CHC funding

[TK-67]

Does anyone has experience of CHC applications? I'm fearful we may get funding but have to move mum due to the costs of her current nursing home - we had no option but to move her to this specialist facility after our experience of the care mum received in a more 'basic' nursing home? I have asked the MSA trust for advice too.

[Hellebelle]

Hi Trudy, I really understand what you are going through. We applied for CHC funding for dad and he was successful, largely I think because we had the support of a palliative care doctor who issued him with DS 1500 form which he obtained because he has a terminal illness. We also had a very supportive social care assessor whom was very thorough and sympathetic to his plight. She attended the CHC meeting and her views were taken into account.

The meeting itself to determine whether we would receive it took 3 hours and went through all dads care needs in detail. They then worked out how much care he was entitled to. For example they asked us how much time it took for him to eat a meal or have a shower and get dressed.

There is also a website: caretobedifferent.co.uk that I found had lots of useful information.

I wish you well and hope that you manage to get funding.

[TK-67 in reply to Hellebelle]

thank you - I'll look into the DS 1500. We're awaiting an appointment to see a new consultant - I think the hospice who are helping us might also be able to assist? I think we'll get it but the rules are so rigid if they won't pay the fees our home charge then we can't top it up. The choices then seem to be moving mum, continuing to pay ourselves or fighting that moving her is detrimental to her health...! I so wish this wasn't all so difficult, we went through this with my dad who died from a brain tumour and it was just horrible. Doesn't help the stress levels!

[laineyash in reply to Hellebelle]

Sorry for jumping in this post but can you tell me where we obtain the DS1500 form from please, my Husband is being screened for CHC funding on the 7th Jan, he has just gone into a nursing home, I have spoken to his Consultant's secretary and she asked where would he get the form from as they have never been asked for one before, thank you in advance xx

[TK-67 in reply to laineyash]

I spoke to the staff at my mum's home and was advised the GP can arrange this.

[laineyash in reply to TK-67]

Thank you Trudy, I will contact the GP but it's awkward as hubby has had to change surgeries now with moving into a nursing home, I will have to speak to the staff at the home regarding the new GPxx

[Hellebelle in reply to laineyash]

Hi, sorry, only just seen this. We obtained the DS1500 from the palliative care doctor at the hospice near to my dad. I think any GP or hospital doctor can issue one.

[laineyash in reply to Hellebelle]

thank you Hellebelle, I did speak to his consultant's secretary and she spoke with him, both have never heard of the form, are you in the UK? xx

[Hellebelle in reply to laineyash]

Yes, i will check the name of it but it definitely helped.

[Yanno]

Hello Trudy

Have you spoken to the MSA Trust advocacy officer yet as she may well have some good advice for you. Her contact details are on the Trust web site. Jane came to our support group in Tewkesbury and I seem to recall her talking about CHC funding.

Good luck, take care, Ian

[TK-67 in reply to Yanno]

yes I'm in touch with them...I'm trying to get as much advice and support as possible.

[tingates]

Our hospice was hugely helpful. They organised the whole application and John was awarded 24/7 care at home. He was however an in patient with them at the time. If they have cared for your mother recently they should be able to help. You may not need to worry about the level of funding, for John it was a case of 'whatever it takes'

Good luck

Amanda

[TK-67 in reply to tingates]

thank you Amanda - I'm going to contact the hospice now

[Paul_and_Sue_Wood]

Hi, I went through the process for my Sue and we obtained partial funding.

It does not mean you need to move your mum unless the CHC and Council funding does not meet the full costs and there are no private funds /assets available.

My tip is to involve all professionals involved in your mom that you can.

It's about medical needs as opposed to social

Talk to MSA trust definitely.

Paul

[TK-67]

thank you Paul - I'm currently doing just that. We have funds so could top up, the rules are a little ambiguous about this. It's just so important we don't have to move her again. We have great GP and consultant support too in this area - as you know this is vital.