Social care resources

Pre-written questions, trusted organisations, and key terms — everything you need to start navigating social care.

Ask SpektraCare

Click any question to start a conversation.

Information and advice for older people on care, benefits, and staying independent.

Support, information, and a helpline for unpaid carers across the UK.

Free, independent advice on social care rights, benefits, and local services.

Evidence-based practice guides and resources for social care professionals.

Find and compare registered care providers and read inspection reports.

Guides on paying for care, finding care homes, and understanding your options.

Mental health information, support, and advocacy services.

The official statutory guidance for the Care Act 2014.

Common social care terms explained in plain English.

Needs assessment: A council assessment to determine what care and support a person needs. Anyone can request one.
Financial assessment: A means test to decide how much a person should contribute towards their care costs.
Eligibility criteria: The national minimum threshold of needs that a council must meet under the Care Act.
Direct payment: Money from the council given directly to a person so they can arrange their own care.
Personal budget: The amount of money a council allocates to meet a person's eligible care needs.
Continuing Healthcare (CHC): NHS-funded care for people with a primary health need. Free at the point of use.
DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards): Legal protections for people in care homes or hospitals who lack capacity to consent to their care arrangements.
Section 42 enquiry: A safeguarding enquiry that the council must carry out when an adult with care needs is at risk of abuse or neglect.
Carer's assessment: An assessment of an unpaid carer's own needs, separate from the person they care for.
Best interests decision: Under the Mental Capacity Act, a decision made on behalf of someone who lacks capacity, considering their wishes and feelings.

Ask SpektraCare — get guidance grounded in law, explained in plain English.