NHS Continuing Healthcare Fundng
Discussion
Good morning all
Hope I’m posting this in the right section.
My mum who has dementia and was living at home had a fall and a blackout 4 weeks ago and it’s been confirmed that she has had a stroke (tests showed she also had some about 4 months ago too!)
Any way, we are now on the brink of making a decision about nursing moving forward, and that includes venue. Her partial paralysis means that it’ll be too big a job for us now.
Nursing homes are expensive places- is there anyone on here that has been successful in applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding and, if so, do you have any advice for us?
It’s a daunting subject. Thank you in advance
Kind regards
IP.
Hope I’m posting this in the right section.
My mum who has dementia and was living at home had a fall and a blackout 4 weeks ago and it’s been confirmed that she has had a stroke (tests showed she also had some about 4 months ago too!)
Any way, we are now on the brink of making a decision about nursing moving forward, and that includes venue. Her partial paralysis means that it’ll be too big a job for us now.
Nursing homes are expensive places- is there anyone on here that has been successful in applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding and, if so, do you have any advice for us?
It’s a daunting subject. Thank you in advance
Kind regards
IP.
IanPalmer said:
Good morning all
Hope I’m posting this in the right section.
My mum who has dementia and was living at home had a fall and a blackout 4 weeks ago and it’s been confirmed that she has had a stroke (tests showed she also had some about 4 months ago too!)
Any way, we are now on the brink of making a decision about nursing moving forward, and that includes venue. Her partial paralysis means that it’ll be too big a job for us now.
Nursing homes are expensive places- is there anyone on here that has been successful in applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding and, if so, do you have any advice for us?
It’s a daunting subject. Thank you in advance
Kind regards
IP.
First of all, sorry to hear about your mum. Dementia is a truly horrible illness, I suspect only truly understood by those that have experienced it with a family member.Hope I’m posting this in the right section.
My mum who has dementia and was living at home had a fall and a blackout 4 weeks ago and it’s been confirmed that she has had a stroke (tests showed she also had some about 4 months ago too!)
Any way, we are now on the brink of making a decision about nursing moving forward, and that includes venue. Her partial paralysis means that it’ll be too big a job for us now.
Nursing homes are expensive places- is there anyone on here that has been successful in applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding and, if so, do you have any advice for us?
It’s a daunting subject. Thank you in advance
Kind regards
IP.
My MIL ended up in, initially in a care home, after a fall when she broke her hip,when my wife and sister couldn’t really cope anymore, even with daily careers going in.
When she had to move to a specialist unit, we then looked at the NHS CHC and on the advice of someone we knew, decided to use a specialist firm of solicitors on a no win no fee basis.
We were able to get the funding in place which based on the fees the £1700 per week, has meant that MIL doesn’t run out of money in about 6 months!
The process is lengthy, a typical form filling and meeting process, almost designed so as not to approve funding unless you are very determined.
Hence using a solicitor to take away some, but by no means, of the stress and hassle.
Do a Google search - the firm we used was based in Wales and has two male Christian names in its name.
Boringvolvodriver said:
IanPalmer said:
Good morning all
Hope I’m posting this in the right section.
My mum who has dementia and was living at home had a fall and a blackout 4 weeks ago and it’s been confirmed that she has had a stroke (tests showed she also had some about 4 months ago too!)
Any way, we are now on the brink of making a decision about nursing moving forward, and that includes venue. Her partial paralysis means that it’ll be too big a job for us now.
Nursing homes are expensive places- is there anyone on here that has been successful in applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding and, if so, do you have any advice for us?
It’s a daunting subject. Thank you in advance
Kind regards
IP.
First of all, sorry to hear about your mum. Dementia is a truly horrible illness, I suspect only truly understood by those that have experienced it with a family member.Hope I’m posting this in the right section.
My mum who has dementia and was living at home had a fall and a blackout 4 weeks ago and it’s been confirmed that she has had a stroke (tests showed she also had some about 4 months ago too!)
