Adults

Medway Council has made it possible for individuals who have care and social support needs to receive money directly so that they can arrange, organise and pay for their own help. People who may need to use this service can contact the council using the details below or an online form.

Advantages of the direct payments scheme are:

• people needing care or support can decide who it is that comes into their home to meet their needs;
• they can be the employer and not simply the care receiver;
• choice and control can lead to a more stable service;
• they can manage the hours according to their wishes, building in flexible working patterns;
• their life is no longer arranged around the timetable of others;
• their dignity and lifestyle is improved because they are in control.

Some comments from users of the direct payments scheme:

• It has given me more control and I can get more out of the money.
• I can now go to bed at a time that suits me and not the agency.
• It's my life now – it seemed to belong to others before – always waiting and not knowing.
• The flexibility means that I can do the things that I want when I want.
• Being in control gives me dignity.
• I wouldn't go back to the way it was before – there is too much to lose.

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