Care glossary: 150 UK care and funding terms explained

This glossary explains 150 words and abbreviations families meet when arranging care for an older or disabled relative in the UK, from capital limits and tariff income to DoLS, CHC and ReSPECT forms. Each entry gives a short plain-English meaning, the current 2026/27 figure where one defines the term, and a link to our fuller guide. Definitions describe the rules in England unless marked; terms that apply only in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland are labelled with the nation in the heading.

In short

• England’s care means test uses an upper capital limit of £23,250 and a lower limit of £14,250 in 2026/27, with tariff income of £1 a week per £250 in between.
• Scotland’s limits are £36,750 and £22,750, Wales uses a single £50,000 care home limit, and Ireland’s Fair Deal takes 80% of income and 7.5% of assets a year.
• NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) and NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) are not means-tested; council-arranged care is.
• Lasting powers of attorney work in England and Wales; Northern Ireland still uses enduring powers of attorney, and Scotland has continuing and welfare powers of attorney.
• DoLS remain the legal process for depriving someone of liberty in a care home; the planned Liberty Protection Safeguards are not in force.

Jump to a letter

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

A

Activities of daily living (ADLs)

Everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, using the toilet, eating and moving around the home. Assessors look at which of these someone cannot manage safely to judge how much care they need. See what counts as personal care.

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) — Scotland

Scotland’s replacement for PIP for people from 16 to State Pension age, paid by Social Security Scotland. It has a daily living and a mobility component and is not means-tested.

Adult Support and Protection — Scotland

Scotland’s adult safeguarding system under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. Councils must inquire when an adult at risk may be harmed and can apply for protection orders.

Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 — Scotland

Scotland’s main mental capacity law. It covers continuing and welfare powers of attorney, guardianship and medical treatment for adults who cannot decide for themselves, in place of England’s Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Advance care planning

Conversations, usually with a GP or nurse, about the care and treatment someone would want if they became seriously ill or could not speak for themselves. The result may be written down as an advance statement, a ReSPECT form or an advance decision.

Advance decision to refuse treatment (ADRT)

A decision made in advance by an adult with capacity to refuse a specific medical treatment if they later lose capacity. To refuse life-sustaining treatment it must be written, signed, witnessed and say it applies even if life is at risk (Mental Capacity Act 2005, section 25). See DNACPR and advance decisions.

Advocacy (independent advocate)

Support from an independent person to help someone understand their options and have their say. Under the Care Act 2014 the council must provide an advocate during assessments, planning and safeguarding if the person would have substantial difficulty taking part and has no suitable friend or relative to help.

Ancillary State Support (nursing home loan) — Ireland

An optional part of Ireland’s Fair Deal scheme. The HSE pays the share of nursing home fees based on land or property, and the amount is repaid later, usually from the estate after death. See the nursing home loan explained.

Annual review

A check, usually once a year, that a person’s care and support plan still meets their needs. Under the Care Act 2014 the council should review plans at least every 12 months, and sooner if needs change or the person or family ask.

Appointee

Someone the DWP authorises to manage another person’s benefits when that person cannot manage them. An appointee can deal only with benefits, not bank accounts or property, for which a power of attorney or deputyship is needed.

Attendance Allowance (AA)

A tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of illness or disability. It pays £76.70 (lower) or £114.60 (higher) a week in 2026/27 and is not means-tested. See our Attendance Allowance guide or try the Attendance Allowance checker.

B

Behaviour that challenges

Actions such as shouting, pacing, refusing care or hitting out, often in dementia, that may signal pain, fear or unmet needs. Good care looks for the cause before medication. See aggression and agitation in dementia.

Best interests

The test anyone must use when deciding for a person who lacks capacity (Mental Capacity Act 2005, section 4). It means weighing the person’s past and present wishes, beliefs and values, consulting family and carers, and choosing the least restrictive option.

Blue Badge

A parking permit for people with severe mobility problems or hidden disabilities such as dementia. Councils issue it and fees differ between the four nations. See Blue Badge and Motability.

