Guide to Adult Social Care

To make this guide easy to navigate, each section includes links to carefully selected web pages, videos, and support tools. These links allow you to explore more detailed information and resources directly from within the guide.

If you ever need a helping hand with anything digital, our Digital Champions are here for you.

Digital Champions are a group of friendly and patient volunteers who are good at explaining computers simply and without technical language. They have an enthusiasm for all things digital and look forward to the chance to show you how it works.

They offer digital support for a wide range of everyday tasks, nothing is too big or too small.

They can help you to:

• set up and use devices including mobile phones, tablets and computers
• get online and show you how to do home shopping
• access digital NHS services
• set up Skype or Zoom to keep in contact with family or friends

Sessions are held in libraries and other community buildings. Call our Digital Champions team to book.

View a transcript of this video

Adult Social Care supports people to live their lives as independently, safely, and fully as possible, especially when everyday tasks become difficult due to age, illness, disability, or changes in circumstances.

See What Adult Social Care is.

It’s not just about personal care or residential homes. It can include help with getting washed or dressed, using the toilet, preparing meals, staying connected with your community, or getting out and about. Sometimes, it’s about having the right equipment at home, support for a carer or knowing where to turn in a crisis.

Our role is to support people who need help with day-to-day life and are unable to arrange it all themselves. The aim is always to support people to stay in control, make their own choices, and live with dignity - whatever stage of life they’re in.

You don’t have to be in crisis to ask for help. Adult Social Care can also be about planning ahead, having a conversation about what matters most to you, and exploring what kind of support might help you live well - now and in the future.

View a transcript of this video

Our goal is to help all adults live independently, safely, and confidently in their own homes and communities. We tailor support to reflect individual goals, identities, and preferences, including working- age adults balancing employment, education, daily life or parenting.

We focus on what you can do and help you build on that. Sometimes, doing things in a slightly different way can make all the difference - enabling you to stay independent and in control.

Support might come through simple changes, friendly advice, or access to practical tools that help you stay safe and well. This could include guidance on staying active, tips for keeping your home safe and accessible, or making sure you have the right equipment for everyday tasks. It might even be as simple as knowing who to talk to when something doesn’t feel right.

If daily tasks at home are becoming more difficult, the right equipment or small changes to the home environment can make a big difference. Whether it’s a simple grab rail or a stairlift, there’s a wide range of solutions to help you feel safe, confident, and independent in your own home.

Manage At Home is our trusted, commissioned service offering a wide range of daily living aids and mobility products to help you stay independent at home.

Small pieces of equipment, like perching stools, kettle tippers or bath boards can support you to continue to be able to manage everyday activities without the need for additional support.

Minor or major adaptations such as half steps, level access showers or stairlifts may also be a way of maintaining independence if equipment or other options have not been successful.

The Greenwood Independent Living Centre, based in Dorchester, is a hands-on space where you can explore a wide variety of equipment and home adaptations. It’s not a shop - there’s no pressure to buy anything - but it is a great place to learn what’s available and what might work best for you.

You’ll find displays and demonstrations covering everything from beds, chairs, and mobility aids to kitchen gadgets and bathing solutions. Trained staff are on hand to talk through your needs and offer practical suggestions.

Visits are by appointment, and family members or carers are welcome to come along too.

Contact Mi-Life Greenwood Centre - Dorchester to make an appointment.

View a transcript of this video

If you’re living with sight or hearing loss, support is available to help you stay safe and independent.

This could include:

• equipment to help with daily tasks
• help with reading or communication
• advice on getting around safely
• support to stay connected and avoid isolation

There are local services, support groups, and tools to help you make the most of your senses and live confidently.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) aims to help people live independently for longer, with discreet support that fits into everyday life. You can explore these tools in a relaxed setting and decide what might suit your lifestyle.

You can try out:

• personal alarms and emergency buttons
• fall sensors and GPS trackers
• medication reminders and automatic dispensers
• smart plugs, lights, and voice-controlled devices

There are TEC Lounges at several locations across Dorset. Staff can guide you through what’s available and how to get set up, either privately or through supported services.

TEC Lounges have a range of technology that can support you or your loved one. You might be unsure which product is right for you or if it will work. We can support you in an impartial way to make the right choice.

To book or find out more you can contact the Adult Social Care team.

View a transcript of this video

Who we support

Adult Social Care is for people aged 18 and over who may need extra help to live safely and independently. If a young person is likely to have care and support needs after turning 18, the council must assess these in advance to support a smooth transition into adult services.

