NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a fully-funded package of care provided by the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. It is designed for individuals who have complex and ongoing healthcare needs, such as those with dementia. This article will explore what CHC is, who is eligible for it, and how to access it specifically for those with dementia.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS Continuing Healthcare covers all healthcare needs, including social care needs, for individuals who require long-term care due to a complex medical condition. It is not means-tested, meaning that it is available to everyone regardless of their income or savings. This means that the individual does not have to pay for their care, and all costs are covered by the NHS.
Who is Eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare?
To be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, an individual must have a primary health need. This means that their care needs are primarily due to a health condition, rather than social or personal care needs. For those with dementia, this can include degenerative neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia.
The eligibility for CHC is assessed through a process called the Decision Support Tool (DST). This is a document used by healthcare professionals to determine the level of an individual’s healthcare needs. It takes into account factors such as mobility, communication, nutrition, and behavior. The DST also considers the unpredictable nature of dementia, as well as the deteriorating cognitive and physical abilities of the individual.
In addition to meeting the criteria of the DST, an individual must also have a ‘primary health need’, which is defined as having a complex medical condition that requires a high level of care and attention from a team of healthcare professionals. This can include regular monitoring and management of medication, specialized nursing care, and frequent medical interventions.
How to Access NHS Continuing Healthcare for Dementia
If you or a loved one has dementia and you believe that you may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, the first step is to contact your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) or social services department. They will guide you through the process and will arrange for a CHC assessment to be carried out.
The assessment can take place in different settings, such as at home, in a hospital, or in a care facility. It is important to involve family members or carers in the assessment process to ensure that all of the individual’s needs are taken into consideration.
During the assessment, the healthcare professionals will use the DST to determine if an individual has a primary health need and if they are eligible for CHC. If the individual is deemed eligible, they will then be allocated a personal budget to cover their care needs.
It is important to note that eligibility for CHC is not based on a diagnosis of dementia alone. Each individual’s needs are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and a diagnosis of dementia does not automatically guarantee eligibility for CHC.
What Does NHS Continuing Healthcare Cover?
NHS Continuing Healthcare covers all healthcare needs, including medical treatments, nursing care, and personal care. This can include assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. It also covers any necessary medical equipment, such as mobility aids or specialized beds.
In addition to these physical needs, CHC also covers any psychological support that may be required for those with dementia. This can include therapy sessions, counseling, and activities to help maintain cognitive function and improve quality of life.
Is CHC Permanent?
Once an individual has been deemed eligible for CHC, their care needs will be regularly reviewed to ensure that they are receiving the appropriate level of care. If their circumstances change, such as their condition improves or deteriorates, their eligibility for CHC may change as well. However, this does not mean that CHC will automatically be withdrawn. The individual’s needs will be reassessed to determine the appropriate level of care going forward.
In some cases, individuals may also choose to have a personal health budget, which allows them to have more control over how their CHC funding is spent. This can include hiring their own care staff or purchasing items that will improve their quality of life.
In conclusion, NHS Continuing Healthcare is a fully-funded package provided by the NHS for individuals who have complex and ongoing healthcare needs, such as those with dementia. Eligibility is determined through the Decision Support Tool and requires a ‘primary health need’. It covers all healthcare needs, including medical treatments and personal care, and can be accessed through the local CCG or social services department. Regular reviews are conducted to ensure that individuals are receiving the appropriate level of care.
