Continuing healthcare for adults
NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) is the name given to a package of continuing care which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS, for people with ongoing healthcare needs who meet the national NHS continuing healthcare eligibility criteria.
Eligible patients can receive free NHS continuing healthcare in any setting, such as:
- In their own home: services from a community nurse and personal care, such as help with bathing and dressing.
- In a care home: as well as healthcare and personal care, the NHS will pay for care home fees, including board and accommodation.
The NHS CHC process is set out in the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare. The framework was written and produced by the Department of Health and Social Care and was revised in July 2022. It sets out the principles and processes of NHS continuing Healthcare.
To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, a patient’s main or primary need for care must relate to their health. For example, people who are eligible are likely to:
- Have a complex medical condition, such as dementia, that requires a lot of care and support.
- Need highly specialised nursing support.
- Someone nearing the end of their life is also likely to be eligible if they have a condition that is rapidly getting worse and may be terminal.