This includes but is not limited to:

• older adults needing support at home or with daily tasks
• working-age adults with long-term conditions or disabilities
• people with mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, or more significant mental health challenges
• people with learning disabilities and/or neurodiverse needs
• people with sensory impairments (sight or hearing loss)
• carers providing unpaid support to family or friends
• seldom-heard groups who may face barriers to accessing care
• people recovering from illness, injury or hospital stays (where recovery impacts daily living and may benefit from occupational therapy support)

You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis to ask for help. If something is affecting your ability to live well, we are here to listen and work with you to find the right way forward.

View a transcript of this video

Looking after your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical wellbeing and we are here to support you in ways that reflect who you are, what matters to you, and how you want to live your life.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone. Whether you’re experiencing low mood, anxiety, or living with a longer-term mental health condition, social care support is available to help you feel safe, stay connected, and regain control.

Social care support for mental health isn’t just about services, it’s about understanding you. We take time to explore:

• your strengths - what helps you cope, what brings you joy, and what keeps you going
• your goals - whether that’s rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with your community, or maintaining your independence
• your support network - including family, friends, carers, and community groups
• your daily life - what’s working well, what’s becoming difficult, and what you’d like to change

This helps us co-create a support plan that’s tailored to your needs and aspirations, not just your diagnosis.

Types of mental health support available

Depending on your situation, you might be eligible for support such as:

• help at home - practical support with daily tasks, routines, or managing your environment
• community-based support - including access to wellbeing groups, peer support, and activities that promote recovery and connection
• supported living or outreach services - for those who need more structured support while maintaining independence
• respite care - to give you or your carers a break when needed
• Direct Payments - giving you the flexibility to arrange your own support in a way that suits your lifestyle and preferences
• advocacy services - to help you express your views and make informed choices

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to ask for help, and you don’t have to wait until things get worse. Whether you’re supporting someone else or need support yourself, it’s always okay to reach out.

We promote dignity and respect, in line with our responsibilities under The Care Act 2014. This is the main law that guides Adult Social Care in England. It puts you at the centre of the process and your wellbeing should be the focus of any care and support decisions.

You have the right to:

• be involved in decisions about your care
• have your choices in how you want to live your life respected, wherever possible
• see any records held about your care and support, subject to exceptions, under data protection law
• be kept safe from abuse or neglect

If you need help understanding your rights or making decisions, you might be able to get support from an advocate - someone who speaks up on your behalf, this could be a family member or a friend.

Most people want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. With the right support and guidance many people can stay at home even if they have ongoing needs or need help with daily tasks. Together with our partners, we offer a range of services to help people stay safe, confident, and well at home.

Practical support and daily living

Sometimes, a little help is all that’s needed to make everyday life easier, being able to get help when required or keep in contact with your support network.

Depending on what you need, this could include help with:

• getting washed and dressed
• preparing meals or doing the shopping
• keeping your home clean and safe
• getting to non NHS appointments or social activities

This kind of support can be short-term or longer-term, depending on what you need. It might be provided by home care workers, community support, or voluntary organisations working locally.

If you’re finding it harder to manage day-to-day life, a care assessment is the first step toward getting the right support. It’s not a test - it’s a conversation. It’s your chance to talk about what matters to you, share your story, and explore ways to live more independently, safely, and well.

We want to understand who you are, not just what you need - your experiences, your values, and the things that help you feel connected, confident, and in control.

The assessment process

A trained member of our Adult Social Care team will arrange a time to speak with you - this could be over the phone, online, or in person, depending on what works best for you.

In some cases, a home visit may be offered. This isn’t about checking up on you - it’s a chance to see your environment, understand how you live day-to-day, and work together to identify practical ways to support your independence. Many people find home visits helpful, as they allow for a more relaxed and complete conversation in familiar surroundings.

You’re welcome to have someone with you during the assessment - a friend, family member, or advocate. If you have substantial difficulty being involved and don’t have someone appropriate to support you, we must provide an independent advocate under the Care Act 2014.

View a transcript of this video

What we’ll talk about

The assessment is designed to understand your needs, strengths, and goals - but most importantly, your story. We’ll talk about:

• your daily routines and any tasks that are becoming difficult (for example dressing, cooking, moving around)
• your physical and mental health
• any disabilities or long-term conditions
• your home and living environment
• support you receive from family, friends, or carers
• what’s important to you now and in the future - such as staying active, continuing hobbies, feeling safe, or maintaining relationships and staying connected to your community

We’ll also explore the things that are working well:

• your coping strategies
• personal achievements
• the people or activities that bring you joy and purpose

These strengths are the foundation for building a care plan that supports your wellbeing and helps you achieve the outcomes that matter most to you.

