"Self Directed Support has changed my life. If it wasn’t for Lizzie I wouldn’t be at college, yoga or pilates." - Susan

How can Self-Directed Support benefit my clients?

The Scottish Government recently commissioned and published research on the experience of people directing their own support. From the evidence of this research, the authors drew the following conclusions about the benefits of SDS:

Flexibility, control, choice and independence

Firstly, they found that the majority of clients commented on the greater flexibility, control, choice and independence that Self-Directed Support afforded them over their previous care arrangements. Greater flexibility and control over how and when their needs are met and more choice over who supports them. Being able to ensure support comes from someone they are comfortable with and who possesses the best possible mix of skills, and experience. Also, many commented on the positive impact of their continued independence through helping them see the potential in things rather than barriers and limitations.

Quality, hands hands-on care

Clients also reported the sustained delivery of personalised, quality, hands-on care with Self-Directed Support as a significant gain relative to their experience of other forms of service. The quality of support provided by (PAs) and agency carers was regarded as excellent and this underpinned the ability of SDS to deliver some of the wider benefits commented upon by clients, such as choice and independence.

Reaffirming self worth

It was further stated that Self-Directed Support had a beneficial positive impact on the clients’ lifestyle, enabling them to continue to live their lives largely as they wished, making decisions about what they did on an hour by hour, day by day basis, without having to follow other people’s timetables or fixed routines. In so doing, SDS clients retained a sense of their own identity and place in the world that reaffirmed their self worth.

Keeping families together

Finally, the report authors found that Self-Directed Support enabled families to stay together and family carers to be able to continue in their caring role. Being confident about the quality of delivered care and being able to retain, but share, their caring role left most feeling valued and supported.

For videos of first-hand accounts of the service see our case studies page.

Read the Self-Directed Support research here.