C

Capacity (mental capacity)

The ability to make a particular decision at the time it needs to be made. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 a person lacks capacity only if, because of an impairment of the mind or brain, they cannot understand, retain, weigh up the information or communicate a decision. See how capacity is assessed.

Capital

Savings, investments, shares, cash and property (including the home in some situations) counted in a financial assessment. Some capital is disregarded, such as the home while a partner still lives there.

Capital limits

The thresholds in the care means test. In England for 2026/27, anyone with more than £23,250 pays in full, capital under £14,250 is ignored, and tariff income applies in between. Scotland’s limits are £36,750 and £22,750; in Wales the care home limit is £50,000. Check yours with the funding checker.

Care Act 2014

The main law on adult social care in England. It sets out the council’s duties to assess needs, support carers, meet eligible needs, charge fairly and protect adults from abuse. See your rights under the Care Act.

Care and support plan

The written plan the council agrees with the person after a needs assessment (Care Act 2014, section 25). It lists the eligible needs, how they will be met, the personal budget and any direct payments.

Care and Support Statutory Guidance

The Government guidance councils in England must follow when applying the Care Act 2014. Its annexes cover charging, deferred payments and top-ups, so its paragraph numbers are often quoted in complaints and appeals.

Care cap

A planned lifetime limit on what anyone in England would pay towards personal care. It was delayed and then cancelled, so it is not in force and there is no cap on care costs. See what happened to the care cap.

Care home

A home providing accommodation with personal care, and sometimes nursing care, around the clock. Care homes are either residential homes or nursing homes, and some are registered for both. Compare care home costs in England.

Care home contract

The agreement setting out fees, what they include, notice periods and how fees can rise. Consumer law means terms must be fair and clear. See care home contracts explained.

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)

The regulator of social care services in Wales, including care homes and domiciliary support services. It registers providers, inspects them and publishes reports.

Care Inspectorate — Scotland

The body that registers and inspects care services in Scotland, including care homes and care at home, and grades them on a six-point scale.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It registers and inspects care homes and home care agencies and rates them Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement or Inadequate. See CQC ratings explained.

Carer (unpaid carer)

Anyone who looks after a relative, partner or friend who could not manage without their help, without being paid as a care worker. Carers have their own legal right to an assessment.

Carer element (Universal Credit)

An extra £209.34 a month in Universal Credit in 2026/27 for someone caring for at least 35 hours a week for a person on a qualifying disability benefit. See the Universal Credit carer element.

Carer premium (carer addition)

An extra amount added to means-tested benefits for someone who gets, or is entitled to, Carer’s Allowance. It is £48.15 a week in 2026/27, and Pension Credit pays the same sum as an additional amount for carers.

Carer Support Payment — Scotland

Scotland’s replacement for Carer’s Allowance, paid by Social Security Scotland at the same weekly rate. Unlike Carer’s Allowance, some carers in full-time education can claim it. See Carer Support Payment.

Carer’s Allowance

A benefit of £86.45 a week in 2026/27 for people who care for someone at least 35 hours a week, where the person cared for gets a qualifying disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance. Earnings must be no more than £204 a week after allowable deductions. See our Carer’s Allowance guide.

Carer’s Allowance — Ireland

A means-tested weekly payment in Ireland for people providing full-time care to someone who needs it. It is a different scheme from the UK benefit of the same name. See Carer’s Allowance in Ireland.

Carer’s assessment

An assessment of an unpaid carer’s own needs, which the council must offer to any carer who appears to need support (Care Act 2014, section 10). It can lead to help such as respite, equipment or a direct payment. See how to get a carer’s assessment.

Carer’s Credit

A National Insurance credit for people caring for 20 hours or more a week who do not get Carer’s Allowance. It protects their State Pension record. See Carer’s Credit.