Any way, we are now on the brink of making a decision about nursing moving forward, and that includes venue. Her partial paralysis means that it’ll be too big a job for us now.
Nursing homes are expensive places- is there anyone on here that has been successful in applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding and, if so, do you have any advice for us?
It’s a daunting subject. Thank you in advance
Kind regards
IP.
My MIL ended up in, initially in a care home, after a fall when she broke her hip,when my wife and sister couldn’t really cope anymore, even with daily careers going in.
When she had to move to a specialist unit, we then looked at the NHS CHC and on the advice of someone we knew, decided to use a specialist firm of solicitors on a no win no fee basis.
We were able to get the funding in place which based on the fees the £1700 per week, has meant that MIL doesn’t run out of money in about 6 months!
The process is lengthy, a typical form filling and meeting process, almost designed so as not to approve funding unless you are very determined.
Hence using a solicitor to take away some, but by no means, of the stress and hassle.
Do a Google search - the firm we used was based in Wales and has two male Christian names in its name.
Mum was placed in a Care Home for six weeks initially for assessment and then they might have considered a Continuous healthcare Assessment, that was mid April this year.
She remains there and we have had no contact regarding funding. My dad says if they will not be paying it we would have heard something from them by now demanding money but so far nothing. My worry is we will be presented with a massive bill - I'm told her home is costing £3k a week for the one 2 one care she has been having. The only thing that is stopping me contacting them yet again is that the fact she is on one 2 one care and my dad could never cope with her now means she will be successful in getting it and they are dealing with the countless other claims that they know will not be.
So in essence OP, I can't help and we're in that boat too.
She remains there and we have had no contact regarding funding. My dad says if they will not be paying it we would have heard something from them by now demanding money but so far nothing. My worry is we will be presented with a massive bill - I'm told her home is costing £3k a week for the one 2 one care she has been having. The only thing that is stopping me contacting them yet again is that the fact she is on one 2 one care and my dad could never cope with her now means she will be successful in getting it and they are dealing with the countless other claims that they know will not be.
So in essence OP, I can't help and we're in that boat too.
Have you had any of the assessment meetings with all the various health care professionals? If so, They should produce a report which you should have seen by now.
If no formal assessment yet, then you do need to push for one ASAP otherwise nothing will ever happen.
IIRC there is an initial checklist to be undertaken with a social worker to generate a referral for a Decision Tool to be carried out.
Please chase it up as otherwise you will be left in limbo.
You really need to have a good social worker or people who are on your side as they will delay and delay .
If no formal assessment yet, then you do need to push for one ASAP otherwise nothing will ever happen.
IIRC there is an initial checklist to be undertaken with a social worker to generate a referral for a Decision Tool to be carried out.
Please chase it up as otherwise you will be left in limbo.
You really need to have a good social worker or people who are on your side as they will delay and delay .
We’ve got the family zoom meeting hosted by the hospital this afternoon and I suspect things will grow arms from there.
I’ve made a note of the checklist point- I was aware but didn’t think it was an option for them not to do it, so thank you for the advice.
I’ll let you know how we get on
I’ve made a note of the checklist point- I was aware but didn’t think it was an option for them not to do it, so thank you for the advice.
I’ll let you know how we get on
Boringvolvodriver said:
Have you had any of the assessment meetings with all the various health care professionals? If so, They should produce a report which you should have seen by now.
If no formal assessment yet, then you do need to push for one ASAP otherwise nothing will ever happen.
IIRC there is an initial checklist to be undertaken with a social worker to generate a referral for a Decision Tool to be carried out.
Please chase it up as otherwise you will be left in limbo.
You really need to have a good social worker or people who are on your side as they will delay and delay .
If no formal assessment yet, then you do need to push for one ASAP otherwise nothing will ever happen.
IIRC there is an initial checklist to be undertaken with a social worker to generate a referral for a Decision Tool to be carried out.
Please chase it up as otherwise you will be left in limbo.
