Frequently Asked Questions
Is this just a cost saving measure?
No, it is about providing the right support at the right time, giving a more flexible approach than traditional services. Services will shape and mould to meet client need in specific areas and therefore provide better value for money and services to meet the area’s demographic.
I already receive a service and I want to keep this, do I have to change?
No, if your current care provision is meeting your identified outcomes in a safe way, there is no reason you will have to change your provider. If the provider is not meeting your outcomes, it may be beneficial for you to discuss a change with your assessor.
What can I spend my Personal Budget on?
From your assessment, you will have clear, achievable outcomes, your budget should be used to meet these outcomes. Our assessors do have to adhere to eligibility criteria, known as ‘Prioritising Need’ however if they deem that a particular service does not meet the eligibility criteria, they can still advise you about accessing this privately. A Support Plan will not be approved if it is not lawful, safe, effective or doesn’t provide value for money.
I have savings and know I will have to pay for my services, can I still have an Assessment and Support Plan?
You have the right to an assessment no matter what your ability is to pay for the care you may need. You are also entitled to advice and guidance about what services are available to access in your locality. Our Charging for Services Page| details the costs of our social care services.
You can find more information about the Partnership for Care policy on the Partnership for Care pages.|
You can find out more about the benefits you may be able to receive on our Welfare Benefits page.|
I am currently receiving services through the Community Intervention Service, how does this affect my care pathway?
The Community Intervention Service (sometimes known as ‘Reablement’ or 'Enablement') is a short term intervention team designed to rehabilitate people after a hospital stay or period of illness. It is there intention to get you back to your highest level of independence. If you do require some support at the end of your rehabilitation, you will have a full assessment and support plan at that point to meet your long-term needs. You will have a support plan throughout your period of reablement but your outcomes will be more short term goals. There is more information available on the new Living Independently service on the Living Independently pages|.
What if I need the care and support urgently?
There is no denying that a good person-centered assessment and support plan take a little time to complete and to source an appropriate package may take a little time too. There are mechanisms in place to provide you with the care you need on an emergency basis. Once the emergency/crisis is over and the situation is stabilised, a full assessment and Support plan can be completed at that time. You may want to think about what may cause an emergency situation in your life (for example, your informal carer becoming unwell) and detail this in your support plan for when the occasion does arise, this will prevent a crisis or major disruption to your life if the event identified does occur.
My Indicative Budget is not enough to finance my current care provision, what now?
Your Support Plan will detail and cost the support required to keep you safe and well. If the cost of the care essential to keep you safe and well exceeds your indicative budget then it will be at the discretion of your assessor’s manager to approve this. We will not leave you vulnerable if your care is essential to your wellbeing.
Where can I get some further information? 
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The Staffordshire Purple Pages| is an online resource for local businesses, organisations, and voluntary groups to make you aware of the services available in your community.
If you still have a question, comment or query, please email us at: mylifemyway@staffordshire.gov.uk|
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