social care

[/ˈsoʊʃəl kɛr/]
noun
assistência social
1. Government or organizational support services provided to vulnerable individuals or families, including elderly care, childcare, disability support, and welfare services
The government increased funding for social care to support aging populations.
O governo aumentou o financiamento para assistência social para apoiar as populações idosas.
2. Non-medical support services designed to help people maintain independence and quality of life
Social care workers help elderly clients with daily living activities.
Os assistentes sociais ajudam os clientes idosos com atividades da vida diária.
3. The sector or industry providing care services to people in need of support
She works in social care, providing support to vulnerable children.
Ela trabalha na área de assistência social, fornecendo apoio a crianças vulneráveis.
In Brazil, social care is primarily provided through government programs like CRAS (Centro de Referência de Assistência Social) and is often connected to poverty alleviation and family support. In the UK and US, social care is a significant policy concern, particularly regarding aging populations and cost of services. The term reflects broader social policy priorities regarding vulnerable populations and government responsibility.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
welfare servicessocial servicescommunity carecare servicespublic assistance
Antonyms / Antônimos
medical carehealthcare

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
assistência social
Most common term, referring to government welfare and support services
General Brazilian
cuidados sociais
Alternative formal term, emphasizing care aspect
Rio de Janeiro
assistência social
Standard usage, no regional variation
São Paulo
serviços sociais
Often used in business/municipal contexts
Portugal
cuidados sociais
Preferred term in Portuguese healthcare context; may also use 'ação social'

Related Words

social workerwelfare stateeldercarechildcaredisability supportpublic health

Related Idioms & Phrases

safety net
welfare state
care in the community
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