United Response believes that personal budgets are an important part of their support. They also believe in tailoring support for every client. Personal budgets and TriCare Services of self direction are a natural development of this.

There are many stories that show how people take control over their lives, and they can be creative when it comes to structuring support. However, our research shows that there are many confusions among people who want to buy services or their families when moving into this new world. Many people told us that they were afraid to take on budget management directly.

For anyone buying social support, for them or a family or friend, they created a guide entitled “Top Ten Tips”.

This guide was created to assist you in learning what to look for and ask questions about when you are choosing and developing the right support for you.

Ten tips

1. Do you need a personal assistant (PA) or a support worker? You may want to hire a helper or personal assistant. Employing them via an agency, or direct?

2. Keep in mind your first impressions. Early conversations with your support providers will indicate future relationships. What does the support provider deliver? Do they keep their word?

3. Find out how the company will build your support package. The support provider you choose should take the time to really get to know and understand your wants, needs, and concerns. Your support provider will work closely with you in developing a person centered plan.

4. Find out how the support you receive will be monitored and altered. Every year, your support provider will conduct a review – also known as a “person centred review”. This review should be conducted by yourself.

5. Make sure you know what is included and the total price. After you both sign the agreement, it is important that your support provider confirms a set price.

6. Check out the people who will be assisting you. Your provider of support should assign quality personnel to assist you according to your personal needs.

7. Make sure they can support you and keep you safe. Check that the provider you are using is registered to the correct regulator. Also, find out if they conduct any other tests of quality.

8. Make sure you know your rights to complain. You should contact someone if you have a problem.

9. What are the terms of your agreement and how can you end it? Discover the minimum notice period required as well any ‘exit charges’ such as salary or other costs.

10. See more. Find out more. The full Top Ten Tips includes the jargon-buster.