Who uses social care?

Social care services are used by a wide variety of people for many different reasons. In England, more than 1.5 million people use social services.

People who use social care include those with:

  • a sensory impairment
  • a physical disability
  • a learning disability
  • a terminal illness
  • a mental illness
  • problems connected to ageing
  • alcohol dependency
  • drug dependency

How much people rely on social care services varies a lot:

Some people only need care for a short time, to get them over a difficult patch, or once or twice a week. Other people need full-time care and may use a range of services.

Your stories about social care

You can find out about just some of the people who use social care by reading our real life stories:

Carers

Some services are used by carers. For example, if a carer needs a break or more support.

Finding the right care for you

Whatever your personal situation, finding the right care is important. It will change the way you live now and the quality of your life in the future.

What about children's services?

Since April 2007, social care services for children have been monitored by Ofsted.

Created: 8/27/2008 Last updated: 8/29/2008