What is social care?
What is the definition of social care?
Social care services support people with:
-
physical disabilities
-
long-term illnesses
-
mental illnesses.
The support covers practical activities, personal care, and social work.
How does social care work?
Social care can take many different forms. It might involve some extra help with washing, dressing, and maintaining a home. It could also involve help with building positive relationships, access to specialist equipment, or full-time residential care. The care a person receives is dependent on their specific needs.
Care services are either funded and provided:
-
formally – through the local council or private funds
-
informally – by family members, friends or neighbours.
How many people receive social care?
In 2017, the CQC reported that residential care homes, nursing homes and specialist colleges exist in 16,000 locations in England. They provide care for over 460,000 people.
Half a million people receive personal care in their community, which includes supported living and domiciliary care services. But there are many people being cared for by unpaid family carers who are not included in these figures. FullFact.org reports that around 2.1 million people in the UK had some level of informal care in 2014. The number of family and friends providing unpaid care in England is likely more than 5.4 million.
What different types of social care services are there?
Social care providers provide a wide range of support services including:-
-
Advocacy
-
Ensuring homes are adapted and accessible
-
Personal care
-
Providing information and advice
Where can I find out more about my options?
If you think you might need social care, you should approach your local authority social services department for an assessment. This will determine what type of services you might need or be entitled to.
How much social care services cost depends on the financial situation of the person who needs the care. Social care can be funded entirely by the local authority, entirely by the person themselves, or somewhere in between.
The NHS provides useful information on receiving social care.
What are the key issues in the social care sector?
Some of the key issues affecting the social care sector include:
-
An ageing population. The Office for National Statistics reports that in 2027 there will be 2.2 million more people aged 65 and over compared to 2017.
-
Funding. Less money has been available for social care services from local authorities due to budget cuts. The introduction of the National Living Wage, auto-enrolment pensions, and the apprenticeship levy have all increased the costs for social care providers.
-
Brexit. The UK leaving the European Union could affect staff and salary levels by negatively impacting on recruitment of key staff.
Who regulates social care?
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It ensures social care services are providing people with safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care, as well as giving services feedback on how to improve. The CQC can take action if they find that care services do not have suitable arrangements to keep people safe in place.