What is Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding and will it pay for my care

When someone needs ongoing care due to illness or disability, the cost can quickly become overwhelming. Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding exists to help cover these costs for people with significant health needs. But what exactly is CHC funding, who qualifies, and will it pay for your care? This post explains the key facts about CHC funding, how it works, and what you need to know to access it.

What is Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding?

Continuing Healthcare funding is a package of care arranged and funded solely by the National Health Service (NHS) in England. It covers the full cost of care for people who have complex and ongoing health needs. This funding is not means-tested, meaning it does not depend on your income or savings.

CHC funding is designed for individuals whose primary need is health-related rather than social care. It can cover care in various settings, including:

• At home with care support

• Residential care homes

• Nursing homes

• Hospices

  
  

The goal is to ensure people receive the care they need without financial barriers when their health needs are substantial.

Who qualifies for CHC funding?

Qualifying for CHC funding depends on an assessment of your care needs, not your diagnosis or age. The NHS uses a national framework to decide if someone’s needs are primarily health-related and complex enough to require CHC.

The assessment looks at:

• Nature of needs: Are your needs related to health conditions requiring clinical care?

• Complexity: Do your needs involve multiple health issues or treatments?

• Intensity: How often and how much care do you require?

• Unpredictability: Are your health needs unstable or likely to change suddenly?

• Risk: Does your condition pose a risk to your health or safety without proper care?

  
  

If your needs meet these criteria, you may be eligible for full NHS funding for your care.

How does the CHC assessment process work?

The process usually starts when a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, refers you for a CHC assessment. This can happen in hospital, at home, or in a care home.

The assessment involves:

1. Initial screening to see if a full assessment is needed.

2. Full assessment by a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, social workers, and therapists.

3. Decision meeting where the team decides if you qualify for CHC funding.

4. Notification of the decision and explanation of next steps.

   
   

The whole process can take many weeks.

What types of care does CHC funding cover?

CHC funding can cover a wide range of care services, including:

• Personal care such as washing, dressing, and feeding

• Nursing care including medication management and wound care

• Therapy services like physiotherapy or occupational therapy

• Equipment and adaptations needed for care

• End-of-life care in hospices or at home

  
  

The funding covers the full cost of these services, so you should not have to pay anything towards your care if you qualify.

Examples of who might get CHC funding

• A person with advanced dementia and complex care needs requiring 24-hour nursing care in a care home.

• Someone recovering from a stignificant health crisis who requires ongoing nursing and therapy at home.

• A patient with terminal cancer receiving end-of-life care in a hospice.

• An individual with complex neurological conditions needing specialist nursing support.

  
  

Each case is assessed individually, focusing on the actual care needs rather than the diagnosis alone.

How to apply and get help with CHC funding

Applying for CHC funding can feel complicated. Here are some practical tips:

• Ask your healthcare team to refer you for an assessment if you think you qualify.

• Keep detailed records of your care needs, treatments, and how your condition affects daily life.

• Understand your rights to appeal if your application is refused.

• Stay involved in the assessment process and ask questions.

  
  

Many people find it helpful to get advice from charities or organisations specialising in continuing healthcare.

Common misconceptions about CHC funding

• It’s only for elderly people: CHC funding is for anyone with complex health needs, regardless of age.

• You have to be in a hospital to apply: Assessments can happen anywhere, including your home.

• It covers all care costs automatically: You must qualify through the assessment process.

• It’s the same as social care funding: CHC is NHS-funded and based on health needs, social care funding is different.

  
  

Understanding these points helps avoid confusion and ensures you get the right support.

What to do next if you think you need CHC funding

If you or a loved one has ongoing health needs requiring care, start by talking to your GP, hospital team, or community nurse. Ask about a Continuing Healthcare assessment and what it involves.

Gather information about your care needs and keep a diary of daily challenges. This will help the assessment team understand your situation clearly.

Remember, CHC funding can cover the full cost of your care if you qualify, easing financial stress and ensuring you get the support you need.