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One man's life with Direct Payments - John

Direct Payments are cash payments to allow Social Services clients to buy their own support instead of it being provided by Social Services. This money can be used to employ personal assistants (PA) or an agency can be used to provide support staff. The scheme is supported by the Rowan Organisation, who provide help and support to clients who use Direct Payments. The Rowan Organisation also provide a free salary service to help Direct Payments clients provide wages for their employees.

John is a Social Services client who currently uses Direct Payments. John’s mobility is quite drastically impaired, and he uses a wheelchair.

John receives funding for his care needs from Denbighshire County Council through Direct Payments, and also through Independent Living Funds. He employs 5 personal assistants to support him with his day to day needs, and this ensures that there is also cover for holidays. Having 5 PAs means that he gets to socialise more than if he only had one, and this permanent PA support ensures that John receives medical intervention when he needs it.

He says: ‘I get to choose my own PAs, and I don’t have to fit in with whatever hours the care agency can provide. I can trust my PAs because I choose to employ them, and this helps to build a bond. As an employer, I have to be aware of things like First Aid and health and safety, and need to have Employer Liability/Public Liability insurance to protect the interests of my staff and myself. I have also undertaken risk assessment training, and Direct Payments has helped all these things.

I file monthly returns and complete timesheets for staffing to show how the money is spent, and I choose what supplies I need at home, such as stationery. I have full control over my own life, and I am able to stay independent.’

John has also chosen to allocate some Direct Payment funds towards a NVQ Level 3 course for Amanda, one of his PAs. This means that he can ensure the staff he employs are well-trained and keep developing their care skills, and that the money is spent where it is most needed.

Although John chooses his own care, he does not feel unsupported. ‘The Rowan Organisation offer me support, and help with any paperwork I have to do for the Direct Payments. I am still in regular contact with Social Services, and get help when I need it.’