A plain-English guide to care words

Arranging care comes with a lot of jargon. Here is what the most common terms mean, in plain English.

Attendance Allowance

A non-means-tested benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision. It can be put towards the cost of care. Read more →

Care needs assessment

A free assessment by the local council's adult social care team to work out what help someone needs. Anyone who appears to need care can ask for one, whatever their savings.

Care plan

A written plan of the help someone needs, how they like things done, their routines and any risks. A good live-in care arrangement starts with one.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. Medicare People currently provides introductory live-in care services. We have submitted our application to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and intend to introduce a fully managed live-in care service following registration.

Companionship care

Support focused on company, conversation, outings and keeping someone active and connected, rather than personal care. Read more →

Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

NHS funding that pays for all of someone's care when their needs are mainly health-related. It is not means-tested. Eligibility is decided by an NHS assessment. Read more →

Deferred payment agreement

An arrangement with the council that lets someone delay selling their home to pay for a care home. The council pays the fees and recovers the money later, usually when the home is sold. Read more →

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

Legal protections for people who lack capacity and are restricted in care homes or hospitals. In someone's own home, similar restrictions need approval from the Court of Protection.

Domiciliary care

Another name for home care: care workers visiting someone at home for set times during the day. Also called visiting or hourly care.

Financial assessment

The council's means test, which looks at income and savings to decide how much someone pays towards their care. In England, people with more than £23,250 in savings and assets usually pay in full. Read more →

Hospital discharge

Leaving hospital, ideally with support arranged in advance. The ward or discharge team plans it with the patient and family. Read more →

Introductory agency

An agency that finds, checks and introduces self-employed carers to families. The family agrees the day-to-day care with the carer directly, and the agency stays in touch to help. This is how Medicare People works today. Read more →

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A legal document that lets someone choose people to make decisions for them if they lose capacity. There are two types: health and welfare, and property and financial affairs.

Live-in care

One carer living in the home, giving one-to-one support day to day, so the person can stay in familiar surroundings. The carer has their own room and daily breaks. Read more →

Managed agency

An agency that employs or directly manages the carers and is registered with the CQC to provide personal care. Medicare People intends to offer managed live-in care after CQC registration. Read more →

Mental Capacity Act

The law in England and Wales about making decisions for people who cannot make a particular decision themselves. Decisions must be made in their best interests and in the least restrictive way.

Moving and handling

Helping someone move safely, for example from bed to chair, using the right technique and equipment such as hoists or standing aids.

Occupational therapist (OT)

A professional who helps people stay independent, often by assessing the home and recommending equipment or adaptations such as grab rails or a stairlift.

Personal care

Help with intimate tasks such as washing, bathing, dressing, using the toilet and continence care.

Reablement

Short-term support, usually after a hospital stay, to help someone regain skills and independence. It is often free for up to six weeks from the council.

Relief carer

A carer who covers while the main live-in carer takes time off, is on holiday or is unwell. Read more →

Respite care

Short-term care that gives a family carer a break, from a few days to a few weeks. Read more →

Safeguarding

Protecting adults at risk from abuse or neglect. Everyone involved in care has a duty to report concerns, usually to the council.

Self-funder

Someone who pays for their own care, either because their savings are above the council limit or because they choose to.

Waking night

A carer who stays awake through the night to give support. Different from a live-in carer, who sleeps at night and may be woken occasionally.