Single or multiple conditions

In the case of a single condition, it may be relatively easy for you to understand if the individual’s condition or the needs stemming from it is unlikely to change. Refer to medical guidance to learn about conditions and likely needs resulting from them. A to Z list of common illnesses and conditions | NHS inform ;  Scottish health information you can trust | NHS inform

Where the individual has multiple conditions, it may be much more challenging to assess the likelihood of a change in their level of need.

Where the individual has multiple conditions, it is likely that planned treatment or surgery may not improve their overall level of need. You should therefore consider carefully the extent to which any treatment or surgery will likely change the individual’s overall level of need.

Even if one or several conditions an individual with multiple conditions has are likely to change over time, they might still be eligible for an indefinite award if they are in receipt of a:

• higher PADP award and their overall care needs stemming from their disability or conditions is highly unlikely to reduce
• lower PADP award and their overall care needs stemming from their disability or conditions is highly unlikely to reduce or increase (i.e. if they are highly unlikely to develop night-time needs in addition to their existing daytime needs or vice versa)

Individuals do not need to have a formal diagnosis of their condition or disability.

For more information on indefinite awards, see the Indefinite awards (awards without a review date) section in this chapter.

You must consider the likelihood of changes to the individual’s overall level of care needs, rather than the likelihood of one of their conditions changing.

If you are unsure about whether the individual has one or more conditions that are likely to change, request a case discussion.