We understand that continuing care is a complex and highly sensitive area which can affect people at a very vulnerable stage of their lives.
Who can get it?
NHS Continuing Healthcare is not dependent on any particular disease, diagnosis or medical condition and is for anyone assessed as needing a certain level of health care whether they are at home or in a nursing home.
Your health will need to be assessed by a nurse, Social Worker, GP or other health professional who will decide whether you are eligible. This will be based on the type of condition or treatment required, the diferent symptoms that make it difficult to manage or control, how severe it is and any unexpected changes in condition that are difficult to manage and present a risk to you or to others. If your overall care needs show that your primary need is a health one, you may qualify for continuing healthcare.
Adults who are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding, and children in receipt of Continuing Care have had a legal right to have a Personal Health Budget (PHB) since October 2014.
By April 2019, NHS England now expects that unless there are exceptional circumstances, everyone living in their own home who is in receipt of NHS Continuing Healthcare funding will be offered a Personal Health budget as the default delivery method of care.
How much does it cost?
NHS Continuing healthcare is free, unlike help from Adult Social Care for which there may be a charge.
- At home
If you remain living at home this means that the NHS will pay for healthcare such as services from a community nurse or specialist therapist and personal care such as help with bathing, dressing and laundry. - In a nursing home
If you move into a nursing home, the NHS pays all your care home fees, including board and accommodation.
What if I am not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare?
If you do not qualify for NHS continuing healthcare then you may have to pay for some or all of your care, although the NHS will still provide for your medical needs.
If you are in a care home you may have need to have a financial Assessment to decide how much you should pay towards your personal care and accommodation. However, if you need care from a registered nurse this will be provided free of charge through NHS funded nursing care.
How to get in touch
If you are receiving an Assessment for care whilst you are in hospital or in your own home, then your Eligibility for a Continuing Healthcare will automatically be considered.
If you are unsure Communities & Wellbeing is the first point of contact for general enquiries. You can contact them from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0161 253 5151.