Compass is still being developed and is effectively in beta. Some content and features may be incomplete, change, or not work as expected.

Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

Feedback helps us identify gaps, errors, usability problems and opportunities to improve Compass over time.

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Care and support systems

Long-term care

Ongoing care arranged over months or years, at home or in a residential setting.

What it means

Covers everything from regular help at home through to living somewhere staffed around the clock. The names, the funding and the assessment process differ substantially by country.

Why you might hear it

  • It comes up when care needs outgrow what family can sustain.
  • Assessment and waiting times often mean starting the conversation early.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.