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Jargon and Acronyms explained

Jargon and Acronyms explained

Acronyms

In Adult Social Care, we work hard to make sure that we explain things fully and clearly, but below there is a list of acronyms and jargon words explained to help you understand some for the most common phrases and acronyms used. 

  1. ASC - (Adult Social Care): Services and support for adults who need extra help to manage their lives and be independent.
  2. DPA (Direct Payments Agreement): An arrangement where individuals receive funds directly to manage their own care services 
  3. LTC (Long-Term Care): Services that provide medical and non-medical support to individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities 
  4. PIP (Personal Independence Payment): A benefit for individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities to help with extra costs 
  5. SOVA (Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults): Procedures and measures to protect adults at risk from abuse or neglect 
  6. CQC (Care Quality Commission): The regulatory body that inspects and monitors health and social care services in the UK 
  7. OT (Occupational Therapy): A type of therapy that helps individuals develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills 
  8. DOLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards): Legal measures to protect individuals who cannot consent to their care arrangements, ensuring their rights are upheld 
  9. LPA - (Lasting Power of Attorney): A legal document that allows someone to make decisions on behalf of another person if they become unable to do so.
  10. MCA - (Mental Capacity Act): Legislation that provides a framework for making decisions on behalf of individuals who lack the capacity to make decisions themselves.
  11. DPA - (Deferred Payment Agreement): An arrangement allowing individuals to delay paying for care costs until a later date.
  12. AMHP - (Approved Mental Health Professional): Professionals who carry out functions under the Mental Health Act, including applications for the detention of individuals in hospitals.
  13. ICB- (Integrated Care Board): Is a statutory NHS organisation responsible for planning and funding health services for a specific local population within an Integrated Care System (ICS).
  14. MDT - (Multi-Disciplinary Team): A group of professionals from different disciplines (e.g., social workers, doctors, nurses) who work together to provide comprehensive care and support 
  15. TEC- (Technology Enabled Care): Involves using digital tools and software solutions, such as telehealth and remote monitoring, to deliver and enhance healthcare services, making them more accessible, efficient, and convenient for patients and providers.
  16. FOI-(Freedom of Information Request) is a written request for access to non-confidential information held by public authorities about their services and operations.
  17. CHC- (NHS Continuing Health Care funding) : is a package if care arranged and funded solely by the NHS for Adults with long term complex health needs.

  18. IMCA - (Independent Mental Capacity Advocate) :a professional who supports individuals lacking the capacity to make certain important decisions, ensuring their rights and interests are protected.

  19. IMHA - (Independent Mental Health Advocacy) : provides support to individuals detained under the Mental Health Act, helping them understand their rights and participate in decisions about their care and treatment.

  20. POA - (Power of Attorney): is a legal document that allows someone to appoint another person to make decisions on their behalf regarding finances, health, and personal matters.

  21. SAB - (Safeguarding Adults Board): is a multi-agency body that ensures local safeguarding arrangements are in place to protect adults with care and support needs from abuse and neglect.

These acronyms are frequently used in the field and understanding them can help navigate the complexities of adult social care. If you ever need further clarity or explanation whilst talking to a Sefton member of the team please just ask, we will be happy to help.

Jargon

  1. Assessment: The process of gathering information to understand an individual's needs, strengths, and circumstances to develop an appropriate care plan 
  2. Care Plan: A detailed plan created after an assessment, outlining the support and services an individual requires to meet their needs and improve their quality of life 
  3. Safeguarding: Measures and actions taken to protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation 
  4. Capacity: The ability of an individual to understand, make, and communicate decisions about their own care and treatment 
  5. Best Interests: A principle used to make decisions on behalf of individuals who lack capacity, ensuring that any action taken is in their best interest 
  6. Direct Payments: Funds provided directly to individuals, allowing them to arrange and pay for their own care services, giving them more control and flexibility 
  7. Re-ablement: Short-term support aimed at helping individuals regain independence and confidence after an illness or hospital stay 
  8. Person-Centered Care: An approach to care that respects and values the individuality of the person, focusing on their personal needs, preferences, and values 
  9. Advocacy: Support provided to individuals to help them express their views, secure their rights, and obtain the services they nee 
  10. Eligibility Criteria: The standards used to determine whether an individual qualifies for social care services based on their needs and circumstance 
  11. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS): Legal measures to protect individuals who cannot consent to their care arrangements, ensuring their rights are upheld 
  12. Personal Budget: The amount of money allocated to an individual to meet their assessed care needs, which can be managed by the person, their family, or the local authority 
  13. Outcome-Focused: An approach that prioritizes achieving specific, positive outcomes for individuals receiving care and support 
  14. Risk Assessment: The process of identifying and evaluating potential risks to an individual's safety and well-being, and developing strategies to manage those risks 
  15. Brokerage :is the process of assessing individual needs, planning, sourcing, and coordinating appropriate services to ensure personalised and efficient support.

  16. Consultation : refers to the process of engaging with individuals, their families, and other stakeholders to gather their views and preferences to inform decisions about care and support services.

  17. Client contribution - refers to the amount individuals are required to pay towards the cost of their care and support services, based on a financial assessment.

  18. First contact - At Sefton Council we have a first contact team. this team consists of Social worker and Occupational therapists, to make sure that when people call for support they reach a multi skilled team to allow them to get the support they need as quickly and efficiently as possible. First Contact is also what we call the initial information gathering conversation that our team has with our residents who contact us for support. 

  19. Protected characteristics- under the Equalities act 2010 every person is protected from being discriminated against based on the following characteristics. 

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Race
  • Disability
  • Religion or belief
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage or civil partnerships
  • Pregnancy and maternity

Last Updated on Wednesday, April 9, 2025

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