View a transcript of this video

After the assessment

Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive a written summary of what was discussed. The council will determine whether you have eligible needs under the Care Act 2014. If you do, they’ll also look at your financial situation to decide whether you’re eligible for funded support.

Regardless of the outcome, you’ll receive:

• advice and information tailored to your situation
• suggestions for services, equipment, or community support
• signposting to voluntary groups or local resources

If you’re eligible for support, you can work with a social care worker to create a personalised care and support plan. You may also choose to arrange your own care, depending on your preferences and circumstances.

The assessment is all about you, your wellbeing, your independence, and your goals.

Support needs can change over time. You might find that things become easier with the right help in place, or that new challenges arise. That’s why regular reviews are an important part of the Adult Social Care process.

When and why reviews happen

If you have a care and support plan, we will keep in touch to check how things are going. This is called a review. Reviews help make sure your care and support still meet your needs and reflect what matters to you.

A review may be scheduled:

• at a planned time (usually once a year)
• after a significant life event (like a bereavement, illness, or hospital discharge)
• if your needs change suddenly
• if you or someone close to you requests one

Reviews can happen whether or not you receive funded services. Some people who fund their own care or don’t receive services may still have reviews - for example, if there are ongoing risks or specific needs like moving and handling support.

During a review, a member of our Adult Social Care team will talk to you about how your current support is working. They’ll check if anything has changed - physically, emotionally, or in your day-to-day routine and whether your care and support plan still fits your life.

Sometimes, your support might stay the same. Other times, the review may lead to:

• adjustments to your care and support plan
• additional support or equipment
• a referral to a different service
• ending support if it’s no longer needed

Reviews are a chance to speak up about what’s going well, or not, and to make sure you feel confident and in control of your care.

Working together for better outcomes

Our aim is to support you to live a life that feels meaningful, safe, and fulfilling. That might mean:

• feeling more confident in social situations
• managing your mental health in a way that works for you
• staying in your own home with the right support
• rebuilding relationships or routines that matter to you

We work alongside you, and with health professionals, voluntary organisations, and your personal support network , to make sure your care reflects your values and priorities.

Community support and services available to everyone in Dorset that offer help with staying independent, connected, and well. These are provided through a partnership of organisations working together to support local communities.

You can find up-to-date information and contact details for these services on the Dorset Integrated Prevention Page, which is regularly updated to reflect any changes.

If you’re eligible for council-funded care, you can choose to receive your personal budget as a Direct Payment (subject to conditions of the Care Act 2014) giving you the freedom to shape your support in a way that truly fits your life.

Instead of the council arranging services for you, the money is paid directly to you (or someone you trust) allowing you to decide who supports you, when they come, and what they help with. This flexible option puts you in control, making it easier to build a support plan that reflects your goals, routines, and preferences.

Creative ways to use Direct Payments:

• hire a personal assistant
• book specialist therapies or classes
• pay for respite care
• join community groups or activities
• purchase equipment or technology to help at home

Support to help you get started

You don’t have to manage everything on your own. There’s a range of support available to help you make the most of Direct Payments:

• help with recruiting a personal assistant - including advice on job descriptions, interviews, contracts, and payroll
• holding accounts - where a trusted organisation manages the money on your behalf, ensuring bills are paid and records are kept
• ongoing advice and guidance - from your social worker or Direct Payments support team, who can help you stay on track and adjust your plan as your needs change

Direct Payments are designed to be empowering, flexible, and tailored to you. With the right support, they can open up new possibilities for living independently, staying active, and being part of your community.

View a transcript of this video

Individual Service Funds (ISFs) are a middle ground between Direct Payments and council-arranged care. Instead of handling the money yourself, you may be able to choose a care provider to hold the funds on your behalf. We are working to increase the number of local providers who are approved to offer Individual Service Funds.

They work with you to design a personalised plan and make arrangements based on your preferences. You stay in charge of your care, while they handle the day-to-day admin.

ISFs can offer more flexibility and creativity than traditional care packages, giving you more say without the pressure of managing everything on your own.

When someone needs care and support, either at home or in a care home, how it’s paid for depends on their financial situation. If you have more than £23,250 in savings, investments, or property, you’ll usually be expected to pay for your own care. This is known as being a self-funder.

