Funding and Financial Assistance

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a free package of care provided to individuals with significant ongoing healthcare needs, whether at home or in a care facility. CHC funding is available for those who have complex medical conditions that require regular medical supervision and support. To qualify, an assessment by a healthcare professional is necessary, evaluating both health and care needs. If you or a loved one qualifies, CHC covers all care costs, including medical equipment and care staff.

Personal Health Budgets

A Personal Health Budget (PHB) is an amount of money allocated to individuals who qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. It gives patients and families more control over how their care is managed, allowing them to choose the type of support and services they receive. With a PHB, you can decide on the carers, equipment, and support that best meets your needs, all while staying within the allocated budget.

Local Authority Social Care Funding

If an individual does not qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, local authorities may provide funding for care needs based on a financial means test. This funding typically applies to those who need help with daily activities such as personal care, cooking, and mobility support, rather than intensive medical care. Local authority funding is usually assessed based on income and savings, and may either fully or partially cover the cost of care services.

Self-Funding

For individuals who do not meet the criteria for NHS or local authority funding, self-funding may be necessary. This means paying for care services out of pocket. At Harmony Healthcare, we are committed to providing flexible payment options and tailored care packages to suit your needs and budget. Our team can offer guidance on how to manage the costs and explore alternative funding routes if required.

Insurance Policies

Certain private health insurance policies may cover complex care services, either in full or in part. It’s important to review your policy carefully to understand what level of coverage is provided for long-term care, homecare, or specialist medical needs. If you have private health insurance, we recommend contacting your provider to discuss the options available for funding your care.

Charities and Grants

In addition to government and insurance support, there are numerous charities and grant programmes that provide financial assistance to individuals with specific health conditions. Organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and Headway offer financial help for those affected by certain medical conditions. Our team can help connect you with relevant organisations that may provide funding or grants to ease the financial burden of care.

Direct Payments

If you qualify for local authority funding, you may be eligible for Direct Payments, which provide more flexibility in managing your care. Direct Payments allow you to receive funds directly and choose how they are spent, giving you more control over selecting carers, services, and equipment that best suit your needs.

How We Can Help

At Harmony Healthcare, we are here to guide you through the process of securing financial assistance for complex care. We can:

Help assess eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare and Personal Health Budgets.

Provide support in applying for local authority funding and Direct Payments.

Assist in exploring alternative funding options, including insurance claims and charity grants.