National Care Service Charter of Rights

Glossary

British Sign Language (BSL) translation

Community health 

Community health covers a wide range of health care services that are delivered in your local area.

Community health can be delivered in a range of settings such as:

• people’s homes
• residential homes
• health and care sites

Both this Charter and the ‘NHS Charter of Patients Rights and Responsibilities’ apply when you are using community healthcare services. 

Kinship carer

A person who cares for a child who is unable to live with their birth parent. The kinship carer is related to the child (through blood, marriage or civil partnership) or a has a pre-existing relationship with them.

Legal authority

A legal power or right that an individual or entity has to make decisions or take actions on behalf of others. 

National Care Service

‘National Care Service’ is a term that describes work to improve social care, social work and community health support across Scotland. This includes the National Care Service Advisory Board, actions we are taking, and projects we are delivering. This Charter is one of these projects.

Psychological trauma

Traumatic experiences affect most people at some stage and their impact is unique to each person. Some people have experiences that are physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening. Psychological trauma can impact people’s ability to feel safe in relationships and to manage strong emotions. Many settings can remind people of the trauma they have experienced. Trauma can create invisible barriers to some services and can mean that people are not able to access the care and support they need.

Social care

Social care support helps people to live safely, stay as independent as possible and improve their quality of life. It is designed to meet each person’s needs and is usually provided at home, in the community or in a homely place.

Social care support includes a wide range of personal and practical support services, including:

• care homes
• care at home
• day centres or day opportunities
• community alarms and telecare systems
• equipment and home adaptations, including ramps and stairlifts
• support for unpaid carers in their caring roles
• supported accommodation
• respite services

Social care workers support adults and young people, children and their families.

Services are delivered by health and social care partnerships, voluntary sector organisations, independent providers or private companies. 

Social work

Social work services help people to live independently. They also support people who may be at risk of harm. 

The role of social work is to: 

• help people live healthy lives 
• keep people safe
• promote human rights 
• make sure people are treated fairly and have equal choices and chances 
• challenge discrimination 

Social workers 

Social workers work in our communities, including in schools, in hospitals, in prisons, and in lots of services that support people. They work with children and their families, and with young people and adults. They must have a social work degree and they must be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council or equivalent regulator.