Social Care
Social Care Services provide support to people with:
- learning disabilities
- physical disabilities/illness
- mental illness
This support can cover:
- practical activities
- personal care
- social work
It is intended to help the people receiving social care to live comfortably.
How does Social Care work?
Social care is provided in many different forms, such as:
- some extra help around the house
- assistance with washing and dressing
- help with building positive relationships
- access to specialist equipment
- full-time residential care
The care a person receives is dependent on their specific needs.
Care services can be funded and provided formally through the local council. They can also be provided informally by private funds, by family members, friends or neighbours.
What different types of Social Care services are there?
Social care providers provide a wide range of support services including:
- advocacy
- community activities and engagement
- day/drop-in centres
- ensuring homes are adapted and accessible
- financial support
- personal care
- providing information and advice
- residential care
- specialist equipment
- support for carers
- supported living
Where can I find out more about my options?
You should approach your local authority social services department for a needs or eligibility assessment. This will determine what type of services you might need or be entitled to.
Social care services are means-tested. How care is funded is dependent on the recipient’s financial situation. Social care can be:
- funded entirely by the local authority
- funded entirely by the person themselves
- somewhere in between
The NHS provides useful information on receiving social care. This can be found on the NHS website.
Who regulates Social Care?
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It ensures social care services are providing people with care that is:
- safe
- effective
- caring
- responsive
- well-led
It also gives services feedback on how to improve. The CQC can act if they find that care services do not have suitable arrangements in place to keep people safe.
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