Continuing healthcare

When a person’s main need for care and support is due to their poor health, then care may be funded by the NHS.

If we think this may be the case, a multi-disciplinary team will assess your situation. They will look at:

• what help you need
• how complex these needs are
• how intense or severe these needs can be
• how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care isn't provided at the right time

You and your family should be involved in the assessment. 

Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition. If your needs change then your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare may change.

Funding

If you are eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the NHS will usually pay for all your care and support. Some of your welfare benefits may be affected. You should let your benefits office know.

Finding out more

If you think you might be entitled to continuing healthcare funding, you should speak to a health or social care professional (your GP, nurse, or social worker).