The Real Cost of Care

As we get older, there seems to be more and more things to worry about. A common worry is the costs associated with any future care.

Who will pay for my care?

There is a misconception that everybody will have to pay for their future care costs.

However, when a person has what is considered a ‘Primary Health Need’ they are eligible for fully funded NHS care. This is also known as NHS Continuing healthcare. Alternatively, your local authority may cover some or all of the costs of your care, but it will depend on your circumstances.

By “circumstances”, most people believe that it will depend on how much money you already have as to whether or not you will receive assistance. This is not th

e case. Specifically, the type of care that you require plays a key role in deciding whether or not you are eligible for assistance with your care costs.

The key thing to remember is you must be assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare first before you are means tested by the local authority.

Do I have to go into a care home to receive funding from the NHS?

No. It is not restricted to any particular setting and is available in your own home or in a care home.

How do I know if I am eligible for this scheme?

To be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare you will need to be assessed and the result of this assessment must be that you have a ‘Primary Health Need’.

Healthcare professionals will look at your needs rather than any particular diagnosis or condition. Unfortunately, this does make for a very complex and convolute process.

What if I am not happy with the findings of my assessment?

If you are not happy with the results of your assessment, you can appeal and if your appeal is unsuccessful, you can ask for an independent review of your case.

I am currently paying for my care, but I cannot recall my healthcare needs being assessed.

If you are receiving care presently and are aware that you have not received an assessment of your needs, then you can request one. If it is found that you have been paying for care that you are eligible to receive NHS funding for, then there is a possibility that you can claim these care costs back.

If you would like further advice in relation to potentially claiming back the