Self-funders arrange and pay for their care directly, but that doesn’t mean they’re on their own. We can still offer support and guidance to help you make informed decisions and plan ahead. Things to consider:

you’re responsible for choosing and paying for your care services, whether that’s help at home or moving into a care home you may need to think about how your savings, income, or property will cover the cost of care over time planning ahead is important, especially if you’re considering long-term care or want to make sure your money lasts Even if you’re paying for your own care, we can:

• help you understand your care options and what might suit your needs
• offer advice on planning and paying for care, including what to think about financially
• connect you with independent financial guidance to help you make confident decisions

Understanding how care is paid for can be confusing. Some people get financial support from the council, others pay for their own care. There are also flexible options that give you more say in how your support is arranged.

See Paying for Adult Social Care

The starting point is a care needs assessment. This helps us understand what support you might need to live safely and independently. If you’re found to have eligible needs, we’ll then carry out a financial assessment to see whether you qualify for funded support or need to contribute partially or wholly towards the cost of your care.

You could also use our Care Cost Estimator to get an idea of what you might need to contribute before undertaking a formal assessment.

View a transcript of this video

A financial assessment looks at your income, savings, property and any benefits you receive. It helps to work out whether you qualify for financial support with your care, and if so, how much the council can contribute.

This assessment is free and handled with care and confidentiality. You’ll only be asked to contribute what the financial assessment shows you can afford.

The council follows national rules to make sure any charges are fair and affordable, based on your income, savings, and essential expenses. If you’re worried about paying, you can ask for a review of your financial assessment.

Everyone should feel safe - at home, in the community, or wherever they spend their time. But sometimes things don’t feel right. If you’re worried that you or someone you know is being hurt, taken advantage of, or not being looked after properly, it could be a safeguarding concern.

Report a concern

Safeguarding is the word we use to describe the steps taken to protect adults who have care and support needs who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. This includes physical harm, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, or being left without the help needed to stay safe and well.

Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern - including friends, neighbours, professionals, or the person at risk themselves. The most important thing is to speak up. It doesn’t have to be certain or proven - just a worry is enough.

Safeguarding is not about taking control away from you. It’s about working with you to understand what’s happening, making sure you’re safe, and helping you stay in charge of your own life wherever possible.

Concerned about someone with care and support needs?

If you’re worried about someone’s safety or wellbeing, don’t keep it to yourself. Our Adult Social Care team can help you raise a safeguarding concern.

You can call our Adult Social Care team. They’ll pass your concern to the right team. You won’t speak directly to the safeguarding team, but your concern will be handled sensitively and confidentially.

View a transcript of this video

Carers are the unsung heroes who make a powerful difference in our communities. See Support for carers.

You might not call yourself a carer and many people care for someone without even realising it. Most people see it as simply helping out, but if you regularly provide unpaid care for someone who could not manage without you, you are entitled to a carers assessment which will identify the type of support you need.

Accessing Carers Allowance does not exclude you from support. Caring can be very varied - you could be supporting someone with their finances, providing emotional support, or because they have mobility issues, dementia, frailty or mental health challenges.

Caring can be demanding - emotionally, physically, and financially. It can affect your work, relationships, and health. We recognise your vital role and are here to support you, not just as a carer, but as a person.

Support is available now, whether you are new to caring or have been doing it for years. You do not have to wait until things feel overwhelming.

We offer a range of support - from wellbeing advice and practical help, to local groups and online tools. Whether you need guidance, advocacy, emotional support, or ways to stay connected, there is something for you.

View a transcript of this video

As a carer, you have the legal right to a free carer’s assessment, and it is there for your benefit. It is simply a conversation about how caring affects your day-to-day life, and what kind of support could make things easier for you.

The assessment is not about checking up on you or how well you are doing - it is about understanding you and making sure your needs are recognised. You will be asked about things like how you are coping, how caring impacts your work, health, or relationships, and whether you get any time to yourself.

You can have this conversation over the phone, online, or face to face, and you’re welcome to have a friend or relative with you. However, in some cases, we may need to visit you at home to carry out a full and accurate assessment of your needs.

Afterwards, you might be offered practical help, emotional support, or a personal budget to spend on something that helps you recharge.

In addition to the right to a carer’s assessment, carers also have other rights which include:

• the right to unpaid Carer’s Leave
• the right to request flexible working
• the right to ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer
• the right (and choice) to request a free flu jab
• protection against discrimination or harassment
• being consulted when the person you care for is discharged from hospital

Your experience matters and your voice should always be heard. If something isn’t working the way it should, or you don’t feel happy with the care or support you’ve received, you have every right to speak up.

Sometimes issues can be sorted out with a simple conversation. If you’re comfortable, talk to the person or team involved. Often, things can be quickly resolved this way.

But if you feel that something hasn’t been handled properly, or you want to raise a more formal concern, we have a clear complaints process to support you. Making a complaint won’t affect your care and you won’t be penalised for speaking up. It’s your right, and it helps services improve.

