When it comes to receiving care in your own home, many people wonder about the costs involved and the types of care available. In Scotland, there are various options for home care, and understanding these can help you make informed decisions about your care needs. This blog post will explore the types of care provided by MyLife Edinburgh and the different Self-Directed Support (SDS) options available in Scotland.

Types of Care Provided by MyLife Edinburgh
MyLife Edinburgh offers a comprehensive range of home care services designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals. These services include:
Visiting Home Care
This service involves carers in your own home visiting at scheduled times to assist with daily activities such as personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and household chores. The frequency and duration of visits can be tailored to your specific needs.
Companionship Care:
For those who may feel isolated or lonely, companionship care provides social interaction and emotional support. Carers in your own home can accompany you on outings, help with hobbies, or simply provide company at home.
Respite Care:
Respite care offers temporary relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to take a break while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive the care they need. This can be arranged for a few hours, days, or even weeks.
Dementia Support:
MyLife Edinburgh provides specialised care for individuals living with dementia. Carers in your own home are trained to offer support that promotes independence and enhances the quality of life for those with dementia.
Live-In Care:
For those who require continuous support, live-in care involves a carer living in your home to provide round-the-clock assistance. This service ensures that help is always available, offering peace of mind for both the individual and their family.
End-of-Life Care:
MyLife Edinburgh offers compassionate end-of-life care, focusing on comfort and dignity during the final stages of life. Carers in your own home provide physical, emotional, and practical support to both the individual and their family.
These services are designed to be flexible and can be customised to meet the unique needs of each individual. MyLife Edinburgh prides itself on providing high-quality, person-centred care that promotes independence and enhances the quality of life.
Self-Directed Support (SDS) Options in Scotland
In Scotland, Self-Directed Support (SDS) allows individuals to have more control over their care and support. There are four main SDS options available:
- Option 1: Direct Payment: This option involves receiving a direct payment from the local council, which you can use to arrange and pay for carers in your own home. This gives you the most control over your care, allowing you to choose your carers and manage your budget.
- Option 2: Directing the Available Support: With this option, you choose the support you want, but the local council or another organisation arranges and manages the services on your behalf. This provides a balance of control and support.
- Option 3: Local Council Arranges the Support: The local council arranges and manages all aspects of your care and support. This option is suitable for those who prefer not to manage their own care arrangements.
- Option 4: A Mix of the Above: You can choose a combination of the above options to suit your needs. For example, you might receive a direct payment for some services while the local council arranges others.
Do You Have to Pay for Carers in Your Own Home?
The cost of carers in your own home in Scotland can vary depending on the type and level of care required. Some individuals may be eligible for financial assistance through their local council, while others may need to pay for their care privately. The local council will conduct a financial assessment to determine your eligibility for funding and the amount you may need to contribute.
For those who are eligible for SDS, the local council will provide a budget based on your assessed needs. This budget can be used to arrange and pay for carers in your own home, either through direct payments or by having the council manage the services on your behalf.
It’s important to note that while some services may be fully funded, others may require a contribution from the individual. The financial assessment will take into account your income, savings, and any other assets to determine your contribution.

Conclusion
Understanding the types of care available and the SDS options in Scotland can help you make informed decisions about your home care needs. MyLife Edinburgh offers a wide range of services designed to provide high-quality, person-centred care that promotes independence and enhances the quality of life. Whether you choose to manage your own care through direct payments or have the local council arrange the services, there are options available to suit your needs and preferences.
If you have any questions or need further information about carers in your own home and SDS options, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the care and support you need.