NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS CHC: free care from the NHS – without means testing

NHS Continuing Healthcare (sometimes known as CHC) is funding available through the NHS if you have been assessed as having a ‘primary health need’. In short, this means care needs which are more complex than can typically be provided for by social services.

CHC funding means that your care is paid in full by the NHS. No financial assessment is required because this type of funding is not means tested.

Where can I get NHS continuing healthcare funding?

This funding covers care outside hospital. Individuals who receive CHC funding often live in nursing homes, but funding can be provided in other settings including hospices, care homes and your own home.

CHC assessments

CHC assessments are typically undertaken by a nurse assessor and social worker. Carers/relatives who are familiar with the person needing care may also attend the assessment.

They will follow a Healthcare Checklist which covers:

• Behaviour
• Communication
• Cognition
• Psychology
• Mobility
• Breathing
• Nutrition
• Continence
• Skin
• Drug therapies
• Altered states of consciousness

Often, the assessments are not carried out consistently or accurately, and therefore many people who should be eligible for CHC funding are missing out.

NHS continuing healthcare assessment appeals

If your loved one has been denied CHC funding, there is a specific process for appealing the decision.

We can advise you on the prospects of success of any appeal, and support you in the appeals process if you decide to go ahead.

How we can help

At Rothera Bray we can advise you on:

• The process of securing NHS CHC, and whether your loved one is likely to be eligible
• Supporting you, or representing you, in an initial decision meeting
• Advising you on an appeal process, including your prospects of success
• Acting on your behalf in an appeal

Contact us for a free, no-obligation chat about your situation.