What is at the core of adult social care? At its heart, it’s about helping people live with dignity, choice, and the right support. This blog explains the key ideas behind adult social care in the UK, including how care is planned, delivered, and shaped around each person’s needs and circumstances.
What Is Person-Centred Care
Person-centred care means planning and delivering support based on what matters to the individual. It recognises that everyone has different needs, preferences, and routines. Care should fit around the person, not the other way round.
Instead of treating everyone the same, this approach focuses on:
- Personal routines, like preferred mealtimes or sleep schedules
- Cultural or religious beliefs that may affect daily life
- Choices about who provides care and how it’s given
- Hobbies, interests, and activities that bring comfort or joy
For example, one person might like a quiet breakfast and a slow start to the day, while another prefers an early walk and a cooked meal at lunchtime. Person-centred care respects both choices.
The Care Act 2014 makes this approach a legal duty. It says care plans must be shaped around the person’s views, not just professional opinions.
Dignity and Respect in Care – More Than Just Words
Treating someone with dignity and respect means recognising their worth, listening to their choices, and supporting their right to live with independence. It’s not just about what is done, but how it’s done.
| What We Do | Why It Matters |
| Knock before entering | Respects personal space |
| Listen without interrupting | Shows that their voice matters |
| Support choices in daily life | Builds confidence and trust |
| Respect privacy during care | Protects dignity in vulnerable moments |
Staff are trained to follow these practices as part of their everyday work. Policies also guide how care is given, so respect isn’t left to chance.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults – Everyone’s Right to Safety
Safeguarding vulnerable adults means protecting people who may be at risk of harm due to age, disability, illness, or care needs. It’s about making sure they are safe, listened to, and treated with respect.
The Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act both set out clear duties around safety and choice.
According to SCIE, six key principles guide all safeguarding. Three of the most important are:
| Principle | Meaning |
| Protection | Acting when someone is in danger |
| Empowerment | Helping people stay in control of their own decisions |
| Prevention | Spotting problems early and stopping them from growing |
In real-life care settings, this means:
- Running DBS checks before anyone starts working
- Having whistleblowing policies so concerns can be raised safely
- Making it easy for staff, families, and individuals to speak up
Community-Based Care – Staying Connected, Staying Independent
Community-based care means getting support while staying in your own home or local area. Instead of moving into a care home, people can get help where they feel most comfortable.
This kind of care includes:
- Day centres that offer social activities and meals
- Supported living for those who want more independence
- Carers who visit at home to help with daily tasks
It can make a big difference. It helps people stay part of their community, keep their routines, and stay close to friends and family. It also supports things like shopping, getting to appointments, and joining local activities.
Staying connected often means staying well, and care should make that possible.
What Do Adult Social Care Services Include?
Adult social care services provide support with everyday tasks that some people find difficult due to age, illness, or disability. This can include:
- Personal care such as washing, dressing, and going to the toilet
- Help with meals, medication, or moving around safely
- Support for people with dementia, mental health needs, or learning disabilities
Some people receive this care in a care home, where staff are available around the clock. Others stay in their own homes and receive visits from carers or use local services.
How to Get Support from Adult Social Care
A care needs assessment helps your local council understand what kind of support you may need with daily life. It’s available to any adult who finds everyday tasks difficult due to age, illness, or disability.
Here’s how it usually works:
- Get in touch with your local council to request an assessment.
- A care worker will speak with you, this might be at home or over the phone.
- They’ll ask about your health, daily routine, and the help you already have.
- Based on what you share, they’ll decide what support could make things easier.
- If support is needed, the council will work with you to create a plan that fits your situation.
For more on this, see what is a care plan in a care home.
Services can vary by location. For example, support in Central London may be different from what’s offered in Essex or East London. Your local authority will explain what’s available in your area.
Conclusion
So, what is at the core of adult social care? It comes down to treating people with respect, listening to what matters to them, and providing the right kind of support to help with daily life. Whether it’s personal care, staying safe, or feeling part of the community, these values guide every part of the process.
Support is available, and there are many ways to get help that fit with how someone wants to live. If you or someone you care for could benefit from extra support, Metro Care UK is here to help you take the next step with confidence.
FAQs
What Are Adult Social Care Services?
Adult social care services provide support for adults who need help with daily living. This includes personal care such as washing, dressing, and using the toilet, help with meals, medication, and mobility, as well as support for conditions like dementia, learning disabilities, and mental health issues. Services may be delivered at home, in supported housing, or in care homes, depending on the person’s needs.
What Does Person-Centred Care Mean?
Person-centred care means putting the individual’s needs and choices at the centre of all decisions. It respects personal routines, cultural or religious beliefs, and preferences about how care is delivered. This approach allows people to stay involved in their own care and maintain as much independence as possible.
Who Qualifies For A Care Needs Assessment?
Anyone aged 18 or over who may need help with everyday tasks because of age, illness, or disability can request a care needs assessment from their local council. The assessment is free and helps identify the type of support someone might need to stay safe and live well.
How Is Dignity Maintained In Care?
Dignity is maintained through respectful behaviour and attention to personal boundaries. This includes knocking before entering rooms, listening without judgment, supporting private decisions, and allowing people to do as much as they can for themselves. Care providers follow training and guidelines to make dignity a part of daily care.
Is Community Care Different From Care Homes?
Yes. Community care refers to services that support people in their own homes or local area. This includes home visits from carers, supported living, or attending day centres. Care homes provide full-time accommodation with round-the-clock support. The right option depends on the level and type of support needed.