Choosing Your Care Provider in Glasgow: Understanding Your SDS Options

Choosing a care provider is one of the most important decisions a person or family will make. Scotland’s social care system is designed to give people choice, control, and flexibility, particularly through Self‑Directed Support (SDS) — the national approach to arranging social care. Glasgow City Council follows the same legal framework, offering four SDS options that allow people to shape their support in a way that suits their life, needs, and preferences.
SDS is underpinned by the Social Care (Self‑Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013, which requires councils to ensure people understand their choices and have the information needed to make informed decisions.

What Self‑Directed Support Means in Glasgow

Glasgow City Council describes SDS as a way for people to have greater choice and control over how their care is delivered, ensuring support is personalised and aligned with individual needs. SDS applies to:

• Older adults
• Adults with disabilities
• People with long‑term conditions
• Carers
• Children and families
  More information is available on the council’s SDS page:
  (glasgow.gov.uk)

The Four SDS Options Explained

Option 1 — Direct Payment

You receive your budget directly and use it to arrange your own support. This option offers the highest level of choice and control, allowing you to select any Care Inspectorate‑registered provider that meets your needs.
This is the most common route for people who want to choose their own provider, including selecting Caremark Glasgow West.

Option 2 — Individual Service Fund (ISF)

Your budget is held by a provider you choose, and they work with you to plan and deliver your support. This option offers flexibility without the administrative responsibilities of managing the budget yourself.
In Glasgow, ISF arrangements can be approved on a case‑by‑case basis depending on the individual’s needs and the HSCP’s assessment.

Option 3 — Local Authority Arranged Services

Under this option, Glasgow City Health & Social Care Partnership arranges care directly through its contracted providers. People choosing this route typically prefer the council to coordinate their support on their behalf.
Families who want more flexibility or wish to choose a specific provider often explore Options 1 or 2, which offer greater choice and control over who delivers their care.

Option 4 — A Mix of Option

Some people choose to combine different SDS options. For example, they may use council‑arranged support for certain tasks while using a direct payment to purchase additional hours or more personalised support from a provider of their choice.
This blended approach is increasingly common and allows people to tailor support to different parts of their life.

How to Choose the Right Care Provider

Look for:

• PVG‑checked staff
• Dementia‑trained carers
• Strong safeguarding policies
• Continuity of care
• Communication and Transparency
  A good provider should offer:
• Clear care plans
• Regular reviews
• Open communication with families

Using SDS to Choose Caremark Glasgow West
People in Glasgow can choose Caremark Glasgow West through:

• Option 1 (Direct Payment) — the simplest and most flexible route
• Option 2 (ISF) — possible depending on HSCP approval
• Option 4 (Mix) — using a direct payment to add support alongside other services
  This gives individuals and families the ability to select a provider that aligns with their needs, values, and preferences.

Helpful Links:

• Glasgow City Council SDS Information
  (glasgow.gov.uk)
• Your Support Your Way Glasgow
  (yoursupportglasgow.org)
• Scottish Government SDS Statutory Guidance
  (gov.scot)
• SDS Scotland (national support and advice)
  https://www.sdsscotland.org/
  Inbound
• Caremark Glasgow West Homepage
• Make an Enquiry
• Our Services

About Caremark Glasgow West

Caremark Glasgow West is a fully registered and regulated home care provider based at The Wedge, supporting older adults and families across Glasgow West. We specialise in high‑quality, person‑centred care that helps people remain independent, safe, and connected to their community.
Our services include:

• Personal care
• Dementia support
• Medication assistance
• Companionship
• Respite for families
• Hospital discharge support

We are proud to focus on delivering safe, reliable, relationship‑based support that enhances daily life. We are proud to serve our local community with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to dignity and respect.