You really need to have a good social worker or people who are on your side as they will delay and delay .
Firstly very sorry to hear about your predicament. I successfully obtained CHC for an elderly cousin of my wife, we have Lasting Power of Attorney for his finances but not his health and I'll just add from the start that neither of us are beneficiaries in his will. I live in Swansea and I believe there are differences between the Welsh and English systems but I believe they also have much in common. My wife's cousin has dementia and end stage Parkinson's disease and it is just over 2 years ago that we heard that we had secured funding for him. I found our local Age concern very helpful and I also contacted a group called Beacon who give loads of advice on line. Do use the internet to find all of the NHS literature/leaflets etc that are available regarding CHC. They explain how to apply, how to prepare for the eligibility meeting and how a decision is reached. Make sure you are fully up to date with the correct procedures/processes that the Local Health Authority should follow. Our Social Worker was very nice but very inexperienced, it ended up with me having to tell him about the correct procedures etc. I found the senior hospital staff on the ward, including the consultant geriatrician either deliberately or unintentionally not very helpful and on several occasions I had to point out to them that they had not followed correct procedure. The whole process revolves around being able to provide evidence that your mother has a primary health care need. At the final meeting (MDT - Multi Disciplinary Team) you will need to provide evidence as to the severity of your mother's health needs. There are 12 areas or care domains and you will have to "score" as a Priority or Severe in at least 2 of them to be considered for funding; what you need to prove to "score" as a Priority or Severe is explained in the NHS literature. Apologies if this is a bit of a ramble. Good luck.
You may find excerpts within this thread of some use: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I've been through this twice now. the first time my elderly mother who had a fall following a stroke that started with a long stay in hospital and then a care home. In this case all the costs were paid by the LA despite having money to pay for her own care in a care home we were happy with (it wasn't the cheapest). How that came about I don't know but I think it was the nature of the debilitation (stroke) rather than degenerative like dementia. This was 15yrs ago so the funding may have changed.
More recently Father in Law's dementia got to stage where he couldn't be looked after at home. Social Services arrange the assessment and in this case funding would follow the model - fund yourself (patient) until your assets drop below a certain level and then LA take it on. There was no property in my situation and mother in law still alive so 50% joint assets discounted. Dependent on level of nursing care needed will decide the type of home (nurses on site 24/7 etc) and the cost of care. Ballpark £1,200-£1,400 per week.
It's not a nice situation to be in but the reality is the best place for a advanced dementia sufferer is in a care home rather than being looked after at home by relatives.
I've been through this twice now. the first time my elderly mother who had a fall following a stroke that started with a long stay in hospital and then a care home. In this case all the costs were paid by the LA despite having money to pay for her own care in a care home we were happy with (it wasn't the cheapest). How that came about I don't know but I think it was the nature of the debilitation (stroke) rather than degenerative like dementia. This was 15yrs ago so the funding may have changed.
More recently Father in Law's dementia got to stage where he couldn't be looked after at home. Social Services arrange the assessment and in this case funding would follow the model - fund yourself (patient) until your assets drop below a certain level and then LA take it on. There was no property in my situation and mother in law still alive so 50% joint assets discounted. Dependent on level of nursing care needed will decide the type of home (nurses on site 24/7 etc) and the cost of care. Ballpark £1,200-£1,400 per week.
It's not a nice situation to be in but the reality is the best place for a advanced dementia sufferer is in a care home rather than being looked after at home by relatives.
Hi Ian, I'm really sorry to hear about the change with your mum and that you're in a situation where you're looking into this. I've sat in on alot of CHC review meetings and been involved in brokering funding previously (although not currently). Happy to chat on here or in private if there's anything you dont want to post.
Reading through it seems that your mum is currently in hospital and will be discharged to a care home? If so the hospital should conduct a nursing assessment to determine if your mum needs nursing care or residential care. It's worth noting that all of these assessments aren't usually based on diagnosis (the medical problems the person has) but rather 'care needs'-the way in which the medical problems dictate the day to day care and input the person needs. There's a common misconception that just because the person will probably need ongoing care for the rest of their lie that they will be eligible for CHC funding which often isn't the case, it's down to the complexity and severity of health problems dictating the level of care needed day to day and I've dealt with a lot of people who are surprised at how high that level of care needs to be.
