The Care Act is a new law that will come into action from April 2015, helping to make care and support more consistent across the country.
'Care and support' is the term used to describe the help some adults need to live as well as possible with an illness, disability or because they are older. It can include help with things like getting out of bed, washing, dressing, getting to work, cooking meals, eating, seeing friends, caring for families and being part of the community.
It might also include emotional support at a time of difficulty and stress, helping people who are caring for an adult family member or friend or even giving others a lift to a social event.
Care and support includes the help given by family and friends, as well as any provided by the council or other organisations.
Many of us will need care and support at some point in our lives and most people will pay at least something towards the cost of their care. The new national changes are designed to help you plan for the future and put you more in control of the help you receive. Any decisions about your care and support will consider your wellbeing and what is important to you and your family, to help you stay healthy and remain independent for longer.
You could benefit from the changes if you:
In April 2015 the Care Act will introduce:
More changes to the way people pay for care and support will be introduced in 2016. These will protect people with the highest needs from facing unlimited costs and provide more financial support to people with modest means.
Changes include:
For more information on the changes please visit https://www.gov.uk/careandsupport?gclid=COjL2dXs-sMCFfDKtAod6TQATQ
Find out how the Care Act will benefit you
Care and support is changing for the better
Getting the right care and support for you
Care and Support for Carers
Deferred payment agreement