What is the Care Act?

Overview

The Care Act is a law that sets out how adults in England can get care and support. It also explains the rights of carers. The rules are the same wherever you live in England.

Care and support means help with things like washing, dressing, eating, getting out and about, and staying in touch with friends or family. Most people will pay something towards the cost of their care.

The Care Act is designed to help you plan for the future and have more control over the help you get. Decisions about your care will consider your wellbeing and what matters to you and your family.

What happens next

• You can ask Staffordshire County Council for a needs assessment. This looks at all your care and support needs.
• We offer advice and information on our Adult social care section
• You can find local services and activities on Staffordshire Connects
• We can help you find local support groups, transport, housing, and independent financial advice.
• We can put you in touch with organisations like Citizens advice and the NHS.

For carers

• If you look after someone, you have the same rights as the person you care for.
• You can ask for a carer’s assessment on our carers and family section.
• If you are eligible, you can get help and support for yourself.

Costs

• If you are eligible for financial help, we will need to know about your savings, income, and investments.
• You can ask us to arrange your care, or choose to have a direct payment so you can organise your own support.
• If you pay for your own care, we will help you plan and set up a care account. There is a lifetime limit to the amount you will have to pay (the “cap on care costs”).
• If you need to sell your home to pay for residential or nursing care, you can choose to delay selling until you are ready, or even until after death.

Moving to another area

• The Care Act makes it easier to move to a different council area without losing support.

Contact routes

• Find more information and advice on our Adult social care section
• Or you can find telephone numbers and email addresses for services on our contact us page.