Don't be left in the dark: Adult Social Care

Adult social care supports both older people and working age adults who have disabilities, mental health conditions or are generally frail, as well as their carers.

It is personal and practical support to help people live their lives and maintain their independence, dignity and control. People can receive social care in their own homes, community settings like day centres or in places like residential care homes. It is provided by trained, paid staff.

People who need care are usually assessed by council social services teams using guidelines from the Government. Social services identify what a person's needs are – what they want to achieve with their care, for example staying in work or keeping in touch with family and friends – and whether the council can provide help with this.

This is called ‘eligibility'. If someone is eligible for social care the council works with them to design a care plan to make sure they get the right care for their needs.