The Care Act 2014

What is it and what’s changed?

The Care Act 2014 came into force on 1st April 2015 along with a range of new supporting regulations and a single set of new statutory guidance, which, taken together, describe how the Act should be applied in practice. The aim of the change was to simplify and modernise the system, which had become too complex and to introduce a new charging system.

Care and support has changed to be more consistent across England. The Care Act marks a significant reform of social care services and simplifies the many acts of legislation into one modern law.

If you are in need of care and support or, if you are a carer, it is important to know how these changes will help you.

Care and support is the help some adults need 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

• keeping in touch with friends or family

What has changed?

All councils are legally required to meet a national minimum level of care and support needs. If you are a carer, you will be entitled to an assessment of your needs, irrespective of whether the person you care for has eligible needs.

For the first time, if you, as a carer, have eligible needs of your own, you have the right to support from your council to help you carry on caring and look after your own wellbeing.

The main changes to care and support are:

• a national level of care and support needs across all councils

• councils work together to make sure you don’t have a gap in your care if you move to another area in England

• more help for carers - find out more from your council and Carers Direct

• Deferred Payment agreements extended to all of England (so you shouldn’t have to sell your home in your lifetime to pay for your care)

You could benefit from the changes if you:

• receive care and support

• support someone as a carer

• are planning for future care and support

To find out more about the changes and how you might benefit, visit www.gov.uk/careandsupport

You can also speak to your local council for more information and get advice about your circumstances.