Examples of direct payments

Employing a personal assistant (PA)

You could employ your own PA so that you control what, when and how tasks will be done for you and who will carry them out. You may find this helpful as you can get to know your PA well over time.

Mr A wanted continuity of care with a male carer, with his personal care done in the mornings as this was the worst time of day for him. He wanted the same person each time, so that they were aware of his care needs, and could support him ready for work. He hadn’t had good experience with agencies sending in different workers, and making him feel rushed in the mornings. He now has a direct payment to employ a PA for ten hours a week. He uses a payroll service to calculate wages, and tax and has arranged some training using funds from Skills for Care for his new PA.

Take a look at a couple of videos with Rich and Grace talking about having personal assistants, and the difference it makes to them.

Using an agency or day care provider

You may choose to use your direct payment to have support from a care agency of your choice to provide your support, rather than employing a PA. You can ask the agency to provide certain members of staff, although this can't be guaranteed. You can also use it to buy days at a day service provider.

Mixed package of support

You could choose to have a mixed package of support that can include some of your support organised by us, for example day care, and the rest you could choose to take as direct payments.

Mr C and his family wanted an agency who had knowledge about dementia to come and support him. They sourced a specialised dementia service, which wasn't on the department’s list but was still within budget. The family paid for this service out of Mr C's direct payment bank account. Mr C also attends day care arranged by Shropshire Council, who pay for the service directly.

Other ways of using a direct payment

Everybody’s situations and goals are quite different, and therefore so is their support. Direct payments are a way of being creative and flexible. This can include, for example, equipment or memberships. You can also use a direct payment for respite, such as a break in a care home.