NHS continuing healthcare NHS continuing healthcare is a free package of care for people who have significant ongoing healthcare needs. It is arranged and funded by the NHS. You can receive NHS continuing healthcare in any setting outside hospital, including in your own home or in a care home. If you receive care in your own home, the NHS will cover the cost of the support you need from health professionals and the cost of personal care which can include help with washing and getting dressed. If you receive NHS continuing healthcare in a care home, the NHS will also pay your care home fees.
Eligibility is always based on these needs, rather than any particular diagnosis or condition.
When should I be considered for NHS continuing healthcare? If you have ongoing health needs, there are times when staff should consider whether you may be eligible. These include: • when you are ready to be discharged from hospital and your long-term needs are clear
Eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare
• once a period of intermediate care or rehabilitation following a hospital stay have finished and it’s agreed your condition is unlikely to improve
When assessing your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare, staff must follow certain processes.
• whenever your health or social care needs are being reviewed as part of a community care assessment
You must be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals as having a ‘primary health need’ for care. This means that you need care primarily because of your health needs.
• if your physical or mental health deteriorates significantly and your current level of care seems inadequate
This is assessed by looking at:
• when your nursing needs are being reviewed. This should happen annually if you live in a nursing home
• the type and particular characteristics of your needs
• if you have a rapidly deteriorating condition and may be approaching the end of your life
• how intense and severe they are
In these circumstances, your discharge staff, staff co-ordinating your intermediate care, GP or a member of the social work team should raise the issue of NHS continuing healthcare and assess your eligibility. If they don’t, make sure you ask for an assessment.
• the complexity of your needs • how unpredictable your needs are; including any risks to you and others if adequate and timely care is not provided
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