Ask whenever a word is unclear. Good care planning should make it easier, not harder, for the person and family to participate in decisions.
Advocate
An independent person who helps someone understand information, express their wishes and participate in decisions. In some Care Act processes, the council must arrange advocacy when the eligibility conditions are met.
North Yorkshire Council works with Cloverleaf Advocacy. Read the council’s advocacy guidance and eligibility information.
Care needs assessment
A free council assessment of how someone manages everyday life and what care and support outcomes or needs may be present. It is separate from the financial assessment.
Care plan
A written plan explaining the person’s needs, preferences, risks, desired outcomes and how support should be delivered. It should be reviewed when needs change.
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It registers and inspects regulated providers and publishes information about them.
Carer’s assessment
An assessment focused on an unpaid carer’s needs and wellbeing. It is different from an employment assessment for a paid care worker.
Continuity of care
Providing familiar, consistent care workers and reliable information so the person does not repeatedly have to explain their routine and preferences.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
A package arranged and funded by the NHS for some adults with a primary health need. Eligibility is assessed and is not based on a diagnosis alone.
Direct payment
Money paid following an agreed eligible care plan so a person can arrange some or all of their agreed support. Financial contributions and record-keeping requirements may apply.
Domiciliary care
Another term for care provided in a person’s own home. It may include personal care, meals, medication support, mobility help, companionship and daily routines.
Double-up care
A visit requiring two care workers, usually because an assessment identifies that two people are needed for safety, moving and handling or another specific task.
Financial assessment
A means-tested council assessment used to work out whether someone must contribute towards eligible social care and how much. Rules and thresholds can change.
Live-in care
An arrangement in which a care worker lives in the person’s home and provides agreed support. Working time, breaks, accommodation and backup cover should be explained clearly.
MAR chart
A Medication Administration Record used to document medicine support or administration. Care workers must follow the agreed medication plan and their employer’s procedures.
Moving and handling
Supporting a person to move safely, sometimes using assessed techniques or equipment. The right method should come from an appropriate assessment rather than guesswork.
Overnight care
Support during the night. A sleeping-night arrangement and waking-night care are different services, so ask what is included and what happens if needs increase.
Personal care
Support with private daily activities such as washing, dressing, continence care and oral care. It should protect dignity, privacy, choice and independence.
Personal budget
The amount the council calculates is available to meet eligible needs in an agreed care and support plan. It is not necessarily the same as a direct payment.
Person-centred care
Care planned around the individual’s wishes, strengths, routines, culture, relationships and outcomes rather than treating everyone in the same way.
Reablement
Short-term support intended to help someone regain skills and independence, often after illness, injury or hospital. It differs from an indefinite home-care package.
Respite care
Planned short-term support that gives an unpaid carer a break while the person continues to receive appropriate care.
Safeguarding
Work to protect an adult’s right to live safely and free from abuse or neglect. Immediate danger should be reported through the appropriate emergency route.
Service user
A term sometimes used for a person receiving care or support. Many people and organisations prefer “person receiving care” or the individual’s name.
Waking night
An overnight service where a care worker remains awake to provide agreed support. This differs from sleeping-night support.