6. Things to think about in the CHC process

6.1 Contact the coordinating assessor to confirm when the assessment is happening and what you need to give them. If possible, it’s best to attend in person.

6.2 Preparation is very important. Have a look at the checklist ahead of time and think about the care needs in each ‘domain’ carefully.

6.3 Tell the assessor which professionals are involved in the person’s care so they can be consulted.

6.4 Make sure you understand the Decision Support Tool (DST) forms and think of specific examples of the person’s needs in each domain.

6.5 Make sure you have evidence as about the person’s needs. This can be notes, photographs or even video clips. You can also ask family and friends for their views to.

6.6 It can be upsetting, but it is important to think about the person’s needs on a bad day and describe those needs clearly.

6.7 Be very clear in your language. For example, don’t say ‘they can be upset’, say ‘they will scream and cry’.

6.8 Before the assessment if there is anything you don’t understand, ask.

What happens if I or the person I care for qualifies for CHC?

Once the DST has been completed, a letter will be sent explaining whether you or the person you care for is eligible for CHC.

If they are, the NHS will take over funding 100% of the care fees including accommodation.

A specialist nurse will also help you to create a support plan to detail your care and support needs and who will provide this support.

CHC funding can either be paid directly to the care service provider, or as a Personal Health Budget (PHB)

A PHB means that you can manage your own care (or do this on behalf of someone), giving you choice and control over how needs are met.

CHC Reviews

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) will review entitlement to CHC after three months, and then usually every 12 months.

If nothing has changed, the CHC funding will continue.

These reviews are standard and are designed to make sure that a person’s needs are still being met.

What happens if I or the person I care for does not qualify for CHC?

If you or the person you care for does not meet the criteria for CHC, your local Council’s social services department will be responsible for meeting the care needs with Social Care Funding.

If your CHC application is rejected and you live in Staffordshire, you may be eligible for our Advocacy service to help you appeal the decision. Please speak to your social worker about this.