Ten Tips for Choosing Disability Support

United Response have focused their work on a support system that was tailored for each person. Self-direction, and therefore personal budgets are seen as a natural extension of that. More info?

Many people have been creative in the ways they set up their finances and are in control of themselves. Our work has shown us how confused potential buyers of services, and their families are when they move to this new environment. People have expressed their fear of having to manage a budget on their own.

In order to close this gap and dispel some myths surrounding personalisation they worked with the Voluntary Organisation Disability Group to develop a “Top Ten Tip” guide that anyone can use to find social care services for themselves, a family member or a loved one.

The guide is designed to teach you what you need to consider when selecting a support service provider, and which questions you can ask to determine and develop the type of support that you require.

10 top tips

1. What kind of support do you need? Are you looking for a Personal Assistant (PA) or an assistant to support? Do you want to employ the person through a recruitment agency or directly yourself?

2. Remember your first impressions. Your first conversation with your provider of support will give you a clear indication about future relations. Is the service provider able to deliver what was promised? Can you reach them at the time they promised?

3. You should ask how your provider will create your support package. Spend time with your provider to understand what you want and need. The support provider should work with you to develop a personal plan and provide you with a written contract outlining your services.

4. Examine how you will monitor and change your support. It is important that you, or your support provider, lead an annual review of support.

5. Be sure to check the price, and see what’s included. If you have agreed to a contract, your service provider will confirm the price.

6. The staff that will assist you should be checked out. The support provider you choose should provide quality staff to support your specific needs.

7. You should ask how the provider will ensure that you’re safe and well supported. You can check if your provider is registered and what tests are carried out to ensure quality.

8. You have the right to file a complaint. What do you do if something goes wrong?

9. You should know how to end the contract. Learn about the required notice period, and any “exit fees” such as employee salaries or costs.

10. More information is available. You’ll find lots of information further down. You should also learn the terminology.

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