Social care and support guide

If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this website explains your options and where you can get support.

• Introduction to care and support

  A quick guide for people who have care and support needs and their carers

• Help from social services and charities

  Includes helplines, needs assessments, advocacy and reporting abuse

• Care services, equipment and care homes

  Includes home adaptations, help at home from a paid carer, staying safe and housing

• Money, work and benefits

  How to pay for care and support, and where you can get help with costs

• Care after a hospital stay

  Includes hospital discharge and care and support afterwards

• Support and benefits for carers

  Includes carer's assessments, support from local councils, respite care and help for young carers

• Practical tips if you care for someone

  Includes advice on challenging behaviour, moving and lifting people and medicines

• Caring for children and young people

  Services, support and tips if you care for someone under 21, and moving to adult social services

• Making decisions for someone else

  Includes powers of attorney and mental capacity