An introduction to adult social care
Adult social care provides practical support to help people live independently.
This includes people who:
- are frail
- have disabilities or are neurodivergent
- have mental health issues
- have alcohol or substance misuse problems
- are unpaid carers
The care provided can be short or long-term, depending on your needs.
Short-term care aims to help you to regain your independence after an illness, fall or stay in hospital.
It could include:
- help getting back to doing daily tasks independently
- help with shopping or housework
- help to get around your home
- advice on equipment
We expect short-term support to decrease or stop as you become more independent.
Long-term care is for complex and ongoing needs. It covers your personal, social and wellbeing needs.
This could include:
- personal help at home with eating and washing
- keeping you active and connected to your local community
- support with employment or education
This type of care could be provided in a range of settings like in your home or in a residential care home.
To find out more see Types of social care.
It is important to plan for your future care needs. We're working with Age UK Surrey to help you understand:
- the different options available to you
- how to connect to support locally
- how to stay independent and live the life you want to
Visit Planning for your future to find out more and book a session.
Adult social care is provided by:
- family members and unpaid carers
- district, borough and county councils
- private companies
- charities and voluntary organisations
- healthcare professionals, including nurses and occupational therapists
Most people will get support from 1 or more of these groups.
If you think you have care and support needs, the first step is to talk to us. This helps us to understand your needs, or those of someone you look after.
We will have open conversations with you and your family or a carer if you wish, to understand:
- your concerns
- what you have already tried to improve your independence or wellbeing
- what might be the next best steps for you
We can also talk about the needs of family members with caring responsibilities. This includes any children in the household.
During our conversation we will:
- get to know you
- listen to what's important to you
- understand what you can do yourself or with support
- find out about how you would like to have a more fulfilling life
Help in your community
The first thing we do is try to connect you with support in your local community. Our focus will be on helping you to keep your independence and wellbeing. We will look at support to help to prevent your care and support needs from getting worse.
This support to help you stay at home could include:
- help with meals
- how to get out and about
- local groups and activities to keep you connected
- information and advice
Longer-term needs
If you have longer-term or more complex needs, we may need to carry out a more detailed assessment. This will help us understand your needs and see if you are eligible to get social care support. We usually do this when you are at your best and in a familiar environment, ideally at home.
We will look at how we can increase your independence. As your independence grows, where possible, we will see if we can reduce those services.
To find out if you, or someone you know, can get help from us, you can complete our social care needs self-assessment form. See How to find out if you can get support.
Adult social care services are means tested. Most people pay for some or all of their social care. To find out more see Paying for care.
If you have any questions, you can contact us.