Activities of daily living (ADLs)

Activities of daily living (ADLs) refer to essential self-care tasks that people perform daily. These include ambulating (walking, sitting, etc.), personal hygiene, using the toilet, dressing, and eating.

An advance decision, also known as a living will, allows you to refuse specific medical treatment in the future. It’s a legally binding document, ensuring that your family and caregivers follow your wishes if you become unable to communicate them yourself. An advance decision is not the same as asking someone to end your life or assist in doing so; euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in the UK. Life-sustaining treatments, such as ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and antibiotics, can be refused through an advance decision.

An advance statement is a written document that outlines personal preferences for various aspects of life, such as living arrangements and desired care or support. It allows individuals to express their wishes, feelings, and values regarding future care. Unlike a will, which addresses matters after death, an advance statement focuses on how someone would like to live their everyday life while still alive. These statements are especially important for people diagnosed with dementia, as they provide guidance to carers and health professionals on how to treat and support them as the condition progresses.

Assessment of care needs

An assessment of care needs is a process that determines the kind of social care that would meet your care needs. It works out what help or support you need with your care, and how you might get it. The assessment is usually carried out by the social services department of your local council. The purpose of the needs assessment is to identify personal/desired outcomes, existing needs and impact of the needs on individual wellbeing.

A care plan is a document created for a person receiving healthcare, personal care, or other forms of support. It summarises the individual’s health conditions, current treatments, and outlines the care team’s goals for that patient or resident. Care plans help organise care needs, promote holistic thinking, and support physical, psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing.

Care and support plans

A care and support plan is a detailed document specifying your care needs, what goals and outcomes you wish to achieve, how your needs will be met, and the overall cost of meeting your needs.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. It ensures that care services, including hospitals, care homes, dental and general practices, provide safe, effective, compassionate, and high-quality care. The CQC monitors and inspects these services to ensure that they are treating people with dignity, making sure food and drink meets their needs, providing a clean, safe environment and adequately managing the services.

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)

The Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) is the independent regulator of social care and childcare in Wales. Their role includes registering, inspecting, and taking action to improve the quality and safety of services for the wellbeing of the people of Wales.

A caregiver is any person who provides assistance with activities of daily living tasks to another individual. A caregiver can be a family member, a friend or a medical professional. A primary caregiver is the person most responsible for assisting an individual.

End-of-life care refers to the support and medical care provided during the time surrounding a person’s death. It encompasses care for mental and emotional needs, physical comfort, spiritual wellbeing, and practical tasks. This care can extend for days, weeks, or even months before death, depending on the individual’s preferences and health conditions.

Financial needs assessment

A financial assessment, often referred to as a means test, is an evaluation conducted by your local council to determine whether they will contribute toward your care and support or if you should pay for it yourself. If you’re assessed as needing to pay for all your own care, you’re referred to as a self-funder. During the financial assessment, the council considers factors such as your earnings, pensions, benefits, savings, and property. They won’t include the value of your possessions or life insurance policies, but intentionally reducing your wealth before the assessment may affect the assistance you receive. If you qualify for council help, you’ll be offered a personal budget, which can be provided through direct payments or organized care with regular bills. If you don’t qualify, you’ll be expected to cover the full cost of your care.

General nursing care, often referred to as nursing home, involves providing specialised support and assistance to individuals assessed as needing care delivered by qualified nurses. Similar to residential homes, these facilities offer accommodation, meals, and additional expert care from nursing professionals. More about our nursing care

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legally binding document that grants someone else (the attorney-in-fact or agent) the authority to act on your behalf. In this document, you name an attorney-in-fact (or agent) in this document, specifying the authority you’re transferring. A POA can provide broad powers or limit the agent’s actions - such as making decisions about your medical care or managing your estate if you become incapacitated. More about Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Local authority funding

Local authority funding refers to financial support provided by the local council to cover the cost of care. If you have savings below a certain threshold, the council may fully fund your care. However, if your savings exceed this limit, you’ll be considered self-funded, meaning you’ll pay the total cost of your care.

NHS continuing healthcare (CHC)

NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) refers to an ongoing package of health and social care arranged and funded solely by the National Health Service (NHS). It is specifically for individuals aged 18 or over who have a primary health need arising from disability, accident, or illness. Unlike local authority support, NHS CHC is free, and eligibility isn’t tied to a specific diagnosis or care provider.

