Need More Personal Support?
Preparing for a Care Needs Assessment can feel daunting, especially if you're unsure what to expect or how to explain what's really happening at home.
At The Care Lens, we can help you prepare for the assessment, understand the process, organise your thoughts and support you in asking the questions that matter most. While we don't make decisions on behalf of the local authority, we can help you approach the assessment with confidence and clarity.
If You Disagree With the Outcome
It's understandable to feel disappointed if the outcome isn't what you expected.
If you don't understand the decision, ask for it to be explained.
If you believe important information wasn't considered, raise those concerns and ask about the review or complaints process.
Keeping notes during the assessment can also be helpful if you need to discuss the decision later.
If You Disagree With The Outcome
After the assessment, the local authority will consider whether the person has eligible care and support needs under the national eligibility criteria.
If they do, they should work with the person and, where appropriate, their family to agree a care and support plan. This might include services at home, equipment, adaptations, day opportunities or other forms of support, depending on individual circumstances. Financial assessments may also be needed to determine whether the local authority contributes towards the cost of care.
Remember, every situation is different.
Receiving an assessment doesn't automatically mean the same outcome for everyone.
What Happens Next?
Care Needs Assessment Checklist
☐ Write down any concerns before the assessment.
☐ Think about a typical day rather than a "good day."
☐ List any recent falls or safety concerns.
☐ Consider what support family currently provides.
☐ Think about what has become more difficult over time.
☐ Have questions ready.
☐ Ask if you'd like a family member or advocate to be present.
Many people believe they need a referral from a GP or hospital.
In reality, anyone can usually ask their local authority for a Care Needs Assessment if they believe they may need care or support.
This might include:
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The person with dementia.
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A family member.
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A friend.
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A healthcare professional.
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Another organisation supporting the person.
You don't have to wait for a crisis before asking.
Early planning often leads to better outcomes.
Who Can Request One?
Every assessment is different, but most will explore how someone manages everyday life.
This may include:
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Washing and personal care.
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Dressing.
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Preparing meals.
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Taking medication.
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Moving around safely.
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Managing the home.
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Memory and decision-making.
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Social activities.
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Emotional wellbeing.
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Risks around falls or wandering.
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Support already provided by family or friends.
The aim is to build a complete picture of the person's needs—not simply to complete a checklist.
What Will They Ask?
Families often underestimate how much they do.
Helping with shopping.
Prompting medication.
Cooking meals.
Managing appointments.
Repeating conversations.
Providing reassurance.
These things may have become part of everyday life, but they are still care.
Explaining them honestly helps ensure the assessment reflects the true level of support already being provided.
Be Honest About the Support You Already Give
A Care Needs Assessment is carried out by your local authority under the Care Act 2014 if it appears that an adult may have care and support needs.
The assessment looks at how someone's health, mobility, memory and daily life are affecting their ability to remain independent.
It isn't based simply on a diagnosis of dementia.
Instead, it considers how dementia is affecting day-to-day life and whether support is needed to achieve important outcomes, such as washing, dressing, eating, staying safe, maintaining relationships and managing everyday routines. This approach is set out in the Care Act and accompanying statutory guidance.
What Is A Care Needs Assessment?
Welcome
When someone begins to need more support because of dementia, one of the first questions families often ask is:
"What help are we actually entitled to?"
A Care Needs Assessment is often the first step towards answering that question.
Despite the name, it isn't a test that you can pass or fail. It isn't about judging how well a family is coping, and it certainly isn't about taking control away from anyone.
Instead, it's an opportunity to understand what support may help someone live as safely, independently and comfortably as possible.
This guide explains what a Care Needs Assessment is, what usually happens during the process and how you can prepare with confidence.
The Care Lens Tip:
The assessment isn't about proving someone is "bad enough."
It's about helping professionals understand how everyday life has changed and what support could improve it.
The Care Lens Tip:
Try to describe life as it really is. Many people naturally say, "We're managing." It's okay to explain what that "managing" actually involves.
Understanding the Assessment That Helps Shape Future Care
Reading time: Approximately 10 minutes
Care Needs Assessments guide
Frequently Asked Questions
This guide has been written by The Care Lens using practical experience alongside established guidance from organisations such as the NHS, Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia UK and NICE. Every family is different, so this guide is intended to support—not replace—professional medical or legal advice where appropriate.
Remember
A Care Needs Assessment isn't about labelling someone.
It's about understanding how dementia is affecting everyday life and identifying what support might help them live well for as long as possible.
Being honest doesn't take independence away.
It helps ensure the right support is available when it's needed.
The Care Lens Tip
A Care Needs Assessment isn't something that happens once and is forgotten. Needs change over time. If circumstances change significantly, it's appropriate to ask for the situation to be reviewed.
Does having dementia automatically mean someone qualifies for care?
No. The assessment considers how dementia affects day-to-day life rather than the diagnosis alone. Decisions are based on the person's needs and the national eligibility criteria.
Can a family member attend the assessment?
Yes. Many people choose to have a family member, friend or advocate present. Their insight can be valuable, particularly if the person finds it difficult to describe their daily challenges.
Will someone come to the house?
Often, yes. Assessments are commonly carried out in the person's home because it allows the assessor to understand how they manage in their usual environment, although other arrangements may sometimes be made.
Is there a charge for the assessment?
No. The Care Needs Assessment itself is free. If services are recommended, a separate financial assessment may determine whether the person needs to contribute towards the cost of some care.
A Conversation Worth Having
Before the assessment, ask your loved one: "What parts of the day do you find most frustrating?"
The answer is often far more helpful than asking: "What help do you need?"
People frequently talk more openly about frustrations than they do about needing support.