Eligibility

Eligibility does not depend on a particular disease, condition or diagnosis, where the care is provided or by whom. If an assessment determines that you have a primary health need, you may be eligible.
You need to be 18 years or over and be assessed as having a certain level of care need to be entitled to NHS continuing healthcare. Assessments for eligibility will be made in accordance with the national framework for NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care.

Children and young people (aged under 18) with complex health needs may be eligible for NHS continuing care funding. Read information on children’s continuing healthcare.

What happens if I don’t meet the eligibility criteria?

Funded nursing care

In cases where individuals are in a nursing home and do not meet the eligibility criteria for funding, they may be eligible for NHS funded nursing care. This is because the nursing fee includes an additional cost for the employment of registered nurses. The decision on whether you are eligible for funded nursing care will be given to you at the same time that a decision is made regarding your eligibility of fully funded NHS continuing healthcare.

Other health and social care services

If you have a medical need, please be assured that you will continue to receive health support through your GP or community health staff. If you have social needs, you might be able to apply for help from Cornwall Council or the Council of the Isles of Scilly.

The Cornwall Care services directory can signpost you to services that could help you further.

Resources

In this section

Useful Links

Personalised care

Google Translate

Text Size

Highlight links

Change font

Contrast