A world of opportunity with direct payments
Direct payments from Warwickshire County Council have enabled Anne to live independently in her own home in Rugby. Using the payments Anne can employ her own personal assistant, Sarah, who has worked for Anne for two years.
Sarah, helps Anne with everyday things such as shopping, housework and cooking. With this support Anne can lead an independent life and do the things she wants to do. She particularly enjoys going out to the local cinema and bowling alley, socialising and going out for meals with family and friends. The pair have also been a part of a local slimming club, losing a total of 70lbs between them.
Anne lost her Mum after an illness and was supported by an Independent Living Adviser from Warwickshire County Council, Carol Cowperthwaite, who helped her access Direct Payments.
Carol said,
“Initially I worked with Anne to help her understand what a direct payment is, and how she could use one to enable her to live independently. I supported Anne to make the application, which was successful. I then supported Anne to advertise, interview and recruit her personal assistant.”
Anne’s sister helps her manage her finances and she gets ongoing support from The Rowan Organisation to help her manage any necessary paperwork.
Ruth Aldridge, Senior Independent Living Advisor for Warwickshire County Council, said
“The Rowan Organisation works in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, to support people who are interested in accessing direct payments. Our remit is extensive, ranging from giving people information and advice, to supporting them in all aspects of the process needed to obtain a direct payment, and then continuing to support with recruitment of staff and all that this entails. We offer as much or as little support as a person feels they need.
“There are many different options for using a direct payment, not just to employ personal assistants, but also to enable people to have respite care in their own homes, or possibly to purchase a small piece of equipment.
“Anne’s experience of using a direct payment has been an outstanding success, and highlights our ethos of ‘Promoting Independence through Choice.”
For more information about direct payments contact The Rowan Organisation on 0800 783 1755.