Fluctuating need refers to needs which may not be apparent at the time of the assessment; but may have been an issue in the past and are likely to arise again in the future.

When practitioners assess a person’s needs, those presenting at initial contact may not be a true reflection of their condition over time.  The person may be coping with circumstances where the experience good and bad days, or parts of a day, or are well for weeks or months at a time.

Needs may not fluctuate just because of a condition but also because of changing circumstances, such as changes in employment or education. 

An accurate assessment of any fluctuation requires practitioners to give consideration to the needs of a person and their carer over an appropriate period of time to understand the full implications of their condition and circumstances.