About Understanding Care Needs
Understanding Care Needs Ltd is an independent social work practice providing PA14 probate certificates, mental capacity assessments (including Court of Protection COP3 work), care needs assessments and reviews of care across England and Wales.
We are not linked to any care provider, GP surgery or council. That independence means families and solicitors get an honest, objective assessment with no conflict of interest. Since February 2025 we have completed over 30 cases, and every PA14 certificate we have issued has been accepted by the Probate Registry.
Who Will Assess You
Every consultation, assessment and report is carried out personally by Ben Lucas, a qualified Social Worker and Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) with 20 years’ experience in adult social care and mental health.
Ben is registered with Social Work England (registration number SW121729); you can check this on the Social Work England register at https://www.socialworkengland.org.uk/. He is a member of the British Association of Social Workers and is listed on the BASW Independents Directory. As an AMHP, he is specifically trained in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Mental Health Act 1983.
The Benefits to Our Customers
Anyone can ask their council for a free needs assessment. However, people with savings above £23,250 in England usually pay for their own care as “self-funders”, and are often left to find and arrange it alone. Without independent advice, it is easy to pay for more care than is needed, or the wrong kind.
We act as independent advisors for self-funders and their families, setting out what support is genuinely needed before you commit your savings. For families dealing with probate, we provide face-to-face capacity assessments quickly, often when a GP has been unable to help.
Not sure whether you would be a self-funder? Use our calculator to work out who pays for care.
Proud Members of:
Listed on the BASW Independents Directory
Understanding Care Needs Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company no. 16272442.
Registered office: 60 Tottenham Court Road, Suite 5736a, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 2EW.
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