Adult Social Care is here to support people aged 18 and over to live safely, independently, and well within their community. Every local authority, including Sefton Council, has a responsibility to provide this support to residents who may need extra help in their daily lives.

In 2014, the Care Act introduced a national framework to make Adult Social Care across England more consistent, fair, and focused on people’s wellbeing. This means support is personalised—shaped around you, your strengths, your goals, and the networks you already have around you. No two people are the same, so the support offered will look different for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adult Social Care?

It is support for adults who may need help because of age, disability, illness, or mental health. It helps you stay independent, safe, and connected to your community.

What is a Social Worker?

A social worker is a trained professional who supports you to stay safe, improve your wellbeing, and live as independently as possible.

You can also view our easy-read guide for a simpler explanation.

How do I get support?

You can contact your local council to ask for help. They will arrange a care needs assessment to understand your situation.

For Sefton residents, visit our How to get an assessment page.

What happens in an assessment?

A social worker or assessor will have a friendly conversation with you about your daily life, your health, and what matters most to you.

This helps us understand what support might be right for you.

Will I have to pay?

This depends on your finances.

The council will complete a financial assessment to see if you need to contribute to your care.

See our Paying for Care pages for more information.

What support can I get?

Support is personalised and may include:

• Help at home
• Day services
• Residential or nursing care
• Short breaks
• Equipment or home adaptations

Your assessment will help decide what is right for you.

Can I choose my care provider?

Yes. You have the right to choose your provider.

We can support you with information and advice to find the right fit.

You can also watch our short video on What to expect from Adult Social Care.

How do I make a complaint?

If you are unhappy with your care, you can speak to your provider first.

If things are not resolved, you can contact the council’s complaints team.

Visit our Compliments, Comments and Complaints pages for more information.

What is a personal budget?

A personal budget is the amount of money allocated to meet your care needs.

It gives you more choice and control over how your support is arranged.

How often is my care reviewed?

Your care plan will be checked regularly to make sure it still meets your needs.

You can ask for a review at any time if things change.

What if I am worried about someone?

If you think someone may be at risk of harm, please contact the safeguarding team straight away.

Visit our Adult Safeguarding pages for advice and how to report concerns.

Your rights

When you receive Adult Social Care, you have important rights. These are protected by law to make sure you are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

You have the right to:

• An assessment
  If you may need support, you can ask for an assessment, no matter your financial situation.

• A care and support plan
  You will have a plan that explains what support you will receive and how it will help you.

• A personal budget
  You will know how much is available to meet your needs.

• Choice and control
  You will be involved in decisions about your care.

• Advocacy support
  If you need help to be heard, an independent advocate can support you.

• Be safe (safeguarding)
  You have the right to be protected from abuse or neglect.

• Clear information and advice
  You should receive information in a way that is easy to understand.

• Continuity of care
  If you move to a new area, your care should continue without disruption.

• Make a complaint
  If something isn’t right, you can raise a concern and it must be taken seriously.