Understanding Care Funding Options

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding

What is it?:
CHC is a package of care funded in full by the NHS for individuals with significant, ongoing health needs. If granted, CHC covers the entire cost of care, including accommodation, personal care, and nursing support.

Eligibility:
CHC is available to individuals who have what is known as a primary health need, this means their care is mainly due to complex medical conditions rather than just social or personal care needs. Please note that the criteria are strict, and not everyone will qualify, with the threshold to qualify being historically very high.

How is it applied for?:
At Coast Care Homes, we take responsibility for initiating CHC assessments when our management team identifies that a resident’s care needs may meet the criteria. We will:

• Carry out an initial checklist assessment
• Submit a request to the local NHS Continuing Healthcare team if appropriate
• Support the family through the assessment process

Families can also request a CHC assessment if they believe their loved one may qualify. If you’re unsure, please speak to a member of our management team, we’re happy to help you explore this option and ensure your request is submitted appropriately.

Adult Social Care Funding – East Sussex County Council

What is it?:
This is financial support available through the local authority to help fund care for individuals who do not qualify for CHC and have limited personal funds. 

When does it apply?:
Social care funding becomes relevant when an individual’s total assets fall below £23,250. This includes savings, investments, and the value of property (depending on circumstances).

What should families do?:
We advise families to contact East Sussex Adult Social Care before funds fall below the threshold, as assessments and support planning can take time. The local authority will carry out:

• A Care Needs Assessment to confirm eligibility for support
• A Financial Assessment to determine how much the individual will contribute

Private (Self) Funding

What is it?:
If your loved one does not qualify for CHC and has assets above the funding threshold, they will be considered a self-funder and expected to cover the cost of their care privately. 

What we do as a provider:
Before confirming a placement, we carry out a financial assessment to ensure that the placement will be sustainable in the long term. This includes reviewing:

• Savings and accessible funds
• Property ownership and whether it is being sold
• Pensions and other income
• Regular outgoings or debts

Deferred Payment Arrangements

If the majority of an individual’s funds are tied up in a property that is being sold, we may offer a Deferred Payment Agreement, which allows the placement to begin while waiting for the sale to complete.

Important Notes:

• Deferred payments are considered on a case-by-case basis
• Approval is granted only after a directors’ meeting, where we assess:
  • The status and timeline of the property sale
  • Legal arrangements (e.g. Power of Attorney)
  • Involvement of family or representatives
  • Any risks or special circumstances

We always aim to be flexible and compassionate in considering these requests, but clear planning and communication are essential.