Admission & Discharge
A well-managed admission and discharge process is essential for ensuring smooth transitions, reducing risk, and supporting the wellbeing of residents. The Care Handbook provides practical tools and checklists to help care homes manage every stage of the process — from pre-admission assessment to hospital transfers.
Why Admission Processes Matter
CQC inspectors assess the “Safe” and “Responsive” key questions in part by reviewing how well new residents are welcomed, assessed, and supported during their transition into a care home. Effective admission processes ensure that care plans are accurate, risks are identified early, and residents feel settled and supported from day one.
Under Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care) and Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect), the CQC expects providers to involve the person and their family in decisions about their care from the outset. Good admission processes also support compliance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Care Act 2014, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
Key legislation: Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 — Regulation 9 (Person-centred care), Regulation 10 (Dignity and respect), Regulation 11 (Need for consent), and Regulation 13 (Safeguarding from abuse). The Care Act 2014 also places duties on local authorities regarding assessment and transitions.
In This Section
Pre-Admission Assessment
Comprehensive pre-admission assessment form covering personal details, health information, mental capacity, and personal preferences. Print-ready for face-to-face assessments.
Admission Checklist
Step-by-step admission process checklist from before arrival through to 4-week review. Ensure no step is missed when welcoming a new resident.
Hospital Transfer Form
SBAR-format hospital transfer form to ensure all essential information accompanies a resident when transferring to hospital. Printable and ready for use.
Authoritative Resources
Important Notice:The admission and discharge resources provided by Care Handbook are for guidance only and do not replace professional judgement or your organisation's policies. Always follow your employer's procedures and relevant legislation. If you are unsure about any aspect of a resident's admission or transfer, seek advice from your line manager or the responsible local authority.