Support for NHS-funded Home Care

NHS healthcare support

Most people pay something towards the care they receive. Some people with ongoing significant health needs can have their care paid for through NHS continuing healthcare.

What is NHS healthcare support?

NHS healthcare support is a package of care for people assessed as having a “primary health need”. It is provided and funded by the NHS.

• If you receive care in your own home, the NHS covers the cost of the care and support you need to meet your assessed health and associated care needs, including personal care such as help with washing and dressing.
• If you receive NHS healthcare support in a care home, the NHS pays your care home fees.

Can I get NHS healthcare support?

Eligibility is not based on having a specific health condition. You must have ongoing significant physical and/or mental health needs, and the main part of the care you need must be focused on addressing or preventing those health needs.

How does the eligibility process work?

NHS staff evaluate your health needs and decide eligibility. The process usually includes:

1. An initial view of whether you have significant health needs. Situations can include after a hospital stay when your condition is unlikely to improve, before NHS-funded nursing care in a nursing home, when your needs are being reviewed, if your health deteriorates significantly, or if you have a rapidly deteriorating condition approaching the end of life. You should be fully involved and can ask a relative or carer to support you.
2. Completion of the Checklist tool by a nurse or social worker trained to use it. This identifies whether you need a full NHS continuing healthcare assessment. If your condition is deteriorating rapidly, staff may use the Fast Track process.
3. Evidence gathered from relevant health and social care professionals about your physical, mental health and social care needs.
4. A multidisciplinary team meeting to complete a Decision Support Tool and make a recommendation. You or your representative can attend.
5. The recommendation is sent to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) responsible for agreeing and funding your care package.
6. The ICB should write to you with their decision and explain the reasons.

If you are eligible

• The ICB will discuss the care and support you need — at home or in a care home.
• You have the right to ask for a Personal Health Budget, which can give you more choice. It cannot be used to pay care home fees.
• The package is reviewed after three months and then at least every year, mainly to check the care plan still meets your needs.
• If your needs change, funding arrangements may change. You have a right to challenge that decision.

If you are not eligible

You can appeal using the process set out in the ICB letter, or ask to be referred to the local authority, who can assess whether you are eligible for means-tested care and support.

Double Em Care Services works closely with local Integrated Care Boards and Continuing Healthcare (CHC) teams, including clinical leads and nurse assessors, to discuss and arrange packages of NHS-funded home care.

Please contact us for guidance on your specific care needs.