Carer’s leave

A right for employees in England, Wales and Scotland to up to one week of unpaid leave every 12 months to care for a dependant, from the first day in a job (Carer’s Leave Act 2023). See carer’s leave and young carers.

Checklist (CHC Checklist)

A short screening tool used by a nurse, social worker or other professional to decide whether someone should have a full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare. A positive checklist does not mean someone is eligible, only that they will be fully assessed. Try the CHC checker.

Choice of accommodation

The right of someone whose care home place is arranged by the council to choose a home, as long as it is suitable, has a place and costs no more than their personal budget unless someone pays a top-up. The council must offer at least one affordable option.

Community equipment

Aids such as hoists, commodes, grab rails and special beds lent by the council or NHS after an assessment. In England, equipment and minor adaptations costing £1,000 or less must be provided free when they meet eligible needs. See free equipment and OT assessments.

Continence service

An NHS service, usually run by specialist nurses, that assesses bladder and bowel problems and may supply pads and other products free if eligible. See free NHS incontinence products.

Continuing power of attorney — Scotland

Scotland’s power of attorney for money and property, made under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland). See power of attorney in Scotland.

Convalescent care

A short stay, usually in a care home, to recover after illness, surgery or a hospital stay before returning home. See convalescent care.

Council rate (usual cost)

The weekly amount a council will pay for a care home place or an hour of home care for someone it supports. Fees above it usually need a top-up. See council care rates.

Court of Protection

The court in England and Wales that decides on matters for people who lack mental capacity, including appointing deputies, settling disputes and authorising some deprivations of liberty. See Court of Protection deputyship.

D

Day centre (day services)

A place where older or disabled people spend part of the day for activities, meals and company, often with transport. It gives families a regular break and may be arranged by the council after an assessment.

Decision Support Tool (DST)

The form used in a full NHS continuing healthcare assessment. A multidisciplinary team scores needs across 12 care domains, such as behaviour, cognition and mobility, to recommend whether there is a primary health need. See how to appeal a CHC decision.

Deferred payment agreement (DPA)

An arrangement in which the council pays care home fees and recovers them later, usually when the home is sold, so it need not be sold during the person’s lifetime. Interest and admin charges apply. See deferred payment agreements explained.

Delirium

A sudden state of confusion, often caused by infection, dehydration, constipation, medicines or surgery. It comes on over hours or days, unlike dementia, and needs prompt medical attention. See delirium and UTIs in older people.

Dementia

A group of symptoms caused by diseases that damage the brain, affecting memory, thinking, communication and behaviour, and getting worse over time. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause. See types of dementia.

Deprivation of assets

Giving away or using up money or property on purpose to avoid care charges. If the council decides this has happened, it can treat the person as still owning it. There is no time limit, unlike the 7-year rule for Inheritance Tax. See deprivation of assets.

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

The legal process in England and Wales that authorises care which deprives a person who lacks capacity of their liberty in a care home or hospital, such as being kept under constant supervision and not free to leave. The council grants the authorisation (in Wales, the local health board does so for hospital patients). See DoLS in care homes.

Deputy

A person appointed by the Court of Protection to make decisions for someone who lacks capacity and has no valid power of attorney. Most deputies handle property and financial affairs and are supervised by the Office of the Public Guardian. See LPA or deputyship.

Direct payments

Money from the council, in place of services it arranges, so the person can buy their own care, for example by employing a personal assistant. The council must still check the money is used to meet assessed needs. See direct payments and personal budgets.

Disability-related expenditure (DRE)

Extra costs caused by illness or disability, such as heating, laundry or a gardener, that the council should deduct from income in a home care financial assessment. Claiming them can lower the weekly charge. See the home care financial assessment.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

A council grant towards adaptations such as stairlifts, level-access showers or ramps. It is up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and up to £35,000 in Northern Ireland (up to £70,000 in some cases), and is usually means-tested for adults. See the Disabled Facilities Grant.

