A family guide to accessing adult social care for a loved one

July 2, 2026

Realising a loved one may need adult social care can feel like a big step for families and carers. You may be unsure where to begin, who to speak to or what support is available.

This guide explains the first steps involved, from arranging assessments to exploring support options, so that you can move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

Understanding adult social care

Adult social care is support that helps adults live safely, confidently and as independently as possible. Support is tailored to the individual and may help with everyday tasks, communication, social activities or managing health needs.

Adult social care can look different for everyone. Some people may benefit from supported living or a residential home, while others may receive outreach or day support within their local community. The right support should always reflect the person’s needs, goals, interests and the life they want to live.

Signs your loved one may need adult social care support

Every person’s situation is different, and the need for extra support doesn’t always happen suddenly. For some families, challenges may build gradually over time, while others may notice more immediate changes in their loved one’s wellbeing, safety or independence.

Signs someone may benefit from adult social care can include:

Struggling with everyday tasks at home
Increased safety concerns
Feeling isolated or withdrawn
Changes in physical or mental health
Needing more support with communication or daily routines
Family carers feeling overwhelmed by increasing support needs

Seeking support isn’t about taking independence away from someone. In many cases, the right support can help people build confidence, develop skills and live a happier, more meaningful life.

Starting the adult social care journey

Taking the first step towards adult social care can feel overwhelming for families and carers, especially if you’re unsure how the process works or what help you can access.

In many cases, the journey begins with a conversation about the person’s daily life and the type of support that helps them to live more independently.

At Achieve together, we assist families through these early stages by answering questions, listening to concerns and helping them understand the options available.

Depending on the situation, this may also involve working alongside local authorities, healthcare professionals and existing support networks to help people access the right help for their goals and future aspirations.

Types of adult social care: what are your options?

Adult social care support is not the same for everyone. The right option will depend on the person’s needs, level of independence, communication, health and the type of environment where they feel most comfortable and supported.

Some people may benefit from supported living, where they can live more independently while still receiving tailored support with day-to-day life. Others may feel more suited to a residential home, where support is available in a more structured setting.

Outreach and community support can also help people remain in their own homes while accessing additional support with daily routines.

At Achieve together, we support people with a wide range of needs, including:

The focus is always on helping people build confidence, develop life skills and live happy, meaningful lives with the right support around them.

Having an adult social care assessment

An adult social care assessment helps build a clearer picture of the person’s needs, strengths, routines and the type of support that may help them live safely and as independently as possible.

The assessment is usually carried out by the local authority and involves conversations with the person needing support, as well as family members or carers where appropriate.

During the assessment, professionals may ask about:

Daily routines and personal care needs, such as washing, dressing and preparing meals
Communication and social interaction
Physical or mental health needs
Safety and wellbeing at home
Relationships, hobbies and interests
Goals around independence and quality of life

The process should always focus on the individual, their preferences and the life they want to live. Families should feel able to ask questions, share concerns and stay involved throughout the conversation and decision-making process.

Accessing funding and financial assessments

Understanding funding for adult social care can feel confusing at first, especially for families navigating the process for the first time.

Depending on the person’s circumstances, support may be funded by the local authority, through NHS funding or privately. In many cases, the local authority will carry out a financial assessment to understand what funding or contributions may apply.

Some people may also be eligible for a personal budget or direct payment. A personal budget is funding provided to help meet agreed care and support needs, giving people more choice and flexibility around how their support is arranged. This funding can sometimes be managed by the person receiving support or someone they trust.

At Achieve together, we support people and families to understand their options and make the most of the funding available to them. We help people access support that reflects what matters most to them, while providing guidance throughout the process.

What families should look for in an adult social care provider

Choosing an adult social care provider is an important decision for families, and it is natural to want reassurance that your loved one will feel safe, respected and supported. Alongside practical considerations, it can help to look at how a provider supports independence and everyday wellbeing.

When exploring support options, families may want to consider:

A welcoming and homely environment
Respectful and compassionate team members
Personalised support plans
Opportunities for independence and skill development
Community involvement and meaningful activities
Clear and open communication with families
Experience supporting people with similar needs
Choice and involvement in decision-making
Support during transitions and life changes

The right provider should help people feel valued and empowered to live happy, healthy and meaningful lives, while also helping families feel informed and confident throughout the journey.

Helping your loved one through the transition

Moving into adult social care can be a significant change for both the person receiving support and their family. It is completely normal for families to experience a mix of emotions during this time, including uncertainty, worry or relief.

Taking the process step by step can help make the transition feel more manageable. Open conversations, familiar routines and involving your loved one in decisions where possible can all help build trust and confidence. Transitions take time, but with the right support, many people build new skills and enjoy greater independence and opportunities in everyday life.

Supporting families and loved ones at Achieve together

At Achieve together, we work closely with families, professionals and people we support to provide personalised care that helps young people and adults across the UK to live happy, healthy, and meaningful lives.

Whether you’re exploring support for the first time or planning for the future, our team is here to guide you through the options available and help you find the right support for your loved one.

Find adult social care support with Achieve together, or contact us for more information:

Need help finding the right support? We're here for you.