Role of Support Broker

The main role of the Support Broker is to help the individual:

• Clarify their needs and expectations
• Assist with preparing and costing a personal care plan
• Arrange and implement care plans
• Monitor and review the care package
• Build networks and promote choice for individuals
• Tap into local networks and funding opportunities for the individual

Exceptions

There are certain exceptions to these criteria. The following will not be eligible for the Support Brokerage Service as they will be entitled to support from statutory services. A person who:

• is not able to make their own arrangements due to lack of capacity. The requirements of the Mental Capacity Act should be taken into consideration.
• is subject to Section 117 aftercare of the Mental Health Act
• is receiving Continuing Health Care, or are awaiting a decision
• wishes to receive the service through a council contract (this is particularly pertinent in some rural areas of Cheshire where there may be no other provider)
• has a diagnosis of CJD

Review

Older people within the Support Brokerage Service will have their package of care and support monitored and reviewed by their Support Broker on an individually agreed basis, according to their needs, wishes and personal circumstances. It is anticipated that this will involve an initial review after six weeks with follow-up reviews, as necessary.

There are certain circumstances where clients will need to be re-referred to social services, with their consent. For example:

• for a re-assessment of need;
• when their assets are anticipated to be falling below £23,000;
• where there is a suspicion or allegation of abuse.

How to make a referral:

It is expected that referrals will be made to the Service directly from the social worker who has undertaken the older person’s assessment of need and that a copy of the assessment document will be sent with the referral. Any older person coming through to the Service before an assessment of need has been carried out will be referred to social services for a care assessment, with their consent.

The SAP Contact Assessment document will form the basis of the referral document for a Support Broker and access to it in Sharecare will be requested:-