Social care includes all forms of personal care and other practical assistance provided for people who, because of age, illness, disability, pregnancy, childbirth, dependence on alcohol or drugs or any other similar circumstances, are in need of such care or other assistance. For the purposes of regulation by the Care Quality Commission, this is care provided for, or mainly for, people over 18 years old in England. We sometimes refer to this as adult social care.

The provision of social work, personal care, protection or social support services to children or adults in need or at risk, or adults with needs arising from illness, disability, old age or poverty.

Any help that you need, such as personal care or practical assistance, to live your life as comfortably and independently as possible, because of age, illness or disability.