What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS Continuing Healthcare, often called NHS CHC, is a package of care for adults aged 18 or over that is arranged and funded solely by the NHS where the person is assessed as having a primary health need. Eligibility is based on the nature and complexity of the person’s needs, not simply on having a particular diagnosis.
For some people, NHS CHC funding can support care in their own home, depending on the care package agreed by the relevant Integrated Care Board.
How does the assessment work?
The process usually begins with an NHS Continuing Healthcare Checklist completed by a trained health or social care professional.
If the checklist indicates that a full assessment is needed, a multidisciplinary team will assess the person’s needs in more detail using the NHS Decision Support Tool.
The assessment considers areas including:
- mobility
- communication
- cognition
- behaviour
- nutrition
- continence
- skin
- medication
- breathing
- psychological and emotional needs
- altered states of consciousness
- other significant care needs
A positive checklist does not automatically mean NHS CHC will be awarded. It means the person should proceed to a full assessment.
Can NHS Continuing Healthcare fund care at home?
Yes. Where someone is eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, the NHS may fund an agreed package of care in the person’s own home. The way that package is arranged depends on the individual’s personalised care and support plan and the relevant Integrated Care Board.
Grace & Goodwill can provide general information and signposting and help families understand available live-in care options. We do not assess eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare, make funding decisions or provide clinical services. Families should confirm directly with their NHS team whether their proposed care arrangement can be funded through their personal health budget.
What if someone is not eligible?
If NHS Continuing Healthcare is not awarded, the person may still be able to receive support through their local authority or other funding routes, depending on their circumstances.
Families can also consider private live-in care if they wish to arrange additional support independently.
Understanding your options
If you believe NHS Continuing Healthcare may be relevant, you can speak with the person’s healthcare team or local Integrated Care Board about the assessment process.
Once the funding position is clearer, Grace & Goodwill can explain the available live-in care options and relevant pricing.