Lowland Care Services - Direct payments and personal assistants

From 01 June 2003, Direct Payments are being introduced in Scotland, but what does that mean for you? We will try to explain some of the significant details. If you want more help, send us an email by clicking on one of our HELP ME links. The following information is given as assistance only - you must satisfy yourself when choosing.
What are Direct Payments?	Direct Payments are payments made to people (the client) who have been assessed as requiring some kind of care or support services, for which Social Work are prepared to pay. These payments are paid DIRECT to the client (except in one or two instances, such as children, when the payment would go to the parent or guardian). They enable the client to have more choice in selecting a carer (know as the Personal Assistant)
Do I really have the right to choose who I want to care for me?	Yes. You can choose one of these: Have Social Work provide the care for you Buy care through a Company such as ours Pay someone direct to care for you Buy care direct from the local council
What's the difference between these?	There is much difference between each of these, and it is important you choose the method that's right for you. The Local Council will be setting up an organisation to help you understand your rights and responsibilities, but briefly speaking:
If I choose to have Social Work provide the Care..	Social Work will "manage" your care for you, from choosing the care service provider to paying them. You won't have to worry about any of the finance.
If I buy care through a Company such as yours..	We will enter into a contract with you. We will manage the provision of care, including making sure you are covered if one of our carers is sick, or on holiday. We will ensure any carer coming to you is covered by insurance; is properly trained; has been checked by the police to make sure they are suitable to care; has any required equipment. In fact we will manage all the aspects of delivery of your care Your part of the contract will be to pay us as agreed. HELP ME
If I pay someone direct to care for me But what if they were "self-employed"?	This can be a very attractive proposition for many clients, as at first glance it would seem to offer best value. However, if you pay someone to care for you, you should carefully consider your responsibilities, for example: You would be their employer, and therefore be responsible for their health, safety and welfare (including holidays, minimum wage, working hours regulations, Health and Safety at Work and many other things) You would have to account for their tax and National Insurance records and payments You would have to insure against them being injured at work You would have to recruit them; observe employment law and satisfy yourself that they are a fit and suitable person to allow into your home and administer care to you Self-employment status is not a matter of choice. It is decided by Inland Revenue's compliance unit. If someone tells you they are self-employed, you must satisfy yourself that this has been agreed by Inland Revenue to protect yourself from being liable for their tax, national insurance and other things Interestingly, Personal Assistants directly employed by clients do not have to register or go through the rigorous checks our staff and managers have to go through. HELP ME
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