Discharge to assess (D2A)

The NHS approach of discharging people from hospital as soon as they are medically fit and assessing their longer-term needs at home or in a short-term bed. See care after hospital discharge.

DNACPR (do not attempt CPR)

A clinical decision that CPR should not be tried if a person’s heart or breathing stops. It covers CPR only and all other treatment continues. Blanket decisions for groups of people are unacceptable. See DNACPR decisions.

Domiciliary care (home care)

Paid care visits in a person’s own home to help with washing, dressing, meals and medicines. Agencies that provide personal care must register with the CQC in England. See home care costs.

E

Eligibility criteria (national)

The test councils in England use to decide whether care needs qualify for support. Needs must arise from a physical or mental impairment, mean the person cannot achieve two or more set outcomes, and significantly affect their wellbeing. See preparing for a needs assessment.

EMI (elderly mentally infirm)

An older term still used by some homes for dementia care units or homes registered for people with dementia and mental health needs. See EMI care homes explained.

End of life care

Support for people who are likely to die within the next 12 months, and for their families. It includes managing pain and symptoms and planning where the person wants to be cared for. See end of life care at home.

Enduring power of attorney (EPA)

In England and Wales, an older form of power of attorney made before 1 October 2007; existing ones can still be registered and used. In Northern Ireland, the EPA is still the power of attorney people make now, because lasting powers of attorney are not yet available there. See EPAs in Northern Ireland.

Equity release

A loan or plan that releases money from a home without selling it, sometimes used to pay for care at home. It can affect means-tested benefits and the estate. See equity release for care.

Extra care housing

Self-contained flats, rented or owned, with care staff on site who can provide personal care as needed. Residents keep their own front door, and care is charged separately from rent.

F

Fair Deal (Nursing Homes Support Scheme) — Ireland

Ireland’s scheme for nursing home costs. A single person contributes 80% of assessable income and 7.5% of assets a year above a €36,000 disregard, and the State pays the rest. The home is counted for only 3 years. See the Fair Deal scheme explained.

Fast Track Pathway Tool

A quick route to NHS continuing healthcare for someone with a rapidly deteriorating condition who may be entering a terminal phase. An appropriate clinician completes it and funding should start without a full assessment. See fast-track CHC.

Financial assessment

The council’s check of someone’s income and capital to work out what they must pay towards care. It follows national rules, but councils set some details in their own charging policy. See the home care means test.

Free personal and nursing care — Scotland

In Scotland personal care is free at home for anyone assessed as needing it. In a care home the council pays £260.30 a week towards personal care and £117.10 towards nursing care in 2026/27, whatever the person’s wealth. See paying for care in Scotland.

G

Guardianship order — Scotland

A court order under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 appointing someone to make welfare or financial decisions for an adult who lacks capacity and has no power of attorney. It is Scotland’s nearest equivalent to deputyship.

H

Health and Social Care Trust (HSC Trust) — Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the five area-based Trusts run both health and social care, so they carry out care assessments and arrange home care and care home places in place of councils. See paying for care in Northern Ireland.

Health and welfare LPA

A lasting power of attorney that lets attorneys decide about care, where the donor lives and medical treatment, but only once the donor lacks capacity for that decision. See how to get power of attorney.

HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) — Ireland

The body that registers and inspects nursing homes in Ireland against national standards and publishes inspection reports. See HIQA inspections explained.

Home Support Service (HSE) — Ireland

Help at home with personal care such as washing and dressing, provided or funded by the HSE. It is not means-tested, but hours depend on assessed need and available funding, so waiting lists are common. See HSE home support.

Hospice

A service giving specialist palliative and end of life care, in a building or at home. Most UK hospices are charities and their care is free. See palliative and end of life care.

Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care — Scotland

Scotland’s replacement, since 2015, for NHS continuing care. It asks only whether a person’s needs can be met solely in hospital; if they can be met elsewhere, council charging rules apply. See NHS continuing care in Scotland.

