What is NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?
Written by Hilary Cragg | Care Support Team | 13 May 2024
Accessing long-term care for loved ones with complex health needs can be daunting. It’s understandable that you want to do the best for them and ensure they have access to the right medication and treatment.
NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding provides a lifeline for those requiring ongoing healthcare support.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?
NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding is a package of care provided and funded by the NHS for individuals with significant healthcare needs. Unlike social care services provided by local authorities, NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding covers the full cost of care, including accommodation, personal care, and healthcare-related expenses.
Am I eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?
To be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding, individuals must undergo a comprehensive assessment of their care needs conducted by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. The assessment considers various factors, including the nature and complexity of the individual's health needs, the level of support required, and the impact of their condition on their daily functioning.
Put simply, to get NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding it needs to be the case that:
You have significant, ongoing mental or physical health needs
The care you require focuses on addressing / preventing your health needs, which have been determined by an assessment
What is the Assessment Process?
The assessment process for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding involves a thorough review of the individual's medical history, current health status, and care needs. It may include input from healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists, who assess the individual's physical, psychological, and social care needs. The outcome of the assessment determines whether the individual meets the eligibility criteria for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding.
What are the benefits of NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?
Access to NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding can provide individuals and their families with peace of mind, knowing that their care needs will be fully met without the financial burden of private care fees.
It enables individuals to receive care in their preferred setting, whether at home, in a care home, or in a hospice, while maintaining their dignity, independence, and quality of life.
NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with complex healthcare needs receive the support and care they require to live comfortably and safely. By understanding the eligibility criteria and assessment process, individuals and their families can navigate the healthcare system more effectively and access the vital care services they need.
If you or a loved one are in need of long-term care and are looking to find out more about NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding, our experienced Care Support lawyer, Hilary Cragg, can provide guidance and support. You can get in touch with her directly by calling 01752 827047 or emailing enquiries@nash.co.uk.
For further information about NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding, you can find more blogs here.
