Jargon and Acronyms explained
Acronyms
We know that Adult Social Care can sometimes use words, abbreviations and phrases that may be unfamiliar.
This page explains some of the most common terms and acronyms used by Sefton Adult Social Care. If you ever hear a word or abbreviation you do not understand, please ask a member of staff and we will be happy to explain it.
Common Acronyms
AMHP
Approved Mental Health Professional
A specially trained professional who carries out duties under the Mental Health Act.
ASC
Adult Social Care
Services and support that help adults remain safe, independent and well.
CHC
NHS Continuing Healthcare
A package of care arranged and funded entirely by the NHS for adults with complex health needs.
CQC
Care Quality Commission
The organisation that monitors, inspects and regulates health and social care services in England.
DOLS
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Legal protections for people who cannot make decisions about their own care arrangements.
DPA
Deferred Payment Agreement
An arrangement that allows care home costs to be paid later, usually when a property is sold.
DP
Direct Payment
Money paid directly to someone so they can arrange their own care and support.
Integrated Care Board
The NHS organisation responsible for planning and funding local health services.
IMCA
Independent Mental Capacity Advocate
Someone who supports a person who lacks capacity when important decisions need to be made.
IMHA
Independent Mental Health Advocate
Someone who supports people receiving care under mental health legislation.
LPA
Lasting Power of Attorney
A legal document allowing someone to make decisions on another person's behalf if they are unable to do so.
LTC
Long-Term Care
Ongoing help and support for people with long-term illnesses, disabilities or care needs.
MCA
Mental Capacity Act
The law that helps protect people who cannot make certain decisions for themselves.
MDT
Multi-Disciplinary Team
A group of professionals from different services working together to support a person.
OT
Occupational Therapist
A professional who helps people remain independent in everyday activities.
PIP
Personal Independence Payment
A benefit for people with a long-term illness or disability.
POA
Power of Attorney
Legal authority allowing someone to make decisions on behalf of another person.
SAB
Safeguarding Adults Board
A partnership of organisations working together to protect adults at risk of abuse or neglect.
TEC
Technology Enabled Care
Technology that helps people live safely and independently, such as alarms, sensors and remote monitoring.
FOI
Freedom of Information Request
A request for information held by public organisations.
Common Adult Social Care Terms
Advocacy
Support that helps someone understand their options, express their views and make sure their rights are respected.
Assessment
A conversation to understand a person's needs, strengths and circumstances to determine what support may be available.
Best Interests
A principle used when making decisions for someone who cannot make the decision themselves.
Brokerage
The process of finding and arranging the right support and services for someone.
Care Plan
A document that sets out the support and services a person needs.
Client Contribution
The amount a person is required to pay towards their care following a financial assessment.
Consultation
Seeking people's views and feedback to help shape services and decisions.
Direct Payments
Money provided to someone so they can arrange and manage their own care and support.
Eligibility Criteria
The rules used to decide whether someone qualifies for support from Adult Social Care.
First Contact
The first point of contact with Adult Social Care. This may be the team that receives requests for support or the initial conversation about a person's situation.
Outcome Focused
Working towards goals and changes that matter most to the individual.
Personal Budget
The amount of money available to meet a person's eligible care and support needs.
Person-Centred Care
An approach that focuses on what matters to the person, their strengths, wishes and goals.
Reablement
Short-term support to help someone regain confidence and independence after illness, injury or a hospital stay.
Risk Assessment
Looking at possible risks to a person's safety and wellbeing and deciding how they can be reduced.
Safeguarding
Helping to protect adults from abuse, neglect, exploitation or harm.
Capacity
A person's ability to understand information, make decisions and communicate those decisions.
Protected Characteristics
Under the Equality Act 2010, everyone is protected from discrimination because of certain characteristics:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation