What is the Care Act
The Care Act 2014 introduced an easier way to access care and support, wherever you live in England.
The Act puts you in control of your own social care. It says that councils must involve people in decisions made about them and their care and support.
By helping people to be as independent as possible, we can help to prevent or delay the need for care and support. The Act entitles you to receive advice and support from the Council.
The Care Act also entitles you to ask the Council for a needs assessment, to look at all your care and support needs.
Changes to the Care Act
Changes introduced through the Care Act 2014 include:
- A requirement for councils to meet a national minimum threshold for people's care and support needs.
- Support for carers to make it easier to get direct help with caring.
- Deferred payment agreements for care costs.
- A requirement for councils to provide a wide range of information and advice.
The Act gives Councils a duty to arrange advocates. This is an independent person who can support people who do not have anyone to represent their wishes.
