Reclaim Care Home Costs for Free- New MSE guide

monkeyspanner

If you are looking for sources of assistance to claim NHS Continuing Heathcare funding ( CHC ). Cardiff University Law school have a Pro Bono service. Link here:
http://www.law.cf.ac.uk/probono/nhschc.html

Also a useful page of links from ADASS
http://www.adass.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=510&Itemid=390

System

This may have been mentioned before, but when you're filling in the claim forms to reclaim care fees, be very careful. I suspect many people may complete them without reference to the eligibility criteria. If you haven't done so already, you can find the criteria in the Decision Support Tool (DST) document on the gov.uk website.

See page 21 onwards in the DST.

On your claim form be sure to use similar language to that used in the eligibility criteria when you describe your relative's health needs. If you can aim for two 'Severe' scores (i.e. use language relating to the 'Severe' level of need in at least two domains), that will help a lot.

little_acorn_2

monkeyspanner wrote: »

If you are looking for sources of assistance to claim NHS Continuing Heathcare funding ( CHC ). Cardiff University Law school have a Pro Bono service. Link here:
http://www.law.cf.ac.uk/probono/nhschc.html

Also a useful page of links from ADASS
http://www.adass.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=510&Itemid=390

Be aware that the links to documents on ADASS website referred to above do not point to latest versions of National Framework for NHS CHC introduced from 1 April 2013 (November 2012 for Fast Track referrals). I have emailed ADASS pointing this out.

The latest guidance, including the Decision Support Tool used for assessment, is available on NHS website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-framework-for-nhs-continuing-healthcare-and-nhs-funded-nursing-care

little_acorn_2

Can I suggest that anyone worried about going to appeal or going to a panel alone, talks to/ takes along a specialist advocate from a charity/not-for-profit organisation? I did and his help was both free and invaluable. His knowledge and support was instrumental in helping us to win our case.

Your local CHC team or CCG are required to advise you about advocacy services in your area - but probably only if you ask!

The new National Framework for Continuing Healthcare states that: (a person) may wish to be supported by an advocate to help to ensure that their views and wishes are represented and taken into account. CCGs should ensure that individuals are made aware of local advocacy and other services that may be able to offer advice and support, and should also consider whether any strategic action is needed to ensure that adequate advocacy services are available to support those who are eligible or potentially eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.

As it happens, I found Dorset Advocacy via a Google search. I assume that because of limited resources, the websites of some advocacy services do not look very professional but I would definitely recommend contacting them and using their services if, after talking to them, you feel confident in their ability to help you respresent your case.

Lord_Hadham

I originally appointed Care Home Claims to try and recover Care Home costs for my father. This was then passed on to Keypoint Law and it has taken them 11 months to register a claim with the relevant pct. Has anybody else had difficulty with these people as we seem to be getting nowhere fast

realshannon

after banging my head against a brick wall but determined on a point of principle not to be battered - we pursued, before the said deadline, via a no fee solicitor who is well known in our area to be good. she has now closed her file, because in her words the NHS despite her protestations that all 4 checklists undertaken were flawed, for a variety of reasons, they are still refusing to consider a case. has anyone taken their case to the Parliamentary and health services Ombudsman? I don't know whether I am wasting my time by that I mean are they just a quango - It isn't about the money but the principle that my late MIL should have been treated properly and funded accordingly. in the big scheme of things and looking at other people's experiences, the financial aspect is low for us but I am just so annoyed that they wont even concede that they have made mistakes. the last letter we received via the solicitor is full of factual errors, I feel I just have to have an acceptance that they did not handle the whole situation very well. Just for MIL and our family, just when we needed the support and help we were to be frank "stitched up" like kippers, they take advantage of your distress and then latterly grief. any thoughts please?

Fredndor

Made request for assessment pre Sept 2012. After much chasing, received letter today from South Glos PCT saying they will consider by April 2015!

Anyone else had such ludicrous delays or any success in bumping themselves up the list?

How long can they legally fob us off like this?

scamed

Hi all

Just found this thread. My daughter has recently turned 18 and has qualified for continuing healthcare funding. She has had extensive health care needs for many years. The ccg have recently offered a package of care which is totally insufficient to meet her needs. I have instructed solicitors to represent her. The ccg and local authority were written to however they didn't even acknowledge there letter. The solicitor is now looking for a judicial review, of the process the ccg used as there offer doesn't take into account the DST, and a care plan has not been produced to meet her needs. The ccg have also ignored recommendations from various health care professionals involved with my daughter.
I believe the ccg are deliberately delaying providing an appropriate care package as this will save them money.

Any comments / advice would be appreciated.

Tokairo

Hi

I have just had a letter after 15 months to say my aunt's case was going to full assesment. She went into a care home straight from a mental hospital. She had to be sectioned to get her to leave fer home. She had seniole dementia. I rang to see what the process was. A young lady said they have to collate the information and then it is checked. If still ok it goes to a panel for a final ok. I said how long does this take. She said on average about 2 years. How can that be? Are there no time guidelines on this process? Any help would be appreciated.

margf

Hi

Just like to say a huge thanks to all the posters for all the information posted here and report a successful retrospective claim, it certainly was hard work and I did it without using a solicitor, as a matter of principle I was determined to see it through.

I have now been asked to supply invoices/bank statements for the claim period 2004/5, fortunately I have them!

Has anyone had any experience or information on claiming the interest? I understand this should also be paid to us but unsure of which method would be the best.

Marg