During Covid people who had been assessed by the nursing team at hospital to require nursing care have been discharged by the hospital under a scheme called 'discharge to assess' where their initial nursing home fees are fully paid for a few weeks and a review is conducted after those few weeks to determine appropriate funding. I've known both care homes and hospitals not be upfront about this on discharge and when the review takes place a large amount of the funding is withdrawn, leaving the person to self fund some of the fees if they're over the threshold. Many care homes charge a 'top up' if the person does not have savings which means there is still a bill that the family/person need to pay in order for them to remain at the home.
If you're happy to discuss your mum's current needs here I can give you and indication of where she may fall on the funding spectrum, I'm more than happy to chat with you privately too because it can be a minefield and knowing the language used is half the battle.
CHC funding isn't hard to obtain if the person's needs are very severe but obviously every person that is receiving it is potentially costing the NHS £60-100K p/a so it is scrutinized in terms of the decision to allocate it.
Reading through it seems that your mum is currently in hospital and will be discharged to a care home? If so the hospital should conduct a nursing assessment to determine if your mum needs nursing care or residential care. It's worth noting that all of these assessments aren't usually based on diagnosis (the medical problems the person has) but rather 'care needs'-the way in which the medical problems dictate the day to day care and input the person needs. There's a common misconception that just because the person will probably need ongoing care for the rest of their lie that they will be eligible for CHC funding which often isn't the case, it's down to the complexity and severity of health problems dictating the level of care needed day to day and I've dealt with a lot of people who are surprised at how high that level of care needs to be.
During Covid people who had been assessed by the nursing team at hospital to require nursing care have been discharged by the hospital under a scheme called 'discharge to assess' where their initial nursing home fees are fully paid for a few weeks and a review is conducted after those few weeks to determine appropriate funding. I've known both care homes and hospitals not be upfront about this on discharge and when the review takes place a large amount of the funding is withdrawn, leaving the person to self fund some of the fees if they're over the threshold. Many care homes charge a 'top up' if the person does not have savings which means there is still a bill that the family/person need to pay in order for them to remain at the home.
If you're happy to discuss your mum's current needs here I can give you and indication of where she may fall on the funding spectrum, I'm more than happy to chat with you privately too because it can be a minefield and knowing the language used is half the battle.
CHC funding isn't hard to obtain if the person's needs are very severe but obviously every person that is receiving it is potentially costing the NHS £60-100K p/a so it is scrutinized in terms of the decision to allocate it.
jned2 said:
Firstly very sorry to hear about your predicament. I successfully obtained CHC for an elderly cousin of my wife, we have Lasting Power of Attorney for his finances but not his health and I'll just add from the start that neither of us are beneficiaries in his will. I live in Swansea and I believe there are differences between the Welsh and English systems but I believe they also have much in common. My wife's cousin has dementia and end stage Parkinson's disease and it is just over 2 years ago that we heard that we had secured funding for him. I found our local Age concern very helpful and I also contacted a group called Beacon who give loads of advice on line. Do use the internet to find all of the NHS literature/leaflets etc that are available regarding CHC. They explain how to apply, how to prepare for the eligibility meeting and how a decision is reached. Make sure you are fully up to date with the correct procedures/processes that the Local Health Authority should follow. Our Social Worker was very nice but very inexperienced, it ended up with me having to tell him about the correct procedures etc. I found the senior hospital staff on the ward, including the consultant geriatrician either deliberately or unintentionally not very helpful and on several occasions I had to point out to them that they had not followed correct procedure. The whole process revolves around being able to provide evidence that your mother has a primary health care need. At the final meeting (MDT - Multi Disciplinary Team) you will need to provide evidence as to the severity of your mother's health needs. There are 12 areas or care domains and you will have to "score" as a Priority or Severe in at least 2 of them to be considered for funding; what you need to prove to "score" as a Priority or Severe is explained in the NHS literature. Apologies if this is a bit of a ramble. Good luck.
