Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care arranged and paid for entirely by the NHS. It is for adults who have significant, long-term health needs that go beyond what social care services usually provide.
Care can be delivered in your own home, in a care home, or in another suitable setting.
Support you may get:
- Nursing care and medical input from health professionals
- Personal care such as washing, eating, and moving safely
- Equipment, adaptations, and support services linked to your health needs
- End-of-life care where needed
Who CHC is for
CHC is usually for adults who:
- Have complex medical conditions that need regular care from health professionals
- Need ongoing care after hospital treatment
- Have serious physical disabilities, neurological conditions, or long-term illnesses that require medical supervision
- Are reaching the end of life and need full support with health and personal care
How to access CHC
To see if you are eligible for CHC, you will need a Continuing Healthcare assessment. The assessment looks at your needs across a range of areas, including mobility, breathing, nutrition, and psychological support.
A healthcare professional (such as a nurse, doctor, or social worker) will usually start the process.
If you don’t qualify for CHC, you may still be eligible for NHS-funded Nursing Care, which pays for the nursing part of your care in a nursing home. You can appeal if you disagree with the outcome of your CHC assessment.
Support accessing CHC
- You can read more about NHS continuing healthcare on the NHS website.
- Beacon provides up to 90 minutes of free advice, plus paid casework if needed. Visit the Beacon website or call the free helpline on 0345 548 0300.
- Trafford Carers Centre can help carers understand the CHC process, prepare for assessments, and find local support. Call the helpline on 0161 848 2400 (option 1 for adults) or fill out an online form.
- Age UK has more guidance on CHC and what “primary health need” means, plus a free advice line on 0800 678 1602.