Learning Disabilities Social Work
The Adult Learning Disability Service in South Ayrshire covers two localities:
North of the River Ayr to Dundonald, and
South of the River Ayr to Barrhill.
We aim to support individuals over the age of 16, who have a diagnosed learning disability, to live an independent lifestyle in their community.
We offer an assessment in order to best understand their needs in respect of day-to-day living, and signposting to community resources or care provision where this is required to ensure individuals are safe, well, and can meet their personal outcomes.
We work alongside a multi-disciplinary team from Health, Education, Housing and third-sector community support such as VASA to ensure opportunities are available for all to live their best life.
Who Do We Support?
Adults over the age of 16 years who have a Learning Disability that is registered at their Doctors Practice. This is called the National Learning Disability Register.
Adults must reside in the South Ayrshire geographical area.
Adults must be in receipt of adult benefits for assessment of client contribution.
Referral Process
Once a referral is received by the Administration team, this is forwarded to the Duty Social Worker who completes a SCREENING TOOL.
If you have a registered Learning Disability, a worker will carry out an initial assessment of needs to identify your circumstances and what services you may require to support you.
It is important to understand that Social Work are required by law to provide an assessment of need; however, they are not required to provide service.
Assessment of Need
Assessment of need generates a category of risk; services are provided to those in the Critical risk category.
Critical Risk: | Indicates that there are critical risks to an individual's independent living or health and well-being which are likely to call for the immediate provision of social care services (extremely high priority) |
Substantial Risk: | Indicates that there are significant risks to an individual's independence or health and wellbeing, and they may require input from Social Work or other partnership services. (high priority) |
Moderate Risk: | Indicates that there are some risks to an individual's independence or health and wellbeing. These may call for the provision of advice and guidance including signposting to other services, or they may simply be manageable over the foreseeable future. (medium priority) |
Low Risk: | Indicates that there may be some quality-of-life issues, but low risks to an individual's independence or health and wellbeing with very limited, if any, requirement for the provision of social care services. |
If following the assessment of need - you are deemed to meet Low or Moderate risk criteria for services - you will be signposted to community resources who may be able to help you.
Carers Assessment
Adults who provide care and support to a family member or friend are referred to as Carers. Under Scottish legislation, carers are entitled to their own assessment of need, this is called an Adult Carer Support Plan.
An Adult Carer Support Plan must be completed to enable access to Respite services. Carers will be given the choice to complete the form with a Care Manager or the form can be left with the individual, and then discussed when completed.
Once this assessment is recorded on the social work system, this represents the carers assessment of need and can be used to recommend the level of respite required.
The care manager will then take the assessment of need to the Resource Allocation Group (RAG) where the Panel will make a decision regarding allocation of respite. Once this is completed it will be required on an annual basis and the worker will share this with the chosen respite service to negate charges on what has been approved.
