Chc when is the right time to apply?

[Millidog]

Hi All,I read a lot on here about CHC funding applications, some successful and some not, some gain it when there loved ones are still mobile but at risk, some when bed bound and I know it's a postcode lottery.

We aren't at the stage yet I don't think, but after a scary episode a few days ago - froze, unresponsive, not weight bearing, urine accident fortunately OK after some rest it would useful to know people's experiences of when you have felt its the right time to apply.

Any information would be useful. Thank you x

[Kelmisty]

I’ve been asking the medical professionals this and they all give me a different answer. The hospice Mum is under said it’s normally when people head towards end of life symptoms. But no one gives me the same answer!

[Millidog in reply to Kelmisty]

Thanks Kelmisty. I know some people apply and get it before that but so difficult to get clear info. Thx Milli dog x

[MRSYafffle]

I'm not a big Facebook fan but they some excellent CHC groups on there. It would be worth joining one, I would say to keep a record of all these incidents, dates times any medical interventions etc as you'll prepared, they ask for specifics. Good luck x

[Millidog in reply to MRSYafffle]

Thanks for the Facebook info I'll have a look and yes I'm doing a diary 😀

[bichonbear1]

Hi, I remember asking this very same question on this forum just over a year ago. I remember going through the same thought process. I did so much research at the time and the information out there is quite overwhelming.- FB groups, experiences on here, legal companies, websites, a book….you name it. Although all this info is useful it never quite answers the question “when”. The best advice I can give based on personal experience is to download the CHC checklist and work through it as if we’re making the assessment yourself but be harsh in your judgement of each element i.e.like a tough assessor. If you feel the criteria is being met in all elements but maybe one then that would be the time to apply. We took the radical decision to apply knowing we wouldn’t get it for mum to experience the process, learn from it so we could be more prepared mentally and emotionally for when we knew applying was very much needed. Mum now has CHC on the back of being fast tracked but is due for a review as she is hanging on in there after much scare. I hope this helps a little. Wishing you the best with the process which is pretty tough.

[captainsdaughter]

Hi, we were successful the 2nd time of application. The things that helped was getting a fast track diagnosis from a supportive GP (this means 6mths or less to live but as the gp said it’s very hard to predict for PSP and no one has ever told him off if the person we’re to live longer!) and also the district nurse who did the assessment was aware of what words to use in her report to get best chance of success. I think who does the assessment differs across the U.K. At this stage my dad couldn’t walk unaided, was becoming incontinent, was having difficulty holding cutlery and couldn’t get out of bed, showered or dressed without help of 2 carers that we were paying for privately at the time. There is a law firm called Beacon who have a lot of info available on CHC funding and you can contact them for a short free consultation. Hope this helps.

[AnneandChris]

Hello there

Our District Nurses applied for fast track CHC funding which was granted. This was increased as the need arose, again the applications were made by the District Nurses.

We then had an assessment, and our senior District Nurse was there to support me. Whilst I was worried about losing, I need not have been as it was successful. In fact the assessors were very complimentary about how well the applications had been made.

The Nurses had been initially involved coming in to dress head wounds following falls and continued to support Chris.

So, my advice would be to get either your doctor or nurses involved in the application process.

Good Luck, keep on keeping on.

Anne