What is Adult Social Care?
Adult Social Care provides practical support for adults who have a disability, illness, or care needs.
We can also support people who care for someone else.
If you are finding it hard to manage daily tasks, or to live safely and independently, Adult Social Care may be able to help. Support can include:
- care and support in your home
- help to stay connected to your community
- equipment or changes to your home to help you stay independent
- direct payments so you can arrange your own care
- different housing options, such as supported housing or extra care housing
- residential or nursing care
Do I need social care?
Adult Social Care is for people aged 18 and over.
Our aim is to help you stay as independent as possible and havea good quality of life.
When you contact us, we will ask you about your situation.
We may also speak to people who already support you.
Together, we will look at:
- what you can manage
- what support you already have
- what extra help you may need
You can ask for help through our online portal. This is the quickest way to make a referral for yourself or someone you care for.
If you cannot use the internet, you can call our Contact Centre on 01702 215008.
If you need palliative care or nursing care, you may be able to get free support through NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Before asking for formal social care, it can help to look at the information on our website. Many people find ways to stay active, independent, and safe at home without needing funded support from the Council.
You can also use a jargon buster to understand common health and social care terms.
What support can you expect from Adult Social Care?
If we assess you and find that you meet the national eligibility criteria under the Care Act 2014, we will:
- work with you to create a support plan
- talk with you about how your care will be paid for
- help you set up a personal budget to manage your care
Who is eligible for support?
Eligibility under the Care Act 2014
The eligibility rules are set out in the Care and Support (Eligibility Criteria) Regulations 2015.
You may be eligible for support if:
- your needs come from a physical or mental impairment or illness
- you are unable to achieve two or more of the specified outcomes listed below
- this has a significant impact on your wellbeing
You must meet all three conditions.
What does 'unable to achieve an outcome' mean?
You may be considered unable to achieve an outcome if:
- you cannot do it without help
- you can do it, but it causes significant pain, distress, or anxiety
- you can do it, but it puts you or others at risk
- you can do it, but it takes much longer than usual and affects other parts of your life
Specified outcomes
These outcomes are equally important. They include:
- eating and drinking properly
- keeping clean and maintaining personal hygiene
- managing toilet needs
- dressing appropriately
- using your home safely
- keeping your home clean and habitable
- maintaining relationships
- taking part in work, training, education, or volunteering
- using local services such as public transport or leisure facilities
- carrying out caring responsibilities for a child
The wellbeing principle
Promoting wellbeing means supporting improvements in:
- personal dignity
- physical and mental health
- emotional wellbeing
- protection from abuse and neglect
- control over daily life
- work, education, training, or recreation
- social and economic wellbeing
- family and personal relationships
- suitable living accommodation
- contribution to society
Information and advice
Even if you are not eligible for funded care, we will still offer information and advice.
We may signpost you to:
- local clubs and activities
- learning opportunities
- voluntary and community services
- universal services available to everyone
We will always consider options that may prevent, reduce, or delay your need for care.
Types of Adult Social Care
Support may include:
- occupational therapy, equipment, and home adaptations
- care and support in your home or community
- residential or nursing care
- direct payments to arrange your own support
- supported housing or extra care housing
- support for carers
How is Adult Social Care paid for?
You can find more information on our Paying for Care webpage.