If you or a loved one needs long-term health-care, the cost of that care can seem overwhelming, particularly as many people do not qualify for local authority assistance.
However, in some circumstances, public funding might still be available and support can sometimes be sought under the 'NHS Continuing Healthcare' or 'NHS-Funded Nursing Care' schemes, provided certain criteria are met.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
'Continuing care' is care provided over an extended period of time to meet the physical or mental health needs of adults with a disability, injury or illness. 'NHS Continuing Healthcare' is a package of continuing care that is arranged and fully funded by the NHS.
The care funded by the NHS is not limited to healthcare services, but will include all care needs associated with the disability, injury or illness; such as accommodation, personal care and social welfare needs.
NHS Continuing Healthcare can be provided by the NHS in any setting including a care home, hospice, hospital or your own home.
Who is eligible?
Any adult who is in need of continuing care, where that care is mainly health-related, is eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare. This includes both physical and mental health care needs. The care itself need not be provided by the NHS, and may instead be provided by your local authority.
NHS Continuing Healthcare is not means-tested so everyone is potentially eligible, regardless of your financial situation.
How do I apply?
An assessment for NHS Continuing Healthcare eligibility can be triggered in a number of ways:-
If following admission to hospital, a need for continuing care is identified, an assessment must be made before you are discharged from hospital.
If your illness or disability rapidly deteriorates, causing an increased level of dependency and your condition is thought to be terminal; you can be referred for a fast track assessment. Your care will be fully funded while the fast track assessment takes place.
You can approach your local NHS Primary Care Trust and ask them to carry out an assessment.
What is NHS-funded Nursing Care?
Where someone is receiving care in a residential home, an element of which can be classified as 'nursing care' they are entitled to claim the cost of this care from the NHS. 'Nursing care' means care which is provided by a registered nurse.
The funding is awarded at a fixed weekly rate and is paid directly to the residential home providing the care. The residential home should reduce their fees to you accordingly.
NHS-funded Nursing Care should only be considered after your eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare has been assessed. If you, or someone you look after, receives NHS-funded Nursing Care but has never been assessed for Continuing Healthcare, you should approach your Primary Care Trust immediately for a full assessment.
How a solicitor can help?
The funding rules can be complex, and everybody's circumstances are different. We can help you understand how the rules apply to you, and make sure you are receiving all the funding and assistance you are eligible for.
If you have already been assessed and are not happy with the outcome, we can help you appeal any decisions that have been made and ensure you are dealt with fairly.
For further information contact Sarah Naismith, Solicitor at Mowbray Woodwards on 01225 485700 or via email at sn@mowbraywoodwards.co.uk