NHS continuing healthcare is the name given to a package of services which is arranged and funded by the NHS for people outside hospital with ongoing health needs.
You can get continuing healthcare in any setting, including your own home or in a care home.
NHS continuing healthcare is free, unlike help from social services for which a charge may be made depending on your income and savings.
In your own home, this means that the NHS will pay for healthcare (eg services from a community nurse or specialist therapist) and personal care (eg help with bathing, dressing and laundry).
In a care home, the NHS pays for your care home fees, including board and accommodation.
Who can get help?
On 1 October 2007 the Department of Health introduced a new national framework which outlines the circumstances under which this type of care is funded. If the nature, complexity, intensity or unpredictability of your overall care needs show that your primary need is a health one, you could qualify for NHS funded continuing healthcare.
Eligibility also includes circumstances where a person has a rapidly deteriorating condition and has limited life expectancy.
NHS funded nursing care
The framework also incorporates revised guidance for people in or going into nursing homes that require care by or under the guidance of a qualified nurse – this is called NHS funded nursing care and makes changes to the level of payments by introducing a single rate instead of the previous three bands of payment.
Further information
The Department of Health has produced information for the public about this issue. See NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care: public information leaflet.
For more information about NHS continuing care and NHS funded nursing care in Tower Hamlets please contact Jane Huges, associate director of commissioning, at jane.hughes@thpct.nhs.uk.
