I think my relative may be entitled to NHS funding. How can I get them assessed?

Read the Department of Health Guidance Leaflet, if you still think that there may be a need for funding then contact the District Nursing Service/Community Psychiatric Nursing Service or community learning disability service. You can make a referral via GP surgery.

If your relative resides in a residential home, speak to the home manager and ask them to contact the District Nursing Service/Community Psychiatric Nursing Service.

If the person in question currently resides in a nursing home and you think their needs have changed, then speak to the home manager and ask them to contact the Continuing Healthcare (CHC) / Funded Nursing Care (FNC) department to organise an assessment.

Who will review my relative's case?

If your relative has a primary health need, a shared health and social care package, or receives Funded Nursing Care then the Continuing Healthcare (CHC) / Funded Nursing Care (FNC) department will review the package, using the decision support tool to continue checking eligibility.  The frequency is usually 12 weeks then annually thereafter.  In the case of joint packages or when the Funded Nursing Care is awarded, NHS Devon will endeavour to do joint reviews with Neighbourhoods and Community Care.  Some packages may be reviewed more frequently dependent on the assessed needs.

I've been notified that my relative is going to be assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) / Funded Nursing Care (FNC). What does the assessment entail?

Where possible we endeavour to invite next of kin to attend the assessment. The assessment may take up to two hours, with an NHS health professional using the decision support tool. The decision support tool looks in depth at your relatives needs, using the eleven care domains including; mobility, nutrition and cognition. We will also discuss your relative's needs with the professional and care staff involved to get a full picture. The nurse or multi disciplinary team will also check any medical/care records available to confirm level of needs. Once the assessment is completed you will be asked to comment and agree the finalised assessment.

I've been notified of that my relative is going to be assessed for Continuing Healthcare (CHC) / Funded Nursing Care (FNC). Is it necessary that I attend?

It is not compulsory for the next of kin to attend, however we do welcome the patient's next of kin if they wish to attend. If you do not attend, the completed assessment is sent to the patient's next of kin for checking. This gives you the opportunity to review the information we have gathered and comment on it appropriately, before returning the assessment to us so eligibility for funding can be considered.

I do not agree with the decision that has been made in regard to the application for funding. What can I do?

You are entitled to appeal to NHS Devon - see Appeals Procedure.

I am not happy with the care provided by the care home. What should I do?

Firstly you need to speak to the home manager. If you are not happy with that outcome you can contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC): telephone: 03000 616161, e-mail: enquiries@cqc.org.uk
If you think there is a safeguarding issue, such as physical, emotional, financial abuse or neglect, then you can contact the Devon County Council Safeguarding Team on 0845 1551007.

Will any care received affect my financial status?

For fully funded NHS care this is free at the point of delivery and your financial status will not be considered. If part or all of your care is funded by social services then you are subject to means testing. You will have a financial assessment and this may affect benefits, pensions or savings. Please discuss this with your social worker or benefit officers.
Alternatively you can contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

When/how will I be informed of the outcome of the assessment?

If you are the patient’s next of kin and were invited but could not/did not attend the assessment then the decision support tool will be forwarded to your address, for you to read, comment (if you wish), sign and return to us. Alternatively, you may have attended and signed the decision support tool at the assessment.

The length of time is dependant on the clarity of the decision support tool and whether the outcome can be sanctioned outside the Eligibility Panel. Whilst we try and deliver a prompt response, the service undertakes many assessments. However, we aim to let people know the outcome of the assessment within 4 weeks. For more complex case this may take longer.