Exploring care can be stressful. Sometimes you have more questions than answers.
Don't worry, we have got you covered with some of the most common questions.
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What is Care in the UK?
Adult social care is the help given to adults who find day-to-day life difficult because of age, illness or disability. It could mean support at home, help with washing and meals, or a place in a care setting. It’s there to keep people safe, comfortable and living life their way for as long as possible.
Helps people live well and stay independent. That might be a carer visiting at home, meals being delivered, help with medication, or support for families who need a break. Adult social care is about making everyday life easier and giving peace of mind to everyone involved.
Usually you start by speaking to your local council. They’ll ask a few questions and may arrange a visit to see what help would make life easier. Together you agree a plan — that could be help at home, equipment, or funded care if you qualify.
The “adult social care precept” is a small part of your council tax that helps pay for local care services — like home carers or day centres. It’s one of the ways councils fund the support many older and vulnerable adults rely on.
Who is Care For?
You can contact your local council’s adult social care team online, by phone or in person. Search “adult social care” and your council name on GOV.UK to find the right details. If it’s an emergency, most councils have a 24-hour helpline.
To qualify, a person must have a physical or mental condition that affects their ability to carry out daily tasks like washing or preparing meals. The council will assess both the level of need and financial situation before deciding what help can be offered.
You’ll get a written plan with what was agreed — what help is available, who provides it, and who pays. You can choose to arrange the care yourself or let the council handle it. Nothing happens without your say-so.
After the assessment, you’ll receive a written care plan showing what support is recommended and who will pay for it. You can choose to arrange services yourself, or the council can do it on your behalf.
It’s a detailed look at how well someone manages daily life. The assessor considers health, mobility, safety and emotional wellbeing. It’s the first step toward getting the right mix of care and financial support.
How much is Care?
The cost of care depends on what kind of help someone needs. Support at home might cost £25–£35 an hour, while a care home can be £800–£1,200 a week. The council will look at your savings and income to see if they can help with some or all of the cost.
Adult social care is funded through a mix of local authority budgets, the NHS, and personal contributions. Some people pay for their care privately (self-funding), while others receive part or full funding after a financial assessment.
Financial support can include council-funded care, NHS Continuing Healthcare, Attendance Allowance, or Carer’s Allowance. It’s worth checking eligibility early, as combining several benefits can reduce costs significantly.
If you have under £14,250 in savings, the council will usually pay most of your care costs. Between £14,250 and £23,250, you’ll pay part of the cost. Above £23,250, you’ll normally pay for care yourself until your savings fall below that limit.
Planning for Care
Having the right paperwork ready makes life much easier. A Will, a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and finances, and clear care wishes all help your family make decisions confidently if you can’t. It’s about staying in control, not giving it up.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets someone you trust make decisions if you can’t. It saves a lot of stress later, as your loved ones won’t have to go to court for permission. It’s one of the kindest things you can do for your family.
There are safe ways to plan ahead, such as setting up trusts or changing how a property is owned. You can also ask the council about deferred payment schemes. Always get expert advice before making big financial decisions.
Start by having honest conversations and gathering important documents like Wills and Powers of Attorney. Then think about what care might look like; help at home, respite care, or full-time support. Our Care Readiness Assessment can guide you through it step by step.
Modern Care
The system faces rising demand, staff shortages and limited funding. Many families now plan ahead using private assessments or legal guidance to avoid delays in support.
Technology is making care safer and easier, from fall sensors to digital care plans. Tools like Prepare for Care help families understand risks early and plan with confidence, without waiting for a crisis.
Data helps spot risks before they become problems. By bringing together information about health, housing and finance, families can make better choices. That’s exactly what our Care Readiness Assessment was built to do.