Diagnosing Dementia in Care Homes

Author: Dr Sarah Jones - GP Norwood Medical Centre / CCG dementia clinical lead

Published Date: March 2023

Date to Review: October 2028

Document Description - This document provides clinical guidance on making a diagnosis of advanced dementia within the Care Home setting.

A diagnosis of dementia is usually made within memory services. Some care home residents with advanced dementia have never had a formal diagnosis. In these cases a referral to memory services is rarely desirable. It is likely to be distressing for the individual and is usually unnecessary. 

However, people with advanced dementia, their families and staff caring for them, still benefit from a formal diagnosis. It enables access to appropriate care to meet individual needs and prompts staff to consider MCA and DOLs issues where appropriate.


To note – there are no substantive changes between this version and previous version.