Rights to Care for People with Disabilities

In the UK, people with disabilities are entitled to care in line with various rights. This entitlement can lead to a range of support options, as well as funding for care. However, discussion around rights can often seem confusing.

The Rights of People with Disabilities

Firstly, what sets social care apart from healthcare is its focus on assisting people with their daily life. This can include maintaining their independence and protecting them in vulnerable situations. Most healthcare falls under the NHS and is free at the point of entry. Meanwhile, claiming rights to social care begins with a ‘needs assessment.’ Local authorities will do this assessment with you.

If your needs meet the eligibility criteria, there are various kinds of social care support you can claim in light of your particular needs. The local authority should then begin planning your care and support with your input. This could include care at home services for example, or the offer of new accommodation. Throughout all this, you should be involved in the planning process.

In providing this support, the local authority will assess your financial circumstances to decide if you are eligible for funding. In fact, if you choose, you can plan your own care and support entirely yourself, and ask your local authority to provide direct payments to cover its cost.

The rights of people with disabilities include protections from neglect and abuses of any kind, and a demand for local authorities to prevent such things is called its ‘Safeguarding Duties’. These rights also enshrine everybody’s right to a private and family life, whilst protecting them from many forms of discrimination. These rights apply throughout the planning and realisation of your social care.