NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care fully funded by the NHS for people with significant ongoing healthcare needs. It covers care home fees, including accommodation, in full. Eligibility is assessed using a Decision Support Tool and is based on the nature, complexity, unpredictability, and intensity of your care needs — not a specific diagnosis. CHC is not means-tested. Many people who should qualify are not assessed or are incorrectly rejected.

In England, if you have capital assets (including property) above £23,250, you must pay the full cost of care home fees. Between £14,250 and £23,250, you contribute a tariff income from your assets. Below £14,250, your assets are not counted. Your home is usually included in the assessment if you are a permanent resident. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different thresholds. Local authority funding is available once you are assessed as requiring care.

A Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) allows you to delay paying care home costs by using your home as security against a loan from your local authority. The loan is repaid when your property is sold, or from your estate after death. DPAs are particularly useful if you want to avoid selling your home immediately. Interest is charged on the deferred amount. To get a DPA, you must be assessed as needing care and own a property that meets eligibility criteria.

Yes. If you believe you or a family member has been wrongly refused NHS CHC funding, you can challenge the decision through the NHS complaints process. First request a reassessment. If unsuccessful, contact the NHS Commissioning Board. For social care funding decisions, contact your local authority's social services. You can also complain to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. Consider seeking specialist care funding advice.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: Health and Welfare LPA (covers medical and care decisions) and Property and Financial Affairs LPA (covers finances). LPAs must be set up while you still have mental capacity. They should be set up before care is needed. Without an LPA, families may need to apply to the Court of Protection to make decisions on someone's behalf — which is expensive and time-consuming.

Care home costs in England vary significantly. The UK average for a care home place is £700–£900 per week for residential care and £900–£1,400 per week for nursing care (2024 figures). These costs increase annually, typically by 3–5% per year. In 2023/24, the weekly cost in some London boroughs exceeded £1,500. Always get a full breakdown of what is included and excluded from any quoted fee.