CQC dementia care guidance: have your say

What CQC is asking

CQC told adult social care providers about the work in its update of 30 September 2026. It wants views to shape the guidance before writing starts. It says the aim is to improve experiences and outcomes for people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Key details:

Who can respond: CQC wants a broad range of views, from organisations and from individuals with knowledge, experience or an interest in dementia care.
How long it takes: the survey has four questions.
Deadline: responses are open from 17 September until 5pm on 30 October 2026.
What happens next: CQC plans a formal consultation on the draft guidance in early 2027.

CQC says people should expect care that treats them as an individual and recognises what matters most to them, with dignity, compassion and understanding.

Where this fits

This is early work. CQC has not published draft guidance, and nothing in it is a requirement yet. But CQC says the finished guidance will be statutory guidance, which CQC-registered providers must follow, and part of its Dementia Strategy. Responding now is the earliest point at which providers can influence it.

The survey comes as more people have a dementia diagnosis. On 22 October 2026, NHS England said the dementia diagnosis rate for September 2026 had met the national ambition of 66.7%. This is the first time since March 2020. It said 523,081 people had a dementia diagnosis, compared with 470,292 in March 2020. NHS England also said it is working with the government on a national vision for dementia care.

Why it matters across settings

Dementia care is everyday work in many residential and nursing homes, and it also matters in home care and other services. The guidance is described as covering health and social care services, so it may apply well beyond care homes. CQC has not yet said which services it will cover or how it will be used in assessments.

What this means for your service

Respond before 5pm on 30 October if you can. The finished guidance will be statutory, so this is worth your time. It is four questions. Managers, staff, people you support and families can all respond separately.
Use real experience. Think about what has made the biggest difference to people with dementia in your service, such as knowing their life story, routines, the environment, or how distress is understood. That is the kind of evidence an early call for views can use.
No action is needed on inspections yet. This guidance doesn't exist yet. Keep working to the current assessment framework and quality statements.
Check your diagnosis records. With diagnosis rates rising, more people may arrive with a recent diagnosis, or get one while living with you. Make sure care plans reflect the diagnosis and that post-diagnosis reviews with the GP happen.
Watch for the 2027 consultation. That will be the main chance to comment on the actual wording. We will report on it when it opens.