NHS continuing healthcare (age 18 and over)

Overview

Some adults with long-term, complex health needs may qualify for care that is fully arranged and funded by the NHS. This is known as NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). It provides a package of care for individuals with significant healthcare needs, rather than primarily social or personal care needs, and is available to people living outside of hospital settings. 

NHS Continuing Healthcare can be delivered either in your own home or within a care home. Unlike care funded by local authorities, which is means-tested, NHS Continuing Healthcare is provided free of charge to those who are eligible. 

Support

The service assesses individuals who may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, ensuring they are guided smoothly through each stage of the assessment process. 

How to access the service 

Anyone aged 18 or over who is assessed as having a certain level of care needs may be entitled to NHS Continuing Healthcare. Eligibility does not depend on a specific diagnosis, condition, or type of care provider, nor on where the care is delivered. If the overall assessment indicates that you have a ‘primary health need’, you may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. Once eligibility is confirmed, the NHS will fund your agreed package of care. Eligibility is not permanent, regular reviews are carried out, and if your care needs change, your funding arrangements may also be adjusted. 

Assessment 

The process begins with an initial checklist assessment, which helps to determine whether a full assessment for NHS Continuing Healthcare is needed. This checklist does not decide eligibility,  it simply identifies whether a more detailed assessment should take place. 

A nurse, doctor, or other qualified health or social care professional can complete the checklist, either in a hospital or community setting. However, in hospital cases, the checklist should not be completed until the person’s ongoing needs after discharge are fully understood. 

How to give a compliment or complaint about the service 

The Black Country ICB service feedback can be provided by visiting Customer services - Time 2 Talk - Black Country ICB. 

Find out more

Find out more about NHS continuing healthcare and read the national framework for NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care.