Types of Social Care
Below you’ll find a clear explanation of the main types of social care, what each involves, and how you might access them.
Care at Home (Domiciliary Care)
Regular visits from trained care workers who come to your home to help with everyday tasks—washing, dressing, preparing meals, taking medication, or simply providing companionship.
- Visits can be short “pop-ins” or longer blocks of time, even overnight.
- The local council will first carry out a needs assessment to see what help is required.
Live-In Care
A professional carer lives in your home to give round-the-clock support. This provides one-to-one attention in a familiar environment and is often more flexible than a care home.
Supported Living
Help for adults—often people with learning disabilities, autism, or long-term mental health needs—who live in their own flat or shared house and receive tailored support to develop life skills.
Short-Term or Respite Care
Temporary care, either at home or in a residential setting, to give family carers a break or to help someone recover after a hospital stay ("reablement").
Day Services & Community Support
Structured daytime activities outside the home—community centres, day clubs, and social groups to reduce isolation and provide carers with a break.
Specialist Services
Many people need care that is tailored to a specific condition, for example: Dementia support, end-of-life care, mental health support, or substance-misuse services.
How to Get Started
1. Ask for a Needs Assessment
Contact your local council’s Adult Social Care team. The assessment is free and determines what help you qualify for. It's the essential first step.
2. Financial Assessment (Means Test)
If ongoing care is needed, the council will check your income and savings to work out how much you may need to contribute towards the cost of your care.
3. Create a Care Plan
You’ll receive a written plan describing the support agreed, whether arranged by the council, funded directly via Direct Payments, or arranged privately by you.
4. Choosing the Right Option
Think about what level of independence you want to maintain and what your specific health needs are. Involving family and seeking advice from charities like Age UK or Carers UK can help you create the right plan.
We're Here to Help
Social care is about more than services—it’s about people.
Our goal is to help you live life on your terms. Let's talk about a plan that works for you.