Continuing healthcare

We understand that continuing care is a complex and highly sensitive area which can affect people at a very vulnerable stage of their lives.

Who can get it?

NHS Continuing Healthcare is not dependent on any particular disease, diagnosis or medical condition and is for anyone assessed as needing a certain level of health care whether they are at home or in a nursing home.

Your health will need to be assessed by a nurse, social care practitioner, GP or other health professional who will decide whether you are eligible. This will be based on the type of condition or treatment required, the different symptoms that make it difficult to manage or control, how severe it is and any unexpected changes in condition that are difficult to manage and present a risk to you or to others. If your overall care needs show that your primary need is a health one, you should qualify for continuing healthcare.

How much does it cost?

NHS Continuing Healthcare is free, unlike help from Adult Social Care for which there may be a charge.

At home

If you remain living at home this means that the NHS will pay for healthcare such as services from a community nurse or specialist therapist and personal care such as help with bathing, dressing and laundry.

In a nursing home

If you move into a nursing home, the NHS pays all your care home fees, including board and accommodation.

If you are receiving an assessment for care whilst you are in hospital or in your own home, then your eligibility for Continuing Healthcare will automatically be considered.

What if I am not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare?

If you do not qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare then you may have to pay for some or all of your care, although the NHS will still provide for your medical needs.

If you are in a care home you may need to have a financial assessmentto decide how much you should pay towards your personal care and accommodation. If you need care from a registered nurse, however, it will be provided free of charge through NHS funded nursing care.

How to find out more

The Alzheimer's Society  can provide more information on continuing care, including a useful guide on when the NHS pays for care.

You can contact NHS Choices for the latest information on continuing healthcare.

You can find out more about Adult Social Care for help with living at home and assessments by following the links.

Please contact me about this service

If you’re still unsure you can contact the Adult Social Care Access Team