Definition: Defined in 'No Secrets' (DH 2000) as: 'a person aged 18 years or over, who is in receipt of, or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation'.

Category: adult social care

Credit: Department of Health

Source: Glossary of Adult Social Care Terms