The Care Act is really important because it makes sure that everybody gets the care and support they need in a person-centred way. We have put this page together with a brief summary of all the things the Care Act says. We have also included links to the law itself and an easy read guide.
We hope it will be helpful for you.
What is the Care Act?
The Care Act is a law about the care and support for adults in England.
The Care Act sets out
- what people should be able to get
- what councils have to do
- and it tells the council how to use the Care Act.
A little Summary of the Care Act 2014
Supporting the Community
Councils must:
- always think about your well-being and have services that meet different needs.
- have services that will stop problems getting worse or beginning.
- have good information for people to choose the service they need.
- make sure there are lots of different types of care and support organisations in the area.
Understanding the Care and Support People Need
Councils must:
- do an assessment to see what you need.
- give carers an assessment as well, if they would like one.
- involve you in any assessment, planning or checking of your support and care.
- provide someone to help you if you find it difficult to explain what you need and there is no one else to speak for you. This person is called an independent advocate.
Every council has the same rules about who can get care and support.
Paying for Care and Support
The council will check to see how much money you have and will ask you to pay what you can afford.
Person-Centred Care and Support
Person-centred care is when people give you the care and support to do the things that are important to you.
Councils must:
- involve you in writing a care and support plan, which will support you to do things you want to do.
You may get money to pay for your care. This is called a personal budget and you can spent it on the care and support that you choose.
If you own your own home, you can talk to the council so that you do not need to sell it straight away to pay for care.
Services working Together
Services should work together to give good care and support. This includes housing services.
Councils are not allowed to give healthcare that the NHS should be giving.
Councils must:
- think about your access to education, training and work when looking at your care and support needs.
- must make sure care is in place for you if you need it when you leave hospital.
- help under 18’s and parents/carers plan for the future as they become an adult.
- must give care and support people who are in prisons in their area.
- check that any organisation working for them under this law, is doing it properly.
Keeping Adults Safe
Councils must:
- help keeps adults abuse and neglect.
Moving to Different Areas
Councils where you usually live must:
- plan and pay for your care and support. Even if the council finds you somewhere to live outside of that area.
- have a list of people who do not see well or are blind, so they can access services easily.
If you have decided to move to a new council, they will carry on meeting your needs so long as you tell them you’re coming, until they do their own assessment.
