NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care for individuals aged 18 or older.
The health care is delivered and paid for by the NHS alone, with no financial liability on the part of the patient. To be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, patients must be evaluated by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to see if they have a ‘primary health need’. This option will be available to only a few people with high levels of need. The National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS Funded Nursing Care (Revised 2018) explains how this is done. A screening procedure is used first, followed by a comprehensive examination to see if someone is qualified.
If you are found to be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, the CCG will determine the care and support that you need. This may include nursing care, social care, therapies, and personal care. The type and amount of care will be based on your individual needs and will be reviewed on a regular basis.
In most cases, NHS Continuing Healthcare is not provided in a hospital or nursing home setting. It can be given in the person’s own home or in a care home that meets the necessary standards. If someone needs to go into a residential care home, their NHS Continuing Healthcare will continue to be paid for by the NHS.
If you are not sure if you are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, speak to your GP or local CCG. They will be able to advise you on the best way to get the care and support you need.
NHS Continuing Healthcare can be provided in a number of settings, including:
- Inpatient wards in hospitals
- In people’s homes
- In residential or nursing care homes
NHS Continuing Healthcare is not dependent on a specific disease, diagnosis, or condition. If granted, NHS Continuing Healthcare can be used to pay for care in a wide range of settings. These settings can include a patient’s home or even a care home. The funding should be enough to meet all of the patient’s care needs identified in that person’s NHS Continuing Healthcare plan. Yet, the NHS Continuing Healthcare plan does not last forever. There is a regular verification procedure that the patients who are funded by the package must be aware of. Initially, the package will be reviewed every three months. Then it will be reviewed every 12 months to verify that the individual is still eligible and that their necessities are being met.
If you think you or a loved one might be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local CCG.
If you have any concerns about NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding or if you want to find more information about NHS Continuing Healthcare, please visit the official NHS website.
Find out more about NHS continuing healthcare.