A preliminary estimate of the budget available for an individual's support.
• Supported self-assessment: A process where individuals assess their needs with the help of a support worker, ensuring inclusivity and accuracy.
• Support plan: A detailed plan outlining the types of support an individual has chosen based on their assessed needs.
• Outcome-focused review: A periodic review aimed at measuring whether the support provided is leading to the desired outcomes for the individual.

Despite its advantages, various barriers may inhibit the effective implementation of self-directed support. These barriers include a lack of understanding about personal budgets among both individuals and professionals, systemic issues within the care system, and limited resources that restrict access to the needed support (Baxter et al., 2021).

To successfully support individuals in directing their own support, practitioners can apply person-centered thinking approaches. Person-centered thinking focuses on what matters most to individuals and helps them articulate their needs and preferences. It encourages individuals to self-reflect on their values and aspirations, ultimately enabling them to develop a tailored support plan that genuinely reflects their identity and desires (Mount & Sweeney, 2020).

Even in cases where individuals do not possess a personal budget, they can still direct their support through various approaches such as community resource utilization and networking with support systems available in their area. These avenues can allow individuals to access support services based on collaborative efforts, promoting an empowered approach even without a formal budget (Beresford et al., 2019).

Person-centered planning can significantly inform a support plan. It emphasizes the importance of engaging individuals in discussions about their support needs and encourages ongoing dialogue that re-evaluates support strategies adjusted to changing circumstances (Rogers, 2022). Additional roles from other professionals, such as social workers and care coordinators, are pivotal in facilitating the development of effective support plans, as they provide expertise and guidance to optimize individual outcomes.

Various methods exist for individuals to create a support plan, including group workshops, one-on-one consultations with peers or professionals, and the use of digital tools that provide structured guidance during the planning process. Additionally, person-centered thinking tools, such as the “One-Page Profile” or “Mapping,” can be employed to visualize an individual's preferences, support networks, and potential avenues for budget allocation (Duncan et al., 2021).

When it comes to the financial aspect of support planning, considerations for costings may include essential services, skilled labor, equipment or technology, and contingency funds for any unexpected expenses that may arise during the support period (Smith et al., 2020).

Understanding various ways that individuals can utilize their personal budget is crucial. They can spend their budget on traditional supports such as personal assistance and therapies, but also on creative solutions like community arts programs, educational opportunities, or social activities that enhance their holistic well-being (Williams et al., 2018).

Nevertheless, personal budgets may be subject to certain restrictions, often dictated by funding bodies or local authority guidelines. These restrictions necessitate transparency in the funding allocation process, ensuring that individuals understand their rights and responsibilities within this framework (Local Government Association, 2021).

Additionally, a supportive, person-centered approach to risk assessment is essential. Risk should be viewed through a lens that balances individual goals with necessary safeguards. By focusing on what is important to individuals while ensuring they remain healthy and safe, caregivers and support workers can foster both independence and security (Baxter et al., 2021).

The process of an outcome-focused review typically involves regular meetings to evaluate whether the support provided meets the individual's evolving needs and preferences. During the review, outcomes and successes are celebrated while identifying areas for improvement and necessary adjustments to the support plan (Beresford et al., 2019).

References

• Baxter, C., Funnell, N., & Abell, C. (2021). Barriers to implementing self-directed support: A systematic review. Journal of Social Work, 21(6), 1070-1087.
• Beresford, P., et al. (2019). Building the evidence base for choice and control in self-directed support. Disability and Society, 34(2), 309-330.
• Department of Health. (2014). Care Act 2014. UK Government.
• Duncan, R., McAuliffe, W., & Danny, R. (2021). Tools for person-centered planning: A systematic review. Journal of Person-Centered Care, 9(3), 125-135.
• Local Government Association. (2021). Guidance on personal budgets. Local Government Association.
• Mount, B., & Sweeney, K. (2020). Person-centered thinking: A how-to guide. Person-Centered Care Journal, 4(1), 12-25.
• Rogers, J. (2022). The role of person-centered planning in self-directed support. Social Work Research, 46(1), 48-60.
• Schneider, J., & et al. (2021). The benefits of self-directed support for personal well-being: Evidence from a longitudinal study. Journal of Health Psychology, 26(5), 725-734.
• Shakespeare, T., et al. (2020). Rethinking disability. Disability Studies Quarterly, 40(3).
• Williams, C., et al. (2018). Creative uses of personal budgets: Exploring new opportunities for social inclusion. Journal of Community Engagement, 25(4), 300-315.