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In this guide, you’ll learn the key considerations, work through a practical example and find useful next steps. Take your time and use the free worksheets to put ideas into practice.

What you’ll take away

  • Needs assessment
  • Financial assessment
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare

Needs assessment

A local authority assesses care and support needs; this is distinct from assessing what a person can afford to contribute.

Financial assessment

Means-testing rules and treatment of assets depend on the country and circumstances. Ask the council for written information.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

Eligibility depends on assessed health needs and the relevant process, not simply a diagnosis or age.

Record decisions

Keep copies of assessments, care plans, written funding decisions and review or appeal information.

Try it yourself

Create a timeline of referrals, assessments, letters received and next review or appeal dates.

Important limits and risks

Do not assume property is always counted or excluded; rules vary and specialist advice may be needed.

Putting your learning into practice

Use the guidance above to identify the information you need and the questions to investigate. Consider:

  • Needs assessment.
  • Financial assessment.
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare.
  • Record decisions.

This is general financial education, not a personal recommendation, an assessment of suitability or an invitation to buy or arrange a financial product. Check current official information and obtain appropriate professional advice for individual circumstances.

Further information

Official or independent UK information →

Educational information only. Family Money Matters does not recommend particular investments, pensions, mortgages, insurance policies, credit products or individual transactions. Seek an appropriately authorised adviser where regulated advice is needed, and a solicitor or accountant for legal or tax questions.

Put your learning into practice

Explore the workbook for your situation and record your own figures.

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Keep learning

Use a worksheet to explore your own figures, or browse another topic in the guide library.

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