If you have serious, long-term health needs, you might be able to get your care paid for by the NHS through something called Continuing Healthcare, or CHC.
It can be provided in your own home, a care home, or a nursing home, and covers both health care and personal care — such as help with washing, dressing, eating, taking medication, or managing long-term conditions.
Who can get CHC?
You may be eligible if you:
- have a long-term illness or disability
- have care needs that are due to your health, not just social or day-to-day support
This might include people who:
- have serious physical or mental health conditions
- need frequent medical care or nursing support
- have complex mobility or behaviour needs
CHC is not means-tested, so if you qualify, the NHS pays for your care — not you.
How do I get assessed?
A health or social care professional (like your GP or social worker) can ask for an assessment if they think you may qualify.
The process has two steps:
- Initial checklist: This is a short form that helps decide if a full assessment is needed.
- Full assessment: If the checklist shows you might qualify, a team of health and care professionals will do a full assessment. This is called a Decision Support Tool (DST).
You can take a look at the initial checklist assessment and decision support tool on the gov.uk website.
The team will look at different areas of your health, such as:
- breathing
- medication
- mobility
- behaviour
- nutrition
- communication
You’ll be fully involved in the process, and you can have a family member or advocate with you if you’d like.
What happens if I’m eligible?
If you qualify for CHC, the NHS will arrange and pay for care that meets your individual needs.
This might include:
- nurses or carers to support you at home
- paying for care in a residential or nursing home
- specialist equipment or therapies
CHC in Brent: Different pathways
There are a few ways you might get CHC in Brent, depending on how urgent your needs are: