About A Better Life

Our ambition is to work with people to:

• identify their strengths
• help them realise their potential
• live independently and well in their communities

Our services

Our Adult Social Care & Housing directorate covers a broad range of services. Some must be delivered by law.

Adult Social Care

This area covers:

• social work, personal care and practical support for adults over 18 with a physical or learning disability
• old-age frailty
• sensory loss
• mental health illness
• safeguarding for those at risk of harm and abuse, drug or alcohol dependency
• support for unpaid carers

Housing

This area aims to:

• deliver good and decent housing options for our residents
• tackle homelessness and rough sleeping
• keep residents safe and well in their communities

Our plan

The A Better Life plan aims to deliver a new future for Adult Social Care and Housing that builds on our strengths, addresses our challenges and is fit for purpose in the future.

We will work with our health partners to support people to stay well at home and be discharged from hospital as soon as possible. We will aim to ensure that residents and communities achieve the best possible outcomes they can.

The plan contributes to the delivery of and feeds from the Dorset Council plan, which aims to make Dorset a great place to work, live and visit.

It identifies 5 priority areas which will inform the work of the Adults and Housing Directorate.

Strong, Healthy communities 

We will work with our partners in Health & the community to create safe spaces, build and maintain strong communities to help people make choices about how they live their lives. 

Staying Safe and well

Working to ensure our residents have a good quality of life, providing them with the information, advice, and guidance to live independently, or the care and support they require. 

Suitable Housing

We will work with registered housing providers, community land trusts and local housing partners to deliver suitable and decent housing. We will make sure we have the right housing options, including care homes, extra care, supported living and affordable homes to buy and rent. 

Economic Growth

Adult Social Care & Health is the second largest employment sector in Dorset. 

Unique Environment

We will work with partners to help create sustainable, green and efficient development in the right places.