Exploring the temporal aspects of direct payments

TY - JOUR

T1 - Exploring the temporal aspects of direct payments

AU - Arksey, H

AU - Baxter, K

PY - 2012/1

Y1 - 2012/1

N2 - In the last two decades, advanced welfare states have introduced 'cash-for-care' schemes whereby eligible individuals receive money or vouchers to purchase care rather than receive in-kind help at home. Evidence suggests that such schemes give recipients greater choice and control. In England, direct payments, individual budgets and personal budgets are different types of cash-for-care. This article reports new empirical research which takes a longitudinal perspective about the use of direct payments. Study participants were interviewed three times between 2007 and 2009. The findings are organised into six themes: journeys in and out of direct payments, on-going contact with social services, changing service user circumstances, self-development and learning through time, impact of direct payments on families, and changing relationships. The findings show that direct payments recipients need support in understanding the long-term issues that might arise, as well as on-going monitoring and advice from knowledgeable practitioners as their situations, needs and capabilities change through time. On the basis of the evidence, suggestions are made to help boost take-up rates and subsequent levels of satisfaction. The findings have implications for the future roll-out of personal budgets, since direct payments are likely to be a common form of deployment. The article itself is freely available by using the links top right of this webpage under the 'downloads' heading. This will take you to the journal website.

AB - In the last two decades, advanced welfare states have introduced 'cash-for-care' schemes whereby eligible individuals receive money or vouchers to purchase care rather than receive in-kind help at home. Evidence suggests that such schemes give recipients greater choice and control. In England, direct payments, individual budgets and personal budgets are different types of cash-for-care. This article reports new empirical research which takes a longitudinal perspective about the use of direct payments. Study participants were interviewed three times between 2007 and 2009. The findings are organised into six themes: journeys in and out of direct payments, on-going contact with social services, changing service user circumstances, self-development and learning through time, impact of direct payments on families, and changing relationships. The findings show that direct payments recipients need support in understanding the long-term issues that might arise, as well as on-going monitoring and advice from knowledgeable practitioners as their situations, needs and capabilities change through time. On the basis of the evidence, suggestions are made to help boost take-up rates and subsequent levels of satisfaction. The findings have implications for the future roll-out of personal budgets, since direct payments are likely to be a common form of deployment. The article itself is freely available by using the links top right of this webpage under the 'downloads' heading. This will take you to the journal website.

KW - ill/disabled adults

KW - social work issues

KW - older people

KW - funding issues

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84856368945&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1093/bjsw/bcr039

DO - 10.1093/bjsw/bcr039

M3 - Article

VL - 42

SP - 147

EP - 164

JO - British Journal of Social Work

JF - British Journal of Social Work

IS - 1

ER -