Many Older Adults Missing Out on Vital NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding

The UK’s ageing population is facing a hidden crisis. Despite being entitled to support, many older people with chronic ill-health and significant care needs are being wrongly excluded from NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding. This issue not only places undue financial stress on older adults and their families but also highlights systemic challenges within the health and social care system.

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)?

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care provided outside of hospital settings, funded entirely by the NHS. It is intended for individuals with complex and ongoing healthcare needs, covering care home costs or care in a person’s own home. Unlike social care, which is means-tested, CHC funding is based solely on an individual’s health needs.

To qualify, a person must undergo a detailed assessment to determine if their needs are primarily health-related. However, the assessment process is complex and inconsistently applied, leaving many eligible individuals without the support they are entitled to.

The Scale of the Problem

Age UK has raised concerns that older adults with chronic illnesses and significant care requirements are being excluded from CHC funding due to a combination of lack of awareness, confusing eligibility criteria, and inconsistent assessment practices. The charity reports that some older people have been denied funding despite meeting the criteria, forcing them to deplete savings or sell assets to pay for their care.

In some cases, families have had to fight lengthy legal battles to secure funding, often at great emotional and financial cost.

How the Assessment Process Fails Older Adults

The CHC assessment process involves two stages:

1. Checklist Screening: A preliminary step to determine if a full assessment is needed.
2. Decision Support Tool (DST): A detailed evaluation carried out by a multi-disciplinary team.

Age UK has highlighted several issues with this system:

• Inconsistent Decision-Making: Assessment outcomes can vary widely depending on the region or the individual conducting the evaluation.
• Lack of Awareness: Many older people and their families are unaware of CHC funding or assume they are ineligible.
• Complexity: The criteria for eligibility are difficult to understand, even for professionals, leading to misinterpretation and errors.
• Delays: The process can take months, during which families may struggle to fund care.

The Financial and Emotional Toll

The failure to secure CHC funding has devastating consequences for older adults and their loved ones. Without funding, individuals with severe health needs must rely on savings, pensions, or family contributions to cover care costs. This financial burden can lead to significant stress and hardship, particularly for those who have already spent years paying for care.

Moreover, the process of appealing a CHC decision is often long and emotionally draining. Many families describe feeling overwhelmed and unsupported when navigating the appeals system.

A Call for Change

Age UK is urging the government and NHS to take immediate action to address these failings. The charity recommends:

• Greater Transparency: Clear and accessible information about CHC funding and eligibility should be provided to all older adults and their families.
• Improved Training: Professionals conducting assessments must receive comprehensive training to ensure consistent and fair decision-making.
• Streamlined Processes: The assessment and appeals systems must be simplified to reduce delays and administrative barriers.
• Proactive Outreach: The NHS should identify and reach out to individuals who may be eligible for CHC funding, ensuring they are not left to navigate the system alone.

How Older People and Their Families Can Seek Help

If you believe that you or a loved one may be entitled to CHC funding, it is important to act:

1. Understand the Criteria: Review the NHS guidelines on CHC eligibility to determine if your needs qualify.
2. Seek Advocacy Support: Organisations like Age UK offer advice and support for those applying for or appealing CHC funding decisions.
3. Keep Records: Document medical needs, assessments, and correspondence to strengthen your case.
4. Appeal if Necessary: If funding is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Seek advice from experts or legal professionals to guide you through the process.

The Importance of Advocacy

Age UK continues to advocate for older people, raising awareness of the issues with CHC funding and pressing for systemic reforms. The charity’s work includes supporting individuals through the assessment and appeals process, as well as campaigning for fairer policies and practices.

Conclusion

NHS Continuing Healthcare funding is a vital resource for older adults with complex care needs, yet far too many are being denied the support they are entitled to. This systemic failure leaves some of the most vulnerable members of society at risk of financial and emotional distress.

It is crucial for the government, NHS, and advocacy organisations to work together to ensure that CHC funding is accessible, transparent, and fair. By addressing these issues, we can help protect the dignity and wellbeing of older adults, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.

For further information or assistance, contact Age UK or visit the NHS website to learn more about CHC funding eligibility and application processes.