8. Social Care

The Adult Social Care Theme of the WM ARC leads research studies of importance to people who access social care services and those who plan and deliver social care services. This includes local authorities, independent social care providers, and voluntary and community organisations. The Theme supports other research themes within the WM ARC to undertake projects that are relevant to social care through providing expertise and guidance.

Our key partners include: ADASS WM, WM Social Work Teaching Partnership, SCIE, Research in Practice and Skills for Care.

Social care services have been defined by the National Institute for Health Research as the provision of personal and practical care and support that people may need because of their age, illness, cognition, disability or other circumstances. It also includes support for family members or other unpaid carers. Important aims are to help people remain independent, retain their dignity and achieve a better quality of life. Another important aim is to safeguard vulnerable individuals from abuse and neglect.

Care and support are provided in a number of settings: in residential and nursing homes, in people’s own homes (domiciliary or ‘home’ care) and in other community settings such as day centres. There are also various accommodation settings, such as sheltered housing, extra-care housing, supported living and Shared Lives schemes. Social workers and other staff carry out assessments, provide information and coordinate activities to back up this service provision.