Assessment for care and support in England

What care and support is available for people affected by dementia in England?

Friends and family who care for a person with dementia who is living at home may also need support to carry out this role.

Social care can take a number of different forms, depending on the needs of the person in question. Examples include day care centres, replacement care (sometimes called respite care or short breaks) and personal care (such as help with bathing or going to the toilet) at home. This information outlines how people with dementia and their carers can access care and support at home, including day centres or short breaks.

Some people with dementia and their carers will be entitled (often called ‘eligible’) to have their needs for care and support met by the local authority, free of charge or at a reduced cost. They must meet certain criteria to be eligible. Anyone wishing to get care and support paid for by the local authority must have a care needs assessment (for a person with dementia), or a carer’s assessment (for a carer).

This information is for people living in England and is not intended for Wales and Northern Ireland, where the laws are different. Please see our relevant guides for Wales and Northern Ireland.