The Times has reported that a new survey has found that 87% of people don’t know about funding for care through NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. The survey asked people from ages 45-60 which is highly significant because it is this age group which are the most likely to be making funding decisions for their elderly parents an seeking funding for care.
The statistics highlights a hugely worrying problem about the lack of promotion of funding options that people may have. If people don’t know about the available funding then they will miss out on the financial support to which they are entitled.
The findings are nothing particularly new or unexpected. Earlier this year, the Public Accounts Committee reported that only 3% are told about NHS Continuing Healthcare funding by their GP, and the majority of people don’t find out about funding until late into their care. Each new piece of evidence confirms that not enough people are being told about NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. The evidence is mounting, and it demands a better response.
Funding for care is not something that should be hidden. People should be better informed of their options so that they can make appropriate decisions about their future. It is often an issue that impacts entire families. People will worry not just for themselves but for their children who may care for them. People may be caring for elderly parents while raising their own children. It is an issue that has a long ripple effect on families, and even communities.
Our healthcare system has been fantastic in increasing the length of our lives, and giving us a much longer future. However, with that, we also need to be in control of that future and know what awaits us. It appears from yet another report, that families are finding a complete lack of information and that can leave people feeling lost and completely alone.It seems that they simply don’t know that they could try to apply for NHS Continuing Healthcare fundingto pay for care for those who have a primary health need.
It is also a strange situation to have such a lack of information around care. When someone has a clear injury – such as a broken leg at a young age, then there’s no question that they will get state funded care. However, when we reach a certain age the faith about what we may be entitled to diminishes. Yet, the law clearly states that if an individual has a primary health need then they are entitled to funding for care through NHS Continuing Healthcare. This needs promotion. If people aren’t told about it, they won’t apply for it and they’ll be left potentially paying thousands of pounds for care when perhaps they don’t need to.
If you require information about NHS Continuing Healthcare funding or if you are paying for care and you feel you shouldn’t be then contact Just Caring Legal today.