The low levels of awareness of Direct Payments are being challenged by a new DVD produced by Age Concern.

While a study found that older people receiving Direct Payments reported feeling happier, more motivated and an improved quality of life, fewer than 1% of all those aged over 65 receiving community-based care are in receipt of Direct Payments.

The new 18 minute DVD entitled Your Care, Your Choice: Direct Payments Working for You, created by Minamon Film, is designed to be watched by groups of older people with Direct Payment experts. It is also aimed to be watched by care managers and other professionals.

The film features older people talking about their experiences with Direct Payments, including managing paperwork, staff and bank accounts and the types of choices they have been able to make about services. The DVD includes versions in English, Sylheti, Punjabi and Urdu.

Older people, who receive Direct Payments, are featured on the DVD talking about how their lives have been enriched and the types of activities and support they have chosen. It aims to help older people think about the option of Direct Payments and to look for further guidance to see if it is appropriate for them. It also aims to help care managers and other professionals to understand more about Direct Payments and their benefits for older people.

Agnes from London, who is one of the stars of the DVD, said: “We all know it is no fun getting old, but you can always make it more fun... If it wasn’t for Direct Payments, I wouldn’t be able to do the things I do. I get out as much as I can.”

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: “Direct Payments give older people more choice and control, enrich their lives and those of their carers, and enable access to culturally appropriate services and the activities and support that the older people want. This DVD succinctly explains these benefits to older people and should also be a valuable tool for care managers and other professionals.”

www.ageconcern.org.uk