Discover the meaning of prevention in adult social care and access resources to support the implementation of preventive practices in your service or workforce planning strategies.
Research carried out by Skills for Care in 2019 found that adult social care employers define prevention in four main areas:
- Supporting people to live as healthily as possible, both mentally and physically.
- Reducing the use of health services, including primary care, emergency services and hospitals.
- Preventing or reducing the escalation of health issues.
- Supporting people to remain as independent as possible.
Prevention should be embedded within the every day delivery of high-quality adult social care. It is not a standalone task or activity. It includes monitoring and tracking the physical and mental health of people accessing care and support, supporting and advising them with diet, nutrition and exercise. It also means developing close working relationships with staff in related sectors and supporting care staff with their own mental health and wellbeing.
A report in 2024 by the Local Government Association (LGA) found that investing in preventative care can save more than £3 for every pound spent.
Prevention is one of the key responsibilities for local authorities in the Care Act 2014 with a focus on health and wellbeing. Local systems have a responsibility for an integrated approach to prevention and wellbeing to respond and support their local population.
Resources and guidance for preventive support
PDF - 4.15 MB
Read our short guide which explains the contribution and value that social care makes to prevention, public health and health promotion, to support the health and wellbeing of people drawing on care and support.
Spotting the signs when a person becomes unwell
Find the RESTORE2 Mini for carers tool, which helps you to find out if the person you’re supporting is feeling unwell.
Pressure ulcers
See advice for things people can do to reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers or things you could support them with.
Delegated healthcare activities
Access the guiding principles of delegated healthcare activities, alongside supporting resources, videos and webinars to understand and support person-centred, safe and effective delegation of healthcare activities.
Infection prevention and control
Infection prevention and control (IPC) is vital to the wellbeing of people who need care and support. Explore information, guidance, templates and resources to help you with IPC at your workplace.
Ten public health tips elearning module
Learn about our prevention elearning module designed to help people working in social care build on the knowledge they already have in this area.