Thank you so much for this jned - it’s funny you should mention about the hospital’s knowledge on things- we had our meeting on Wednesday and they advised us that Continuing Healthcare Funding was only available for terminally ill patients, which is plainly incorrect. It may be difficult to obtain but it’s not limited to that. Under current rules they are doing assessments in the care homes in liaison with the hospital. Are Beacon totally independent or are they an offshoot of the NHS? Looking at their website they work closely. Thank you for your comments and advice- I really appreciate it Armitage.Shanks said:
You may find excerpts within this thread of some use: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I've been through this twice now. the first time my elderly mother who had a fall following a stroke that started with a long stay in hospital and then a care home. In this case all the costs were paid by the LA despite having money to pay for her own care in a care home we were happy with (it wasn't the cheapest). How that came about I don't know but I think it was the nature of the debilitation (stroke) rather than degenerative like dementia. This was 15yrs ago so the funding may have changed.
More recently Father in Law's dementia got to stage where he couldn't be looked after at home. Social Services arrange the assessment and in this case funding would follow the model - fund yourself (patient) until your assets drop below a certain level and then LA take it on. There was no property in my situation and mother in law still alive so 50% joint assets discounted. Dependent on level of nursing care needed will decide the type of home (nurses on site 24/7 etc) and the cost of care. Ballpark £1,200-£1,400 per week.
It's not a nice situation to be in but the reality is the best place for a advanced dementia sufferer is in a care home rather than being looked after at home by relatives.
Thanks Armitage- as a family we had decided prior to Wednesday’s hospital board meeting that home care wasn’t an option, albeit the will was there. The specialists know what they are doing. We had a look at 4 nursing homes yesterday - I would advise anyone in a similar predicament to do the same, ideally on the âme day so you can compare and contrast. We have decided on one- like you, not the most expensive, but we felt it provides the best for mum. Needless to say the authorities now say they can’t fund the 4 weeks there due to cost and won’t pay for it- and we can’t top up. The option is a local authority home which means moving her twice which we’ve previously been advised against so- guess what- looks like we will miss the funding for this too…I've been through this twice now. the first time my elderly mother who had a fall following a stroke that started with a long stay in hospital and then a care home. In this case all the costs were paid by the LA despite having money to pay for her own care in a care home we were happy with (it wasn't the cheapest). How that came about I don't know but I think it was the nature of the debilitation (stroke) rather than degenerative like dementia. This was 15yrs ago so the funding may have changed.
More recently Father in Law's dementia got to stage where he couldn't be looked after at home. Social Services arrange the assessment and in this case funding would follow the model - fund yourself (patient) until your assets drop below a certain level and then LA take it on. There was no property in my situation and mother in law still alive so 50% joint assets discounted. Dependent on level of nursing care needed will decide the type of home (nurses on site 24/7 etc) and the cost of care. Ballpark £1,200-£1,400 per week.
It's not a nice situation to be in but the reality is the best place for a advanced dementia sufferer is in a care home rather than being looked after at home by relatives.
I do wonder about the structure of this country at times…
Thank you for your input - great advice !
ar-em-en said:
Hi Ian, I'm really sorry to hear about the change with your mum and that you're in a situation where you're looking into this. I've sat in on alot of CHC review meetings and been involved in brokering funding previously (although not currently). Happy to chat on here or in private if there's anything you dont want to post.
Reading through it seems that your mum is currently in hospital and will be discharged to a care home? If so the hospital should conduct a nursing assessment to determine if your mum needs nursing care or residential care. It's worth noting that all of these assessments aren't usually based on diagnosis (the medical problems the person has) but rather 'care needs'-the way in which the medical problems dictate the day to day care and input the person needs. There's a common misconception that just because the person will probably need ongoing care for the rest of their lie that they will be eligible for CHC funding which often isn't the case, it's down to the complexity and severity of health problems dictating the level of care needed day to day and I've dealt with a lot of people who are surprised at how high that level of care needs to be.
