Enquiry about CHC

[Sayer]

Please help. I am about to start asking for CHC for my wife and would appreciate any advice on what to expect and the best approach(s) to use. Many thanks

Ivan

[Kevin_1]

Hi Ivan

This is an NHS arms length advocacy service.

beaconchc.co.uk/how-it-works/

Their help pages are superb.

If you look to the right of the page you will see that by registering you can download their 'Tool kit'. That and the pages on the site will tell you everything you need to know.

A word of warning: It can sometimes be quite a struggle to get CHC. Budgets are tight and folk are often pushed across to the Social Services means tested service. Doing your homework and preparing for the assessments is essential.

The assessments are evidence based. Saying, "my wife falls at times" is not good evidence. Saying, "She fell four times this week on these days..." is good evidence. If you get my drift.

Do come back if you have more questions and good luck.

Best

Kevin

[Sayer in reply to Kevin_1]

Kevin

Many thanks

Ivan

[Georgepa]

What Kevin has told you is spot on .Really prepare your evidence for the various categories .Don't be alarmed if you fall short in some as you only have to score so many "highs" etc .The Beacon stuff is very good .I found a paragraph in the NHS own guidlines which says the assessors shoul take account of the potential deterioration in a progressive illness and how imminent it was likely to be .PSP can change almost overnight so hammer that one home in the section where you as her carer can add your own comments. It's worth looking back on this site as lots of stuff has been posted .Like Kevin if you have any more questions Just ask .

Georgepa

[Sayer in reply to Georgepa]

Geogepa

thank you.

Ivan

[eppendorf]

Thanks Keven for all your advice on CHC, I am about to go through this interrogation and form filling on Monday when someone is calling round. I'll keep my optimism up!

[Kevin_1 in reply to eppendorf]

Good luck

Remember to have a copy of the DST form in front of you and score it before rhey come if you can and then discuss the scoring with them at the end of each 'question'.

I got many scores increased by doing this and it is totally acceptable.

Also record any disagreed scores and ask them to do the same.

The guidelines recommend doing this.

Good luck

Kevin

[Sayer in reply to Kevin_1]

Kevin

just read your reply to a request for CHC help. What is a DST form and how can I get one?

Thanks

ivan

[eppendorf in reply to Kevin_1]

Thanks Kevin - What is a DST form, and can I find it on line?

[Kevin_1 in reply to eppendorf]

Hi eppendorph

(Just editing this - I thought I was writing to Ivan - Sorry)

All of that is explained in the Beacon Toolkit. Which you can download here:

beaconchc.co.uk/national-nh...

The DST is the second (and final) stage of the assessment for Continuing Health Care.

The DST form is used to 'score' the patients level of risk and need. CHC is awarded based the scores and a more subjective opinion of Intensity and Complexity.

The whole system is described in the 'National Framework' The DST form is in there too along with a description of how it should be used.

gov.uk/government/publicati...

Come back to me if I can help further.

Good luck

Kevin