I

Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)

An advocate the NHS or council must appoint under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 when someone lacks capacity and has no family or friend to consult about serious medical treatment or a long-term move, such as into a care home.

Independent Review Panel (IRP)

The panel run by NHS England that reviews a continuing healthcare eligibility decision after the integrated care board’s own review. It makes recommendations to the board. See our CHC appeal letter template.

Individual Service Fund (ISF)

A way of using a personal budget where the council passes the money to a chosen care provider, which manages it with the person. It gives more choice than council-arranged care without the paperwork of direct payments.

Integrated care board (ICB)

The NHS body for an area of England that plans and buys health services. ICBs decide NHS continuing healthcare eligibility and fund FNC and CHC packages.

Intermediate care

Short-term NHS and council services to help someone recover, avoid a hospital admission or leave hospital sooner, at home or in a care home bed. In England it is free for up to six weeks. See six weeks free care after hospital.

J

Jointly owned property

Property owned with someone else. In a financial assessment only the person’s beneficial share counts, valued at what a buyer would pay for that share alone, which may be very little. See jointly owned property and care fees.

K

Key safe

A small locked box fixed outside the home that holds a key, so carers or paramedics can get in. See key safes, alarms and telecare.

L

Lasting power of attorney (LPA)

A legal document in England and Wales letting someone choose people to make decisions for them. There are two types, property and financial affairs and health and welfare, and an LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before use. See what an LPA costs.

Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS)

A planned replacement for DoLS, set out in the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019. As of October 2026 it has not been brought into force, so DoLS still apply, and no start date has been announced.

Live-in care

A carer who lives in the person’s home, usually for one or two weeks at a time, providing support through the day with a sleeping break at night. See what live-in care is and live-in care compared with a care home.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO)

The free, independent service in England that investigates complaints about councils and adult social care providers, including care paid for privately, once the provider’s or council’s own complaints process is finished. See how to complain about a care home.

Lower capital limit

The level of capital below which savings are ignored in the means test: £14,250 in England in 2026/27. Below it, the person pays from income only.

M

Means test

The rules for deciding how much someone pays towards council-arranged care based on their income and capital. In England anyone with more than £23,250 pays in full. Estimate costs with the care cost calculator.

Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA)

The law in England and Wales on decisions for people who may lack capacity. It starts by assuming capacity, requires help to decide, allows unwise decisions, and says anything done for someone without capacity must be in their best interests and least restrictive.

Minimum Income Amount — Wales

The weekly sum a care home resident funded by the council in Wales must keep for personal spending: £46.35 a week. It is the Welsh equivalent of England’s Personal Expenses Allowance. See paying for care in Wales.

Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG)

The amount of weekly income a person receiving council-arranged care at home must be left with after charges. For a single person over Pension Credit age it is £241.45 a week in 2026/27, plus premiums where they apply.

Mobility component

The part of PIP or ADP for people who have difficulty planning journeys or moving around: £30.30 (standard) or £80.00 (enhanced) a week for PIP in 2026/27. Attendance Allowance has no mobility part. See PIP rates.

Multidisciplinary team (MDT)

A group of professionals from different fields, such as a nurse, social worker and occupational therapist, who assess someone together. CHC assessments must be done by an MDT.

N

Needs assessment

The council’s assessment of an adult’s care and support needs, which it must offer to anyone who appears to need care, whatever their money (Care Act 2014, section 9). See how to prepare or our letter to challenge an assessment.

NHS continuing healthcare (CHC)

A package of care fully funded by the NHS for adults whose needs are mainly health needs, called a primary health need. It is not means-tested and can be provided at home or in a care home. See CHC at home and CHC and dementia.

NHS-funded nursing care (FNC)

A weekly NHS payment made direct to a nursing home towards the cost of care from registered nurses, for residents who need it and do not get CHC. It is not means-tested. See NHS-funded nursing care and the current FNC rates.

NIPSO (Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman)

The ombudsman for complaints about health and social care in Northern Ireland, including HSC Trusts and care homes, after the provider’s own complaints process.

