NHS Continuing Healthcare
Expert help when challenging care funding decisions
NHS CHC: funding for NHS care
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, so it does not matter what your financial position is.
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
The first stage is for a CHC checklist to be completed, usually by a health or social care professional. The threshold for the checklist is quite low.
If the checklist is passed, the next stage will be a full assessment. 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. You can also have legal representation or support at these meetings, should you wish to do so.
The meeting will follow a Healthcare Checklist which covers and scores:
- 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 application process for NHS CHC funding
- Supporting you, or representing you, in the initial assessment meeting
- Advising you on an appeal process, including your prospects of success
- Acting on your behalf in an appeal
- Funding options should an appeal be inappropriate or unsuccessful, such as Funded Nursing Care
Contact us for a free, no-obligation chat about your situation.
