The Care Act 2014 introduces the biggest change to adult social care in 60 years and will transform care and support for adults and their carers. Some of the changes will come into law in April 2015.
The new Act is built around giving you greater choice and control in what care and support you receive.
It looks at what you need and what you want to achieve in life. It focuses on encouraging you to maintain your independence in everyday life and prevent problems from starting or getting worse.
The council will:
- Offer advice and information about how to keep well, stay safe and remain independent and how to get support if you need it
- Be clear about how much money you can get to meet your needs (if you are eligible) and whether you may need to contribute to the cost of your care
- Pay you directly (if you want it) so you can make your own choices about your care
- Help you plan ahead for any care you might need in the future
- Make sure there is a wide choice of good quality and value for money services available
- Work with other agencies (like the NHS or housing providers) to identify care needs and work out how to improve services
- Give carers the same rights to an assessment and support (where eligible).