Notional capital

Capital a person no longer has but is treated as owning, usually because they deliberately deprived themselves of it, or capital they could get just by applying. It reduces over time under the diminishing notional capital rule.

Nursing home

A care home with registered nurses on duty 24 hours a day, for people with medical needs such as complex wound care or advanced illness. See residential or nursing home.

O

Occupational therapist (OT)

A professional who assesses how someone manages daily tasks and recommends equipment, adaptations or new ways of doing things. Councils and the NHS both employ OTs. See home adaptations.

Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)

The government body in England and Wales that registers lasting and enduring powers of attorney, supervises deputies and investigates concerns about attorneys and deputies. Scotland has its own Office of the Public Guardian.

Ordinary residence

The rule deciding which council is responsible for someone’s care, usually the area where they live by choice. A person placed in a care home elsewhere by their council usually stays that council’s responsibility.

P

Palliative care

Care that relieves pain and other symptoms and supports wellbeing when an illness cannot be cured. It can last months or years and is not only for the final days. See palliative compared with end of life care.

Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) — Scotland

Scotland’s replacement for Attendance Allowance for people over State Pension age, paid by Social Security Scotland at the same two rates. Like Attendance Allowance, it is not means-tested.

Pension Credit

A means-tested benefit that tops up weekly income to £238.00 for a single person or £363.25 for a couple in 2026/27, with extra for carers and severe disability. It also unlocks help such as Council Tax Reduction. See Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit.

Personal alarm

A pendant or wristband with a button that calls a monitoring centre or family member for help, often after a fall. Councils and private firms provide them for a weekly charge.

Personal assistant (PA)

A carer employed directly by the person or family, often paid with direct payments. The employer takes on duties such as pay, tax, pensions and insurance. See agency or private carer.

Personal budget

The amount the council says it will cost to meet someone’s eligible needs, including what the person pays and what the council pays (Care Act 2014, section 26). It can be taken as council-arranged care, direct payments or an ISF.

Personal care

Hands-on help with washing, dressing, toileting, eating and taking medicines. Providing it is a CQC-regulated activity in England. See what is personal care.

Personal Expenses Allowance (PEA)

The weekly amount a care home resident whose care is arranged by the council must keep from their income for personal spending: £31.80 a week in England in 2026/27. Scotland’s PEA is £37.65. See the Personal Expenses Allowance.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

A benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age with a long-term condition. The daily living part is £76.70 or £114.60 a week and the mobility part £30.30 or £80.00 in 2026/27. It is not means-tested. See Attendance Allowance compared with PIP.

Pressure ulcer (bed sore)

Damage to skin and the tissue beneath, caused by pressure over time, usually over bony areas such as heels and the base of the spine. They are graded from category 1 to 4, and many can be prevented by regular repositioning. See bed sores and pressure ulcers.

Primary health need

The test for NHS continuing healthcare: whether the main reason a person needs care is their health. It is judged on the nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability of their needs.

Property and financial affairs LPA

A lasting power of attorney for money and property, such as paying bills, managing bank accounts and selling a home. It can be used while the donor still has capacity, with their permission.

Property disregard (12-week)

The rule that a person’s home is ignored for the first 12 weeks of a permanent care home stay, and indefinitely while a partner, or a relative aged 60 or over or incapacitated, still lives there. See the 12-week property disregard.

Public Service Ombudsman

The ombudsman for complaints about the NHS in England, including CHC decisions and hospital discharge, after the NHS’s own complaints process. It has been known by this name since 1 October 2026 and was formerly called the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; its legal powers are unchanged.

Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW)

The ombudsman for complaints about councils, the NHS and social care providers in Wales.

R

Reablement

Short-term support at home, usually after illness or a hospital stay, to help someone relearn daily tasks and regain independence. In England it is free for up to six weeks. See reablement and what happens after reablement ends.

