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Adult social care glossary

Social care can involve unfamiliar terms. This glossary explains some of the common words and phrases you might see on our website or hear from professionals.

Theme

Term

Definition

Assessments & Eligibility

Needs Assessment

A conversation with the council to understand what care and support needs you have.

Assessments & Eligibility

Care Act Assessment

An assessment under the Care Act 2014 to decide if you're eligible for support.

Assessments & Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria

The rules used to decide if someone qualifies for care and support from the council.

Assessments & Eligibility

Carer's Assessment

An assessment to look at the needs of someone who provides unpaid care for another person.

Plans & Reviews

Care and Support Plan

A written plan that sets out the help and support you will get, based on your assessment.

Plans & Reviews

Support Plan

Another name for a Care and Support Plan - it explains how your needs will be met.

Plans & Reviews

Review

A regular check to see if your care and support is still right for you.

Funding & Money

Direct Payments

Money given to you by the council so you can arrange your own care and support.

Funding & Money

Personal Budget

The amount of money the council says it will spend on meeting your needs.

Funding & Money

Financial Assessment

A check of your income, savings and expenses to work out how much you need to pay for care.

Funding & Money

Disability-Related Expenses

Extra costs you have because of a disability, which may reduce what you need to pay.

Services & Support

Home Care

Support from a carer who visits you at home to help with tasks like washing or dressing.

Services & Support

Day Opportunities

Activities and support offered during the day to help people stay active and social.

Services & Support

Residential Care

Living in a care home where support is available all the time.

Services & Support

Enablement

Short-term support to help you regain independence after an illness or crisis.

Services & Support

Occupational Therapy

Support to help you stay independent by suggesting ways to manage daily activities and adapt your home.

Safety & Rights

Safeguarding

Protecting adults from abuse, harm, or neglect.

Safety & Rights

Mental Capacity

Being able to make your own decisions and understand the consequences.

Safety & Rights

Advocate

Someone who helps you have your say if you find it hard to speak up for yourself.

Teams & Departments

Adult Social Care Gateway

The main contact point for adult social care in Lewisham. They handle referrals and advice.

Teams & Departments

MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub)

A team that brings together professionals to support vulnerable children and adults.

Teams & Departments

Occupational Therapy Team

A team that assesses and supports adults to live safely and independently at home.

Teams & Departments

Lewisham Adult Therapy Team

Provides physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and rehabilitation for adults.

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