Choice and control in social care is about people having real power to make decisions about their own lives.
It’s about being able to decide things like:
- How you spend your days – so they reflect your interests, preferences and aspirations
- Where you live – and whether it’s your own home, supported living, residential care or another option
- Who you live with
- Who supports you and how they do it
- When and where you receive care and support
- How your support is arranged and paid for
“When you have choice and control, you’re able to live a life – not a service.”
Choice and control means moving away from services making decisions for people, and instead working with people to shape support around what matters to them.
Having choice and control helps people feel:
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Respected and listened to
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In charge of their own lives
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Confident that their care fits their culture, beliefs and identity
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Able to live a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling
“I like to be as independent as I can be and to have as much choice and control over my life as possible.”
Everyone’s idea of choice and control is different. For some people, it means managing every detail of their support themselves. For others, it means choosing someone they trust – like a family member or advocate – to help make decisions on their behalf.
What matters most is that people have real options, clear information, and the chance to decide what works best for them.
Other sections on this hub
Planning and making choices