Residential care home

A care home providing accommodation and personal care, but without nurses on duty. Community nurses visit residents who need nursing tasks. See residential or nursing home.

ReSPECT form

Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment: a form completed with a doctor or nurse that records a person’s priorities and recommendations for emergency treatment, including CPR. It is used in many parts of the UK but is not legally binding.

Respite care

Short-term care that gives an unpaid carer a break, for example a care home stay for a week or two or a sitter at home. See respite care explained and what respite costs.

Retirement housing (sheltered housing)

Flats or bungalows for older people, usually with a warden or alarm system but no personal care on site. See retirement housing compared with care homes.

RQIA (Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority) — Northern Ireland

The independent body that registers and inspects care homes, home care agencies and other health and social care services in Northern Ireland.

S

Safeguarding

Protecting adults with care needs from abuse and neglect, including physical, financial, psychological and sexual abuse and self-neglect. Anyone can report a concern to the council’s adult social care team. See signs of neglect by a carer.

Section 117 aftercare

Free aftercare under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 for people who have been detained under certain sections, such as section 3. It covers services that meet needs arising from the mental disorder, including a care home, and cannot be charged for.

Section 42 enquiry

The enquiry a council in England must make, or ask others to make, when it suspects an adult with care needs is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect and cannot protect themselves (Care Act 2014, section 42).

Self-directed support — Scotland

Scotland’s system for arranging care under the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013. People choose from four options, ranging from a direct payment to council-arranged services.

Self-funder

Someone who pays the full cost of their own care, usually because their capital is above the upper limit. Self-funders can still ask the council for a needs assessment and advice. See self-funding care and the care savings calculator.

Self-neglect

When someone fails to look after their own health, hygiene or surroundings, including hoarding, in a way that puts them at risk. It is a safeguarding concern under the Care Act 2014. See self-neglect.

Severe Disability Premium (SDP)

An extra £86.05 a week in 2026/27 added to means-tested benefits (the severe disability addition in Pension Credit) for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit, lives alone in benefit terms, and has no one paid Carer’s Allowance or the Universal Credit carer element for looking after them.

Severe mental impairment (council tax)

A council tax status for people with conditions such as dementia who get a qualifying benefit. They are ignored when counting adults in the home, and someone who lives alone pays no council tax. See council tax reductions.

Shared Lives

A scheme where an adult who needs support lives with, or regularly visits, an approved carer and their family. Schemes are regulated by the CQC in England and arranged through councils.

Sleeping night

Overnight care in which the carer sleeps in the home and is woken only if needed. It costs less than a waking night. See how much home care is needed.

Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 — Wales

The main law on social care in Wales, in place of England’s Care Act 2014. It covers assessments, carers’ rights, charging and safeguarding.

SPSO (Scottish Public Services Ombudsman)

The ombudsman for complaints about councils, the NHS and social work services in Scotland. Complaints about the quality of a care service can also go to the Care Inspectorate.

State Pension

The weekly pension paid from State Pension age. The full new State Pension is £241.30 a week and the full basic State Pension £184.90 in 2026/27. In a care home it is counted as income in the means test. See State Pension and benefits in a care home.

Sundowning

Increased confusion, restlessness or agitation in the late afternoon and evening, common in dementia. Routine, light and calm surroundings can help. See dementia care at home.

Supported living

Housing where a person has their own tenancy and receives care and support from a separate provider. It is common for younger adults with learning disabilities and is not a care home. See care for younger adults.

T

Tariff income

Assumed weekly income from capital between the lower and upper limits. In England it is £1 a week for every £250, or part of £250, between £14,250 and £23,250.

Telecare

Sensors and alarms in the home, such as fall detectors, bed sensors and smoke alarms, linked to a monitoring centre. See telecare.

Temporary resident

A person in a care home for a short stay, such as respite, with plans to return home. Their home is not counted in the financial assessment, and some housing costs at home can be allowed for.

