Adult Social Care provides practical support to people with a disability, physical or mental illness to live independently and stay safe and well. These services are usually provided in people's homes, care homes or in the community.
It can include ‘personal care’, such as support with cooking meals, washing, dressing and getting out of bed in the morning, as well as wider support to help people stay active and engaged in their communities. It can also help support people who are caring for an adult family member or friend.
Social care includes:
- support in people’s own homes (home care or ‘domiciliary care’)
- support in day centres or to go into the community
- care provided by care homes and nursing homes (‘residential care’)
- ‘reablement’ services to help people regain independence
- providing aids and adaptations for people’s homes
- providing information and advice
- providing support for family carers.
Social care can be ‘short-term care’ or ‘long-term care’ and we can help to arrange both forms of care.
If you or someone you love needs social care, it's important to understand what types of care and support are available, how to access it, and the costs for the care provided.
How much you pay towards the cost of your social care will depend on your financial situation.