Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

Someone employed to provide personal care for people who need help because of sickness, age or disability. They could be employed by the person themselves, by someone acting on the person’s behalf or by a care agency.

A person who is employed to provide care and support to people in their own home. This includes home care workers, personal assistants (who are directly employed by people who use services) and other support workers. Note that a person's own home includes extra care housing, Shared Lives Scheme (formerly Adult Placement Scheme) living arrangements, sheltered housing (such as supported housing or specialist accommodation), supported living and temporary accommodation (such as for people who are homeless).

A person who provides paid support to someone who is ill, having trouble coping or has disabilities, in a variety of settings (including residential homes, supported living settings and day services).

A person who is paid to support someone who is ill, struggling or disabled and could not manage without this help.