7 Old age psychiatry7.2 Principles of service provision
7.2.2 Social services and voluntary support
2 min read
Written by Resident Doctor Committee · Published
New in the 2027 syllabus
The College added this topic for exams from January 2027.
Who does what
Social care assesses the support a person needs with daily life, with staying safe and with taking part in community life. Who is eligible, and what they pay, depends on the jurisdiction and the type of support.
Voluntary organisations offer information, advocacy, peer support, befriending and practical help. Who can use them, and whether they are available, varies from area to area.
A referral needs a clear question and the person's agreement where that is required. Giving someone a telephone number does not show that they actually received any support.
Need | Possible response | Psychiatric team's task |
|---|---|---|
Difficulty washing, dressing or eating | Care needs assessment and home support | Describe the person's function and relevant symptoms |
Unsafe home or exploitation | Social work and safeguarding assessment | Share proportionate information and deal with any immediate danger |
Isolation | Befriending, day activities or community groups | Ask about preferences, access and transport |
Financial strain | Benefits advice and welfare services | Recognise how money worries affect treatment and wellbeing |
Carer exhaustion | Carer's assessment, respite and support | Check whether the arrangement can last and make a contingency plan |
Working across services
Consent and confidentiality still apply when you work with other agencies. Be clear what information can be shared, with whom and for what purpose.
Capacity is assessed for the actual decision, such as whether to accept a care package. Refusing help does not, on its own, show that someone lacks capacity.
Joint planning sets out who funds, provides and reviews each service, and how delays or failed referrals will be dealt with.
Safeguarding duties still apply if you suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation. A referral to a voluntary organisation does not replace them.
Checking that it worked
A service can exist and still be out of reach. Barriers include hearing loss, language, cost, digital exclusion (being unable to get online or use digital services) and lack of transport.
At follow-up, check that the support has started and meets the person's needs. Ask whether a carer is doing tasks beyond what they can manage or are willing to do.
The contingency plan should cover a break in paid care and an unpaid carer suddenly falling ill.