What Is Continuing Healthcare (CHC) and Who Qualifies in the UK?

Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of ongoing care funded entirely by the NHS for people with significant, complex health care needs. It covers both nursing and personal care if those needs arise from disability, accident, or illness. Understanding what continuing healthcare is can help families plan effectively for long‑term care without unexpected cost.

Knowing how CHC works is within your control to demand significant services and avoid means-tested charges. At HTR Care, we stand by your side at each step - starting from the initial CHC checklist through to appeals to ensure your loved one receives appropriate assistance. For temporary assistance or ongoing care, we are there for you.

What Is Continuing Healthcare and How Does It Work in the UK?

Continuing healthcare is distinct from social care. While Social care focuses on aid in daily living, CHC targets healthcare needs such as complex symptom management, mobility support, and special interventions. The principal keyword here—continuing healthcare—illustrates its intent to provide these significant services.

The NHS assesses each individual's needs using a standard framework. If you meet the continuing healthcare checklist, you then undergo a comprehensive assessment by the multidisciplinary team. The team takes into consideration factors like cognition, mobility, nutrition, and skin integrity to assess eligibility.

CHC is not means-tested; assessment hinges solely on health needs. Once approved, the NHS covers 100% of your care costs, whether at home or in a nursing setting. To explore specialist home support, visit our Our Services page.

Understanding the Continuing Healthcare Checklist and Assessment Process

The ongoing health checklist is a short screening tool to determine potential CHC applicants. Healthcare professionals complete this checklist to determine if a more detailed assessment is indicated. Completing this checklist does not guarantee funding but means you have high needs.

After the checklist, there is an assessment by a Decision Support Tool (DST). This involves clinicians, therapists, and nurses reviewing your areas of health. They give ratings of intensity, complexity, and unpredictability of needs. A high rating in all areas usually leads to CHC approval.

In the evaluation, recognize vivid examples of daily challenges. HTR Care advisers are able to help pull together and present this information in a concise way. If there is an adverse decision, we help with appeals, and you get the care to which you are entitled.

What Conditions Are Covered for Continuing Healthcare Funding?

Eligibility for CHC is determined by the type of health needs rather than diagnoses. Common conditions for eligibility are:

• Advanced dementia or Alzheimer's disease, requiring constant supervision.
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• End-of-life care with pain and symptom management leading the way.
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• Neurological illnesses like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's with unstable flares.
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• Severe physical disablement necessitating complex moving and handling.

While being ill with one of these conditions helps, it is the level of intensity and unpredictability of needs that matters. Diagnosis does not suffice in order to obtain funding alone. For more information on types of care, explore Home Care vs Care Home.

Who is Eligible for Continuing Healthcare?

Eligibility is neither age nor cost related. Instead, the NHS Decision Support Tool examines twelve domains—from breathing to behaviour—to evaluate total need. A "primary health need" in two or more domains normally suggests CHC funding.

Some individuals with stable conditions or lower-intensity needs may not qualify. In such cases, NHS continuing healthcare may be replaced by social care funding, which can involve charges. If you’re uncertain, professional guidance can clarify whether your loved one should apply.

HTR Care offers expert second opinions. We review your DST scores, find under-rated needs, and recommend appeal strategies. For guidance on how to choose an appropriate care companion, read our article How to Choose a Home Care Provider in the UK.

How HTR Care Leads You Through the Continuing Healthcare Process

We explain and clarify the CHC process at HTR Care. We assist NHS teams in streamlining assessments, gathering evidence, and advocating for you. Our qualified nurses and care assistants deliver personalised care that complements CHC provisions.

Need live-in care, specialist nursing, or therapy support? Our CQC-registered agency has the highest standards. We provide temporary care for appeals or changes to funding, to ensure continuity of care.

Want to learn more about agency advantages? Continue reading in our article on Explore the Benefits of Getting Home Care Services From an Agency. HTR Care ensures you're never alone with continuing healthcare.

Conclusion

Continuing healthcare offers necessary, fully paid-for care for individuals with high-level health needs. Families can request the care that they need knowing exactly what conditions continuing healthcare covers and how the CHC checklist works.

If you suspect your loved one may be eligible, start with the checklist and gather clear evidence of daily challenges. HTR Care can support you—initial assessment through appeals and beyond. Visit our Home page or phone us today and find out how we can help you to access the right care, at the right time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Continuing Healthcare?

Continuing Healthcare is a fully NHS‑funded package for people with significant, ongoing health needs that go beyond social care support.

2. How do I start the CHC assessment?

Begin with the NHS Continuing Healthcare checklist, which healthcare professionals complete to decide on a full multidisciplinary assessment.

3. Is CHC means-tested?

No, eligibility for continuing healthcare depends solely on health needs, not on income or savings.

4. Can a specific diagnosis guarantee CHC funding?

No, funding is based on the nature and intensity of health needs, not on diagnosis alone.

5. What if my CHC application is refused?

You can appeal the decision by providing further evidence and seeking professional support to highlight overlooked health needs.