During Covid people who had been assessed by the nursing team at hospital to require nursing care have been discharged by the hospital under a scheme called 'discharge to assess' where their initial nursing home fees are fully paid for a few weeks and a review is conducted after those few weeks to determine appropriate funding. I've known both care homes and hospitals not be upfront about this on discharge and when the review takes place a large amount of the funding is withdrawn, leaving the person to self fund some of the fees if they're over the threshold. Many care homes charge a 'top up' if the person does not have savings which means there is still a bill that the family/person need to pay in order for them to remain at the home.
If you're happy to discuss your mum's current needs here I can give you and indication of where she may fall on the funding spectrum, I'm more than happy to chat with you privately too because it can be a minefield and knowing the language used is half the battle.
CHC funding isn't hard to obtain if the person's needs are very severe but obviously every person that is receiving it is potentially costing the NHS £60-100K p/a so it is scrutinized in terms of the decision to allocate it.
Thank you for the reply ar em en- I appreciate your time. I’m happy to discuss on here because hopefully others in a similar situation (and I should imagine there are loads) will learn a bit.Reading through it seems that your mum is currently in hospital and will be discharged to a care home? If so the hospital should conduct a nursing assessment to determine if your mum needs nursing care or residential care. It's worth noting that all of these assessments aren't usually based on diagnosis (the medical problems the person has) but rather 'care needs'-the way in which the medical problems dictate the day to day care and input the person needs. There's a common misconception that just because the person will probably need ongoing care for the rest of their lie that they will be eligible for CHC funding which often isn't the case, it's down to the complexity and severity of health problems dictating the level of care needed day to day and I've dealt with a lot of people who are surprised at how high that level of care needs to be.
During Covid people who had been assessed by the nursing team at hospital to require nursing care have been discharged by the hospital under a scheme called 'discharge to assess' where their initial nursing home fees are fully paid for a few weeks and a review is conducted after those few weeks to determine appropriate funding. I've known both care homes and hospitals not be upfront about this on discharge and when the review takes place a large amount of the funding is withdrawn, leaving the person to self fund some of the fees if they're over the threshold. Many care homes charge a 'top up' if the person does not have savings which means there is still a bill that the family/person need to pay in order for them to remain at the home.
If you're happy to discuss your mum's current needs here I can give you and indication of where she may fall on the funding spectrum, I'm more than happy to chat with you privately too because it can be a minefield and knowing the language used is half the battle.
CHC funding isn't hard to obtain if the person's needs are very severe but obviously every person that is receiving it is potentially costing the NHS £60-100K p/a so it is scrutinized in terms of the decision to allocate it.
Yes, mum’s in hospital and the colleagues there confirmed in the meeting on Wednesday that this is as good as it gets, recovery- wise, so we have decided nursing home care specialising in her complex needs is the way to go. I sensed palpable relief from the hospital when we told them that.
It sounds as though she is being ‘discharged to assess’- you may have gleaned from my replies above that we have viewed some nursing homes and decided on an appropriate facility who would benefit mum. They have said they would carry out the assessment.
One question - if a patient is ‘discharged to assess’, should a social worker still be assigned.
There is a bit of a curve ball here- my parents live on the border of 2 counties: mum was taken out of county (to the nearest hospital) but she will be going back to her ‘correct’ county for care. Just aware that things may get lost in the handover.
Thank you for your continuing advice- I appreciate the complexity
Kind regards
IP
The CHC would be for the health care element i.e. treating condition, Social Care / care home is via local authorities, you may get support for both:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-supp... worth finding your CCG /ICS (based on the GP practice they are registered with):
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/C...
Find LA (council)
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
You may find this useful but check with your relevant service
https://www.greenwichccg.nhs.uk/Your-Health/inform...
