The Care Act 2014 summary: All you need to know (2 min read)

The Care Act 2014 is a landmark reform of adult social care in England, aiming to modernize the law and improve the quality of care services.

It replaced a multitude of outdated laws, providing a consolidated legal framework for adult care and support for the first time in 60 years.

The Act places a strong emphasis on the well-being of individuals, making it the heart of decision-making processes in adult care.

It introduced a national eligibility criteria for care and support, ensuring a more consistent approach to determining who is entitled to services.

The Act mandates local authorities to provide preventative services to reduce or delay people's need for care, shifting focus from crisis response to prevention.

It gives individuals the right to a personal budget and direct payment, promoting choice and control over their care and support.

For the first time, carers are given the same recognition and rights as the people they care for, ensuring their needs are also considered and supported.

The Act establishes the legal right to an independent advocate, to help people who have substantial difficulty in being involved in care and support processes.

It introduces Safeguarding Adult Boards and places a duty on local authorities, the NHS, and the police to work together to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect.

The Care Act 2014 represents a significant shift in adult social care, focusing on individual well-being, prevention, and the integration of services, setting a modern standard for care.