Care Jargon Buster

A

AA — Attendance Allowance

A non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to a disability or illness. Up to £108.55/week in 2025/26. Full guide →

ADL — Activities of Daily Living

The basic tasks of daily life — washing, dressing, eating, toileting, moving around. Used in assessments to determine care needs and benefit eligibility.

Advance Care Plan

A document recording a person's wishes about future care and medical treatment while they have capacity to express them. Not legally binding but should be respected.

ADRT — Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment

A legally binding document under the Mental Capacity Act that allows a person to refuse specific medical treatment in advance, for a time when they may lack capacity. Must be written, signed and witnessed to be valid for refusal of life-sustaining treatment.

AEA — Annual Earnings Allowance (Carer's Allowance)

The net earnings threshold above which Carer's Allowance is not payable. £151/week in 2025/26.

ASD — Autism Spectrum Disorder

A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication and interaction, with a range of presentations. May qualify for PIP or adult social care support.

ASW — Approved Social Worker (now AMHP)

Now known as Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP). A social worker or other professional with specialist training in mental health law, including powers to apply for compulsory detention under the Mental Health Act.

C

CA — Carer's Assessment

A free assessment of an unpaid carer's own needs, rights and ability to continue in their caring role. Available to any carer regardless of how much care they provide. Can lead to respite support, Direct Payments and other help.

CHC — NHS Continuing Healthcare

A package of ongoing care funded fully by the NHS for adults with a primary health need. No means test. Assessed using the Decision Support Tool (DST). Full guide →

COP — Court of Protection

The court that makes decisions about financial and welfare matters for people who lack mental capacity, and appoints deputies where no LPA exists. Full guide →

D2A — Discharge to Assess

A care pathway where patients are discharged from hospital and their care needs are assessed at home, rather than in hospital. Free short-term care is provided during this assessment period (up to 6 weeks).

DFG — Disabled Facilities Grant

A means-tested government grant for home adaptations, up to £30,000. Can fund ramps, stairlifts, wet rooms, grab rails and more. Applied for through the local council. Full guide →

DLA — Disability Living Allowance

An older disability benefit being phased out and replaced by PIP for working-age adults. Still received by some people, particularly those with lifelong conditions who were awarded before PIP was introduced. Children under 16 still claim DLA.

DoLS — Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

A legal process that authorises the deprivation of liberty of a person who lacks capacity in a registered care home or hospital, where this is in their best interests. Being replaced by Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS).

DP — Direct Payments

Council funding paid directly to the person who needs care, to enable them to purchase and manage their own care. An alternative to a council-arranged care service. Full guide →

DST — Decision Support Tool

The assessment tool used to determine eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare. Scores 12 care domains including behaviour, cognition, breathing and nutrition.

I – L

IAPT — Improving Access to Psychological Therapies

NHS talking therapy services for anxiety and depression. Now often referred to as "NHS Talking Therapies." Can be self-referred.

ICB — Integrated Care Board

The NHS body responsible for commissioning (purchasing) healthcare in a local area. Replaced Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in 2022. Responsible for CHC funding decisions.

IMCA — Independent Mental Capacity Advocate

An independent advocate appointed to represent someone who lacks capacity and has no appropriate family or friends to consult, for significant decisions about their care or accommodation.

LPA — Lasting Power of Attorney

A legal document allowing a person to appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf — about property and finances, or health and welfare. Must be made while the person has capacity. Registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Full guide →

M – P

MCA — Mental Capacity Act 2005

The law that protects the rights of people who may lack capacity to make decisions. Establishes the five principles, including the presumption of capacity and the best interests test. Full guide →

MDT — Multidisciplinary Team

A team of professionals from different disciplines (e.g., GP, nurse, social worker, OT, physiotherapist) working together to provide coordinated care. Also used in CHC assessments.

NA — Needs Assessment

A free assessment by the local council's adult social care team to determine whether a person has eligible care needs under the Care Act 2014. Anyone can request one.

OPG — Office of the Public Guardian

The government body that registers and supervises LPAs and Court of Protection deputies. Investigates concerns about attorneys and deputies.

OT — Occupational Therapist

A healthcare professional who assesses people's ability to carry out daily activities and recommends adaptations, equipment and techniques to maintain independence. Key figure in home adaptation and DFG applications.

PALS — Patient Advice and Liaison Service

A service available in all NHS hospitals that provides confidential advice and support to patients and families, and can help resolve concerns or complaints.

PB — Personal Budget

The amount of money the council allocates to meet a person's assessed care needs. Can be taken as a managed service or as Direct Payments.

PHB — Personal Health Budget

A budget allocated by the NHS to fund healthcare for an individual. Available to people with long-term conditions and those eligible for CHC. Allows more control over how care is delivered.

PIP — Personal Independence Payment

A benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age with a long-term health condition or disability. Has daily living and mobility components. Up to £184.30/week in 2025/26. Full guide →

R – Z

SALT — Speech and Language Therapist

A healthcare professional who assesses and treats communication and swallowing difficulties. Key role in conditions affecting speech (MND, stroke) and swallowing (dementia, Parkinson's).

SDP — Severe Disability Premium

An addition to means-tested benefits for people living alone and receiving certain disability benefits. Worth around £77/week. Claimed by someone else claiming Carer's Allowance for you can remove the SDP — see our Carer's Allowance guide.

UC — Universal Credit

The main working-age benefit, replacing several legacy benefits. Includes disability additions for those with health conditions — the LCWRA (Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity) element is the main disability top-up.