How It Works
At Unique Home Care NI, we strive to make the process of receiving care as simple and stress-free as possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how you can begin your care journey with us:
1
Initial Contact
Start by reaching out to us via phone, email, or through our website. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to listen to your needs and answer any questions you may have. Contact us now!
2
Consultation
We arrange a consultation to thoroughly understand your specific needs, preferences, and goals. This consultation can be conducted in person or virtually, based on what is most convenient for you.
3
Personalised Care Plan
Based on the consultation, we develop a personalised care plan tailored to meet your unique requirements. This plan is flexible and can be adjusted as your needs evolve over time.
4
Caregiver Matching
We carefully match you with a caregiver who possesses the right skills and personality to provide the best possible support. Building a strong, trusting relationship between our caregivers and clients is essential to us.
5
Care Delivery
Our caregiver begins delivering care according to the personalised plan. We ensure that all care is provided with compassion, respect, and professionalism. Regular check-ins and updates guarantee that the care continues to meet your needs.
6
Ongoing Support and Adjustments
We continuously monitor and review your care plan to ensure it remains effective. Our team is always available to make adjustments and provide additional support as needed.
How to Access Direct Payments from the Trust
Direct payments are available from Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts in Northern Ireland, allowing you to arrange and pay for your own care and support services instead of receiving them directly from the Trust. Here’s how you can access these payments:
Eligibility
To receive direct payments, you must be assessed by your local trust as needing social care services.
This includes individuals with disabilities aged 16 and over.
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Older adults.
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Carers aged 16 and over, including those with parental responsibility for a child with disabilities.
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Application Process
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Assessment: If you already receive social services, your trust must offer you the option of direct payments. If you are not currently receiving services, you need to contact your local Trust to request an assessment of your needs.
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Consent: You must be able to consent to receive direct payments and manage them, even if you need help to do this on a day-to-day basis.
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Approval: Once approved, the trust will determine the amount you will receive based on your assessed needs.
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Using Direct Payments
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Direct payments can be used to:
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Hire caregivers or support services.
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Purchase equipment or services that meet your assessed needs.
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However, they cannot be used to:
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Pay for permanent residential accommodation.
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Hire a close relative or anyone living in the same household, unless in exceptional circumstances agreed upon by the Trust.
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For more info on Direct Payment see below:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/direct-payments-carers
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