NHS-funded nursing care (FNC)

Receiving NHS-funded nursing care refers to a type of care home funding where the NHS will cover any fees related to the nursing or medical care you receive from a registered nurse during your stay. Depending on your circumstances, this could be anything from planning your nursing care to carrying out specific tasks. FNC is not means tested, so your income and savings have no bearing on whether you can get it or not and it does not matter if you are a self-funder or if your local authority is paying for your care. You should be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare before a decision is made about whether you are eligible for NHS-funded nursing care.

Nursing dementia care

Nursing dementia care provides support for individuals with complex healthcare needs, which may be associated to their dementia diagnosis. Nurses play a crucial role by offering empathy, attentive listening, and addressing specific healthcare requirements. This includes ensuring residents receive proper fluids and nutrition, as well as adapting communication methods for those with short-term memory issues. More about our dementia care

Palliative care is a specialised form of care that provides symptom relief, comfort, and support to individuals living with serious illnesses. It focuses on improving quality of life, managing symptoms, and addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Unlike hospice care, which is often associated with end-of-life situations, palliative care can benefit people of any age and at any stage of a serious illness. More about our palliative care

Relationship-centred care

Relationship-centered care is a personalised and collaborative approach to forming and maintaining important relationships. At MHA, a web of connections exists between our team, residents, families, and the local community. These connections facilitate effective information exchange and are crucial for maintaining a high quality of life on a daily basis. Relationship-centered care emphasises recognising residents’ needs and wishes as essential, fostering a partnership approach built on strong and positive relationships.

Residential care, often referred to as care homes, offers accommodation, meals, and personal care assistance for individuals needing either short-term breaks or long-term care. Unlike nursing homes, residential care homes may not always employ nurses or other medically qualified staff to handle complex medical needs. If a resident’s requirements change and they require medical support, transitioning to a nursing home may be necessary. More about our residential care

Residential dementia care

Residential dementia care typically refers to care provided in a non-nurse-led environment where residents living with dementia do not require continuous clinical oversight. While they receive support from primary services like GPs and district nurses when needed for both physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, the focus is on creating a safe environment with 24-hour supervision for individuals with dementia. More about our dementia care

Respite care, also known as short-term or short-stay care, is a temporary living arrangement for residents within one of our care homes across England and Wales. It gives both carers, and those being cared for, a bit of time off and a chance to recharge their batteries. More about our respite care

Retirement housing (incl sheltered housing)

Retirement housing, sometimes called sheltered housing/accommodation, refers to tailored living arrangements designed for older adults who want to maintain independence while having access to support and amenities. These accommodations typically offer self-contained apartments or cottages, allowing residents to live independently. Sometimes, they also provide communal facilities and social activities. Residents benefit from a sense of community and can engage in social interactions. Some sheltered accommodations may also offer additional services such as housekeeping, meals, and assistance with daily tasks. More about our retirement housing

Retirement housing with care (incl assisted living and extra care housing)

Retirement housing with care, also known as retirement communities, encompasses various types of living arrangements designed for older adults. This includes: Assisted living : These communities provide a balance of independence and support. Residents live independently but receive assistance with daily tasks like medication management, meal preparation, and dressing. Extra care housing : This type of housing offers self-contained apartments with on-site care services. It’s suitable for older adults who want to maintain their independence while having access to support when needed. More about our retirement housing with care

Section 117 aftercare

Section 117 aftercare refers to the free help and support provided to individuals after they leave hospital following detention under specific sections of the Mental Health Act 1983. This aftercare aims to reduce the risk of relapse and readmission. It encompasses various services, such as healthcare, social care, and supported accommodation.

Self-funded care refers to individuals who cover the full cost of their care without financial assistance from the local council. If you have savings or assets above a certain threshold, you’re considered a self-funder.

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Help and advice

Glossary of key terms

6 June 2024 9 minutes

A 12-week property disregard refers to the initial 12 weeks of someone receiving residential care funded by the local authority. During this period, the value of their property isn’t counted in the financial assessment, allowing the local authority to cover the care costs. If eligible, individuals can use this time to decide how their property will contribute to future care home expenses.

12-week property disregard

Activities of daily living (ADLs)

Advance decision

Advance statement

Assessment of care needs

Care plan

Care and support plans

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)

Caregiver

End-of-life care

Financial needs assessment

General nursing care