Assessment

Diagnosis and assessment

If you are concerned that you, or someone you are close to, may have dementia, the first person to consult is the GP. The GP will assess the person and may feel able to make a diagnosis, or they may refer the person to a memory clinic or other specialist service for a fuller assessment.

For more information on why a diagnosis is important, and the process involved in getting one, see Factsheet 426, Diagnosis and assessment

Community care assessment

If a person with dementia needs support, their local authority social services department should carry out a community care assessment. If this assessment shows that the person needs certain services, the local authority has a duty to ensure that these services are provided.

For more information about the assessment, services, care plans and carers assessments see Factsheet 418, Community care assessment