Short Breaks through Direct Payments

A direct payment is money paid by the Council directly to someone assessed as needing community care services. This money can then be used to purchase care services.

Mrs Goodwin cares for her son, John who is 33. In discussion with John’s Social Worker, it was agreed Mrs Goodwin and her son needed 4 weeks apart per year to help sustain their relationship and allow both of them to pursue their own interests. After assessment, the money for care was given directly to John and Mrs Goodwin to allow them to make their own care arrangements. The money is used in a variety of ways. Sometimes Mrs Goodwin goes to stay with her sister and a personal assistant is employed to support John at home. On other occasions, John, who enjoys fishing, visits fully accessible self-catering accommodation in Perthshire with his personal assistant.