Are there any UK social care experts out there? I’m trying to understand the logic behind Funded Nursing Care payments (if there is one!) Maybe the most baffling public policy I’ve come across (which is saying something.)🧵
When someone moves into a care home and needs nursing care, they can apply for Funded Nursing Care payments. People are encouraged to apply for FNC to help with the cost of care. (1/n)
I'm glad this is being raised as it's a massive issue. I have left adult social care as I do not have the power to make changes that are desperately needed. Care home fees are disgusting. FNC should be straightforward, but it isn't.
There is no logic, it’s very blurry. In principle NHS is obligated to step in if the need for care is primarily a health one but NHS are increasingly reluctant to do so because it’s expensive. My mum had it, then lost it, then had it again after appeal
We need a competition to identify the most baffling policies!
If you get CHC you get completely free care in a nursing home, because it has been accepted that you effectively need a hospital level of care. It is much easier to get CHC if you have serious physical ill-health than if you have dementia, even though there is really no logic in that difference.
Funded Nursing Care is fairly straightforward. It is a flat rate payment towards the nursing costs of someone in a nursing home (care home with nursing) - the resident, or LA, pays the residential costs. It is Continuing Healthcare (CHC) that is complicated and a complete minefield.
It’s a bit different in Scotland. For those who need nursing care, the government makes a contribution.