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  3. Pre-Admission Assessment

Pre-Admission Assessment Form

Complete this assessment before or at the point of admission to gather key information about the prospective resident. This form covers personal details, health history, mental capacity, and personal preferences — ensuring a smooth transition into the home and an accurate initial care plan.

Good practice: The pre-admission assessment should ideally be completed in person during a visit to the prospective resident (at their home, in hospital, or at the care home). Involve the person, their family, and any existing care professionals in the assessment. Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to assess needs before placement, and the care home should ensure this information is available and incorporated into the care plan.

Personal Details

Health Information

Mental Capacity & Legal

Personal Preferences

Assessment Notes

Key Principles

  • 1.Involve the person and their family in the assessment — person-centred care starts before admission.
  • 2.Check mental capacity for key decisions at the time of admission — do not assume capacity or lack of capacity.
  • 3.Obtain and review all existing care plans, risk assessments, and medical records from the referring agency or hospital.
  • 4.Ensure the home can meet the person's assessed needs before confirming admission.
  • 5.Store all assessment information securely and in accordance with GDPR and data protection requirements.

Authoritative Resources

  • CQC — Care Quality Commission ↗
  • SCIE — Social Care Institute for Excellence ↗
  • Skills for Care — Workforce Development ↗
  • Age UK — Advice and Support for Older People ↗

Important Notice:This pre-admission assessment form provided by Care Handbook is a template for guidance only. It does not replace your organisation's approved assessment forms. Always follow your employer's policies and procedures. All personal data collected must be handled in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

For guidance only — always follow your organisation's policies and current CQC standards. Care Handbook provides general information and templates for UK care home staff. It does not replace formal training, professional judgement, or your employer's specific policies and procedures. Always consult your line manager or the relevant professional body if in doubt.

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