A briefing which sets out local authorities’ key responsibilities under the
Care Act in relation to people with long-term, fluctuating conditions with
care and support needs.
About 15 million people in England have a long-term condition, many of which will fluctuate. Effective assessment and care planning, and accessible information and advice, enable people to live independently for as long as possible, often minimising the life-time cost of care for both the individual and their local authority.
The Care Act has the potential to significantly improve care and support
for people with fluctuating, long-term conditions. Fluctuation must now be taken into account when making eligibility decisions, and recognition of fluctuating needs in care and support plans has been acknowledged in statutory guidance.