Finding out more about Continuing Health Care
Some people with complex long-term health needs can be eligible for NHS funded social care.
Who can get NHS Continuing Health Care?;
This care is for adults who need ongoing care and support because of complicated, intense or unpredictable health care needs.; You might also hear this called a 'primary health need'. ;
People must live in their own home or a care home - but not a hospital.
There's a health assessment to decide if you are eligible or not. And if you are, the NHS pays your social care costs.
But the assessment process is very complicated and the eligibility criteria can be hard to understand.
About the assessment
The assessment is undertaken by a team of healthcare professionals. It will look at:
- what help you need
- how complex your needs are
- how intense your needs can be
- how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care isn't provided at the right time
The results of your assessment depend on your health needs and not on any diagnoses.
You should be involved in the process. Be kept informed and have your views taken into account.
Decision
A decision about the assessment should be made within 28 days.
If the NHS team who are looking after your case decide you are not entitled to NHS funded CHC - you can be referred to your local council to see if you can get help from them.
In our area - this is Cambridgeshire County Council.
Right to appeal
If you don't agree with the decision, you do have the right to appeal and should be supported to do so.
Find out more
For more information about CHC and how to apply, speak to NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's complex case team.
Visit the local NHS website to find out more and apply
Find out more on the NHS website
Free advice
The NHS has funded Beacon - a community interest company - to give you up to 90 minutes free advice about CHC.
Visit the Beacon website or call them on 0345 548 0300.
Pauline's story
Local man Peter Garside has developed a website to help people with their applications for continuing healthcare.
In it he tells the story of his experience of making a continuing health care application for his wife Pauline and successfully appealing an incorrect decision.
Read Peter and Pauline's story
