ATTENTION:  DEADLINE OF 31 MARCH 2013 APPROACHING

Are you or a family member or friend in a care home or nursing home and paying for or contributing to care home fees?  Are you worried that your home may have to be sold to pay the fees?

You should be aware that you or your loved one may be eligible to have care home fees paid by the NHS and it may be possible to reclaim care home fees already paid.

An NHS continuing healthcare deadline of 31 March 2013 has been set for reclaiming care home fees in England.  The deadline applies only to care during the period of 1 April 2011 – 31 March 2012.

One of our experts in the Community Care team will be able to assess your case and let you know whether you could have a claim.

Why might nursing or care home fees be reclaimable?

A large number of care home residents in England are self funding their care home fees.  This can cost up to £1,000 per week.  It has forced many people to sell their homes to meet these costs.

Incorrect funding decisions may have been made, leaving people paying for their care and accommodation when they are in fact eligible for fully funded NHS continuing healthcare.  This funding covers not only nursing fees but also the cost of accommodation, personal care and healthcare costs.

A person may meet the eligibility requirements for NHS continuing healthcare if they have a primary health need.  Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) must take reasonable steps to ensure that an assessment for NHS continuing healthcare is carried out in all cases where it appears that there may be a need for such care.  PCTs may use a process for screening to decide if an assessment is required called an NHS continuing healthcare checklist.  PCTs may fail to carry out a full assessment when they should or may make an incorrect assessment of eligibility.

What you can do

Funding decisions for care and nursing home fees can be challenged but it is important not to delay in taking action due to the NHS Continuing Healthcare deadline of 31st March 2013.

You may qualify for free legal advice under the Legal Help scheme depending on your means.  We also offer our services on a fixed fee basis and are happy to discuss this with you.

If you would like to find out if you could have a claim, a member of our Community Care team will be happy to speak to you.  Please contact Tracey Ling on 01484 538421.  Our specialist advisors are able to assess your case and advise if you could have a claim.