You can also give general feedback, good or bad, about your experience, whether you’re the person receiving care or it’s a friend or family member. Feedback helps us understand what’s working and where improvements can be made.

If you need help speaking up, you can ask for an advocate. Advocates are independent professionals who help make sure your views are heard, your rights are respected, and your choices are understood. This is especially important if you find it difficult to communicate or if you’re making decisions that affect your care.

Being heard shouldn’t be a battle. It’s part of making sure your care is centred around you.

How are we doing?

We’re always looking to improve our services, and your feedback plays a big part in that. Whether you want to share a positive experience, suggest an idea, or raise a concern - this guide explains how to get in touch and what happens next.

Your guide to making a comment, compliment or complaint.

View a transcript of this video

Adult Social Care

Support provided by the local council to help people aged 18+ live independently and safely, especially if they have disabilities, long-term health needs, or are older and need assistance.

Assessment

A care assessment is a structured conversation where your needs are explored to understand what support might help you live well. It’s also a formal process under The Care Act 2014, requiring professional analysis and judgement to determine your eligibility and the best ways to support your wellbeing.

Advocacy

A service, friend or family member that helps people have their voices heard and understand their rights, especially if they find it hard to speak up for themselves.

Brokerage

A support service that helps people find and arrange care or support that suits their needs and preferences.

Care Act 2014

The main law that sets out how Adult Social Care works in England, including people’s rights to an assessment and to personalised care.

Care and Support Plan

A written summary of the support someone needs and how it will be provided. It’s created after an assessment and shaped around your goals and lifestyle.

Carer

Someone who looks after a family member, partner, or friend who needs help because of illness, disability, or age. This is unpaid and different from a professional care worker.

Carer’s Assessment

A conversation to explore the needs of an unpaid carer, to see what support might help them in their caring role.

Care package

A care package is the plan of support you get after an assessment. It lists the help and services you need to live your life as independently as possible. This can
include things like home care visits, equipment, or day activities. Think of it as your personalised bundle of care.

Direct Payment

Money given directly to someone (or their representative) by the council so they can arrange and pay for their own support, rather than the council organising it

Eligible Needs

Needs that meet the criteria set out in the Care Act and that the council has a duty to ensure that the needs are met.

Equipment and Adaptations

Tools, devices, or changes to your home that help you live more independently, such as grab rails, stairlifts, or shower seats.

Extra Care Housing

Extra Care Housing is a type of housing for older people or adults with care needs. You have your own flat but there is care and support available on site if you need it. It’s like living independently, but with help close by. There are usually shared spaces like lounges or gardens, so it can feel like a community.

Financial Assessment

A review of your income, savings, and assets to work out how much you may need to pay toward your care.

Independent Living Centre (ILC)

A place where you can see and try out equipment and get advice about staying safe and independent at home.

Individual Service Fund (ISF)

A way to manage a personal budget where a care provider holds and manages the money on your behalf, giving you flexibility and choice.

Mental Capacity

The ability to make your own decisions. If someone is found to lack capacity, others may need to make decisions in their best interests.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

A professional who helps people overcome challenges completing everyday tasks or activities - what we call occupations. Occupational Therapists see beyond diagnoses and limitations to hopes and aspirations. They look at relationships between the activities you do every day - your occupations – alongside the challenges you face and your environment. In Adult Social Care this is usually through different ways of doing activities, the use of equipment or adapting the environment to promote independence and safety at home.

Personal Assistants (PA)

A person employed to support an individual with daily living activities, personal care, and social activities, helping them maintain independence.

Personal Budget

The amount of money the council agrees is needed to meet someone’s care and support needs. It can be managed by the council, a provider, or through a direct payment.

Provider

A provider is the person or organisation that gives you the care or services in your care package. They can be a company, charity, or an individual carer. In short, they are the ones who deliver the help you need.

Reablement

Short-term support to help someone regain skills and confidence after an illness, injury, or hospital stay.

Safeguarding

Action taken to protect adults at risk from abuse or neglect. This includes physical, emotional, financial, or psychological harm.

Self-Funder

Someone who pays for their own care without financial help from the council. This may be because of their savings or income.

Social Care Worker

A Social Worker is someone trained to help adults who need support with things like staying safe, living independently, or managing health and care needs. They work with you to understand your situation, talk through your options, and help you get the right support.

Supported Living

Housing where people can live independently but with support available if needed, often for people with disabilities or mental health needs.

TEC (Technology Enabled Care)

Devices or systems that support safety and independence, such as fall detectors, medication reminders, or smart home tools.