The hospital is commissioned to deal with acute care i.e. stabilised medical/ surgical care then the discharge and care package is usually via discharge team with local authority input/ assessment (so not necessarily experts on community care), but if you need help also contact the hospital PALS team.
More for future noting but if they are admitted to hospital again from the care home etc the care package stops until assessment of needs is done again (in case vastly changed) but can be frustrating.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-supp... worth finding your CCG /ICS (based on the GP practice they are registered with):
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/C...
Find LA (council)
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
You may find this useful but check with your relevant service
https://www.greenwichccg.nhs.uk/Your-Health/inform...
The hospital is commissioned to deal with acute care i.e. stabilised medical/ surgical care then the discharge and care package is usually via discharge team with local authority input/ assessment (so not necessarily experts on community care), but if you need help also contact the hospital PALS team.
More for future noting but if they are admitted to hospital again from the care home etc the care package stops until assessment of needs is done again (in case vastly changed) but can be frustrating.
IanPalmer said:
Thank you for the reply ar em en- I appreciate your time. I’m happy to discuss on here because hopefully others in a similar situation (and I should imagine there are loads) will learn a bit.
Yes, mum’s in hospital and the colleagues there confirmed in the meeting on Wednesday that this is as good as it gets, recovery- wise, so we have decided nursing home care specialising in her complex needs is the way to go. I sensed palpable relief from the hospital when we told them that.
It sounds as though she is being ‘discharged to assess’- you may have gleaned from my replies above that we have viewed some nursing homes and decided on an appropriate facility who would benefit mum. They have said they would carry out the assessment.
One question - if a patient is ‘discharged to assess’, should a social worker still be assigned.
There is a bit of a curve ball here- my parents live on the border of 2 counties: mum was taken out of county (to the nearest hospital) but she will be going back to her ‘correct’ county for care. Just aware that things may get lost in the handover.
Thank you for your continuing advice- I appreciate the complexity
Kind regards
IP
IIRC you will still need a social worker as part of the process - they have the Multi Discplinary Team (MDT) meeting with all concerned and a social worker is part of this. You as your mums relatives are part of this review meeting - hopefully you have a Power of Attorney in place for both finance and health. Yes, mum’s in hospital and the colleagues there confirmed in the meeting on Wednesday that this is as good as it gets, recovery- wise, so we have decided nursing home care specialising in her complex needs is the way to go. I sensed palpable relief from the hospital when we told them that.
It sounds as though she is being ‘discharged to assess’- you may have gleaned from my replies above that we have viewed some nursing homes and decided on an appropriate facility who would benefit mum. They have said they would carry out the assessment.
One question - if a patient is ‘discharged to assess’, should a social worker still be assigned.
There is a bit of a curve ball here- my parents live on the border of 2 counties: mum was taken out of county (to the nearest hospital) but she will be going back to her ‘correct’ county for care. Just aware that things may get lost in the handover.
Thank you for your continuing advice- I appreciate the complexity
Kind regards
IP
If you are going for the NHS CHC, then that is decided by the Local Clinical Care Group [CCG) which is NHS and not the local authority.
There is a delay period for the MDT to happen but the social worker should submit an interim check list first.
There is a lot of misunderstanding that goes in and even the professionals don’t always understand the in and outs which is why many people will give up at the first fence. It is not uncommon, so we heard, for the first review meeting decision (often some time after) to be a “No”. Then there is an appeal process.
As I said before, I would recommend using a solicitor and whilst they will take a cut on the funding obtained, the cost of specialized nursing care home fees is not insignificant- MIL was laying £1700 a week initially until the NHS CHC kicked in retrospectly so a refund was made.
Apart from the financial aspect, it reduces the stress and the solicitors know their way round the system - I am not sure MIL would have got it without them as we got the impression that the CCG knew it wasn’t worth a fight.
At £88,000 per year fees that would have been payable - I think MIL paid £6800 plus VAT to the solicitor- money well spent.
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