What is the care system?

There is no one standard definition of social care. When we talk about social care we are talking about a range of services and support including help with everyday tasks such as cooking and shopping as well as personal care‚ which includes washing and help with eating.

Whatever the service is‚ it must support the person with dignity and enable them to live their life in the way they want; whether that is to live in their own home or to receive support in a care home.

There are three broad types of care:

Home: When paid care is provided to someone living in their own home. This could be personal care and help with everyday tasks in the home‚ or support at a day centre. Many older people want to live independently in their home for as long as possible. Home care enables them to do this.

Residential: When an older person requires a lot of support‚ it may be necessary to have this care provided in a care home which provides care that meets their specific needs.

Informal: When family and friends provide care and support to a loved one. This can include help with everyday tasks and also personal care. The skills used may be highly specialised but it is called ‘informal’ because relatives or friends do not get paid.