The Care Act came into force in April 2015. It was created to help to make care and support more consistent across the country.
‘Care and support’ is the term we use to describe the help some adults need. This help allows them to live as well as possible with any illness or disability they may have.
It can include help with things like;
- washing,
- dressing,
- eating,
- getting out and about,
- and keeping in touch with friends or family.
If you receive care and support, or help to care for someone, you could benefit from the changes.
What has changed?
The new law is very detailed. You can download some short leaflets below, which explain the main changes:
- For the first time, all councils in England will consider the same national level of care and support needs when we assess what help we can give you.
- Carers may be able to get more help so that they can carry on caring and look after their own wellbeing.
- Deferred payments will be available for people who need to move into permanent, residential care. This means that people should not usually have to sell their home in their lifetime to pay for their care.
Easy read summary of the Care Act in Cornwall
The government has published further Easy Read leaflets about the changes.
(Please be aware that these do not use Photosymbols)
Care Act Part 1
The Care Act is the most fundamental change in legislation relating to the provision of care and support.
The Care Act applies to Cornwall Council as a whole. Including all its directorates. It applies to other public sector organisations; not to Education, Health and Social Care.
The Care Act became law in May 2014 and is being implemented in two parts. The first part started in April 2015 introducing:
- The wellbeing principle and safeguarding as themes running through all aspects of care and support
- More rights for carers to an assessment and support that maybe required
- National Eligibility Criteria for care and support, which has a three stage approach:
- A diagnosed condition
- 2 or more outcomes that are unmet
- Duties on local authorities to provide information and advice. Including signposting to independent financial advice
- A new statutory framework for safeguarding for vulnerable adults
- A new responsibilty for local authorities to provide independent advocacy to adults who may have; difficulties engaging with the assessment care and support planning and also safeguarding
- New arrangements for prevention services
- A duty on local authorities to offer deferred payments for people requiring permanent residential care, and own their own home
These are being implemented.
Work continues to ensure that existing arrangements are meeting the requirements of the Care Act.
There have been some delays in putting in the changes for Part 2.
But, work will continue in making sure that the changes that have been put in place;
- are working and
- meeting the needs of people accessing care and support; and their families.
This will include:
- Ensuring that the wellbeing principle is considered throughout the care and support process
- Reviewing information and advice that is given, and whether any improvements are needed
You can read more detail about the changes in the Department of Health's guide, Care and support: what's changing?
You can also download a series of helpful factsheets and the Government's full guidance and an Easy Read summary.