Children’s Residential Care:

This type of care provides a residential setting for children who, due to complex needs or challenging circumstances, cannot live at home.

Common Terms in Care and Social Care

Advocate:

A person who supports or speaks on behalf of someone, particularly in situations where they may struggle to represent themselves.

Assessment:

The process of evaluating an individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances to plan and provide appropriate care and support.

Care Plan:

A written document that outlines the support, care, and treatments an individual will receive, typically developed with input from the individual and their care team.

Direct Payments:

Funds provided directly to individuals assessed as needing services, allowing them to arrange and pay for their own care and support.

Guardianship:

A legal process in which someone is appointed to make decisions for another person who is unable to make decisions for themselves.

Personal Budget:

An allocated amount of money given to an individual after assessment to meet their identified care and support needs.

Respite Care:

Temporary care designed to give primary caregivers a break, which can be provided at home, in a care home, or in a hospital.

Safeguarding:

The protection of an individual’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.

Vulnerable Adult:

An adult who may be unable to care for themselves or protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

Best Interests:

A principle ensuring that decisions made on behalf of individuals who cannot decide for themselves are in their best interests.

Care Coordinator:

A professional responsible for organizing and monitoring an individual’s care to ensure their needs are met.

Care Pathway:

A structured, multidisciplinary plan outlining the steps for managing patients with specific clinical problems or conditions.

Multi-agency Working:

Collaboration between different services, agencies, and teams to provide holistic care and support to individuals.

Person-Centered Care:

Care that is tailored to the individual needs, preferences, and values of the person receiving it.

Care Home:

A residential facility providing accommodation and care services for people with special needs, the elderly, or those with disabilities.

Community Care:

Care services provided within the community rather than in a hospital or institutional setting.

Continuing Healthcare:

A package of care arranged and funded by the NHS for individuals with ongoing healthcare needs outside of the hospital.

Duty of Care:

A legal obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of others.

Early Intervention:

Support and services provided at the earliest stage of a condition to prevent it from worsening.

Health and Social Care Integration:

The combination of health and social care services to provide coordinated care for individuals.

Independent Living:

Supporting disabled individuals to have freedom, choice, dignity, and control over their lives.

Key Worker:

A professional who serves as the main point of contact for an individual receiving care and support.

Needs Assessment:

An evaluation to determine an individual’s care and support needs.

Occupational Therapy:

Therapy designed to help individuals achieve independence in all areas of their lives.

Palliative Care:

Specialized care focusing on relief from symptoms and improving the quality of life for people with serious illnesses.

Rehabilitation:

Services aimed at helping people regain optimal health and functionality after illness or injury.

Self-Directed Support:

A system where individuals control their care and support, including how it’s delivered and who provides it.

Telecare:

The use of technology to provide care and support to individuals in their own homes.

Well-being:

A holistic approach to health, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects.