Establishing an individual’s care needs and impact of their condition
When reviewing information, consider the impact of the disability or condition:
- on the individual
- on their care needs
Information which directly mentions their functional ability and symptoms:
- may be helpful in understanding their condition
- should be considered within the context of how it will impact them
- is not essential information when establishing their care needs
Information may not directly reference functional ability or symptoms. Instead, it may describe general themes. You can still use these to understand the severity of a disability or condition and the resulting needs.
For more information on how to interpret information in the application form to establish the individual’s care needs in relation to the PADP criteria, see the decision-making guidance on the PADP application form and how to interpret it.
Existing support and provisions
Some information may not directly tell you what the individual’s care needs are. However, you may interpret the information to understand their needs. This includes where information provides details on existing support and provisions. This information may not explain the individual’s care needs but the need for such support and provisions can indicate the needs the individual is more likely than not to have.
If you're unsure about how to interpret information that does not directly describe an individual’s symptoms and/or care needs, read the advice and guidance on choosing the right decision-making tool. This might include a case discussion. That could help you determine if the care needs stated are consistent with the individual’s disability or condition.
Example: an occupational therapist says an individual uses specialist equipment
You know:
- they have osteoporosis
- they use a standing frame and a chair full time
- they write in their application that they have trouble standing and walking
You can use this information to understand their functional ability.
Example: an individual who receives short breaks
Someone from an individual's wider support network tells us the individual gets short breaks every few months. Short breaks used to be known as respite.
This information can help you understand an application which says an individual has trouble looking after themselves without help.
Related reading
- Principles of Decision Making
- Determinations and awards
- Justifications
- Gathering Supporting Information – Confirmation from a professional, supporting information to establish entitlement
- The Pension Age Disability Payment application form and how to interpret it