Top-up (third-party top-up)

The difference between a care home’s fee and the council’s personal budget, paid usually by a relative or friend when the person chooses a more expensive home. It must be agreed in writing with the council. See care home top-up fees.

Trial period

The first weeks of a care home stay, often four to six, during which either side can end the placement on shorter notice. See care home trial periods.

U

Upper capital limit

The level of capital above which a person pays the full cost of care: £23,250 in England in 2026/27. Councils still must assess needs and can arrange care for a self-funder at home on request.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

An infection of the bladder or kidneys. In older people it can cause sudden confusion rather than the usual symptoms, so a change in behaviour should be checked by a GP or 111. See delirium and UTIs.

V

Visiting rights

Since 6 April 2024, care homes in England have had a legal duty to facilitate visits and let residents have a visitor in person. See care home visiting rights.

W

Waking night

Overnight care in which the carer stays awake all night to help with turning, toileting or wandering. It costs more than a sleeping night.

Welfare power of attorney — Scotland

Scotland’s power of attorney for personal and care decisions. It only takes effect once the person lacks capacity to make the decision. See power of attorney in Scotland.

Wellbeing principle

The duty in section 1 of the Care Act 2014 for councils to promote a person’s wellbeing, including dignity, control over daily life and family relationships, in everything they do.

Winter Fuel Payment

A yearly payment towards heating for people over State Pension age in England and Wales, with separate schemes in Scotland and Northern Ireland. See Winter Fuel Payment and Warm Home Discount.

Y

Young carer

A child under 18 who helps look after a family member. In England the council must assess their needs if they appear to need support. See young carers.

Where to go next

If a term on this page has come up in a letter from the council or NHS, our letter templates and checklists can help you reply. To work out what care might cost, start with the funding checker, then read our guides to care home costs and home care costs. Families in Ireland can start at our Ireland hub.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between residential and nursing care?

A residential care home provides accommodation, meals and personal care such as washing and dressing, but has no nurses on duty. A nursing home also has registered nurses on duty 24 hours a day for medical needs. Nursing homes usually cost more, and residents with nursing needs may get NHS-funded nursing care paid direct to the home, which is not means-tested.

What is the difference between NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care?

NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) pays the whole cost of care, at home or in a care home, for someone whose needs are mainly health needs. NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) is a smaller weekly payment towards registered nursing in a nursing home for people who do not qualify for CHC. Neither is means-tested, and everyone should be considered for CHC before FNC.

What is the difference between a personal budget and direct payments?

A personal budget is the amount the council says it will cost to meet someone’s eligible care needs, including any part the person pays. Direct payments are one way of receiving that budget, as money paid to the person or their representative to arrange their own care. The budget can also be spent by the council arranging care or through an Individual Service Fund.

What is the difference between a lasting power of attorney and a deputyship?

A lasting power of attorney is made by a person while they still have mental capacity, choosing who will decide for them later. A deputy is appointed by the Court of Protection after someone has lost capacity without making one. Deputyship usually takes longer, costs more and comes with yearly supervision by the Office of the Public Guardian.

Have Liberty Protection Safeguards replaced DoLS?

No. Liberty Protection Safeguards were set out in the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019, but as of October 2026 they have not been brought into force and no start date has been announced. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards still apply in care homes and hospitals in England and Wales, with the council (or, for hospitals in Wales, the local health board) granting authorisations.

Sources

• Care Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Care and support statutory guidance (GOV.UK)
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 (legislation.gov.uk)
• National Framework for NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care (GOV.UK)
• Attendance Allowance (GOV.UK)
• Carer’s Allowance (GOV.UK)
• Disabled Facilities Grants (GOV.UK)
• Charging for social care (GOV.WALES)
• Charging for Residential Accommodation Guidance 2026 (Renfrewshire Council)
• Fair Deal financial assessment (HSE)
• Mental Health Act 1983, section 117 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019 (legislation.gov.uk)

General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures for 2026/27, checked October 2026.

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 29 October 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.