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Continuing health care

Some adults with long-term complex health needs may be eligible to have the cost of their care met by the NHS. This is subject to an assessment by the NHS. If you receive NHS continuing healthcare in a care home the NHS may pay your care home fees.

To get NHS continuing healthcare, you must:   

  • have ongoing significant physical and/or mental health needs
  • and having taken account of all your needs, it can be said that the main aspects or majority part of the care you need is focused on addressing and/or preventing health needs

This is determined by an assessment carried out by a team of healthcare professionals.

The assessment will look at:  

  • what help you need
  • how complex your needs are  
  • how intense your needs can be  
  • how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care is not provided at the right time

The process should also consider your views and, where appropriate, those of carers and family members. Your eligibility is not dependent on any diagnosis or condition.    

Speak to your doctor or social worker if you think you might be eligible.   

For more information, you can visit the South-East London ICS (Integrated Care Board) webpage.