HELP WITH
CONTINUING HEALTHCARE.
BECAUSE WE CARE.
Despite the commitments in 1948 of cradle to grave care being free at the point of delivery, NHS spending is subject to budgetary constraints. With an ever increasing aging population such constraints are inevitable.
The result is that many thousands of elderly people are discharged from hospital into a care home setting, and are forced to pay for the full cost of the care they receive. However, there are some people who, because of their health needs, shouldn’t be paying at all. The NHS should be meeting their costs through its obligation to provide ‘Continuing Healthcare’.
YOUR RIGHT TO
CONTINUING HEALTHCARE.
WE’RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
In the UK, we benefit from one of the finest healthcare services in the world: the NHS.
We don’t have to pay for hospital treatment (unless we choose to go private) and the bill is picked up by everyone who pays into the UK tax system.
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THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE
* R v North & East Devon Health Authority ex parte Coughlan (1999) and R v Bexley NHS Trust ex parte Grogan (2006)
So, problem solved? Sadly not. The fact is that today many health professionals still don’t apply the procedures and rules correctly and they are still open to subjective interpretation.
At the time a loved one becomes ill, both patients and families need to make critical decisions about where, how and in what setting he or she should be cared for.
At Paladin, we know through our own personal experiences – and those of too many others – that thousands of families face frightening ordeals which present few viable options. We’re here to support them at whatever stage they find themselves. And we’re here, if needed, for the long haul, offering as much or as little advice and representation as they need.
Disputes over NHS Continuing Healthcare, and who should receive it, are certainly not new.
In particular, two landmark court cases* shaped the Continuing Healthcare landscape. There were also numerous complaints to the Health Service Ombudsman regarding the apparent ‘postcode lottery’ of who did and didn’t qualify. As a result, a new National Framework was implemented on 1 October 2007, intended to create a common and nationwide set of rules for all Primary Care Trusts and Hospital Trusts to follow.
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WHAT WE DO
Paladin is a company specialising in securing Continuing Healthcare for patients and their families. The company has been born out of personal experience of the NHS failing vulnerable people.
Paladin’s first aim is to advise patients and their families on the process of securing Continuing Healthcare funding.
But finance is only part of the equation. Paladin also offers a holistic approach to make sure that patients and their families receive – and continue to receive – the services and options that Continuing Healthcare should provide. As such, ours is the first service of its kind, and even if a patient is not eligible for Continuing Healthcare we can explore all other options to find a suitable care package.
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WITH YOU
EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
The process of being assessed for Continuing Healthcare, and successfully gaining it, is complex. However, our specialist knowledge of the law and the NHS will ensure no family or patient is exposed to incorrect decision making and the failure to adhere to due process – a process that everyone is entitled to receive, promptly and efficiently.
Every patient who suffers ill health is entitled to be considered for a Continuing Healthcare assessment. If that assessment reveals a ‘primary health need’, the NHS should fund their care in whatever setting he or she chooses. Most patients are cared for in a residential or nursing home, but few know they can also choose to remain in their own home with a fully funded care package.
Paladin aims to inform patients of their rights and choices. We aim to empower vulnerable patients and families, providing advice and practical solutions which can offer creative and flexible options.
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WITH YOU
EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
WHAT WE DO -
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
At Paladin we aim to go the extra mile. We make sure each patient receives a package of care which optimises their quality of life.
Paladin will always seek to establish the patient’s overall needs and provides advice on the most appropriate care setting for the individual. Sometimes additional specialist services are required and Paladin can advise as to which specialists may be best placed to assist in the overall package of care. These may include specialists such as Stroke, Parkinsonian, Dementia, Heart Failure or Tissue Viability nurses to name but a few. This may also include referrals to a Community Complex Care Matron, MacMillan or Carers Support services. Paladin aims to ensure such complexities are dealt with comprehensively and the transition of care is seamless.
In particular, Paladin can assist in supporting hospital discharges together with the setting up of such specialist services, 24 care at home, securing relevant benefit claims - all tailored to meet both the patient’s and families needs and wishes.
Paladin has established links with specialist service providers such as Agencies who provide Live in and Domiciliary Care, specialist Nursing Homes and Independent Financial Advisors all of whom may be able to assist with your loved one’s care needs.
Paladin can also assist with the reclaiming of retrospective care fees should this be necessary within the existing package or for a loved one who has sadly passed away.
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CONTINUING CARE:
WHAT IS IT?
WHO SHOULD GET IT?
The NHS defines Continuing Healthcare as:
A package of care which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS for individuals outside of hospital who have ongoing healthcare needs. You can receive continuing healthcare in any setting, including your own home or a care home.
In your own home, this means that the NHS will pay for healthcare (e.g. services from a community nurse or specialist therapist) and personal care (e.g. help with bathing, dressing and laundry). In a care home, the NHS also pays for your care home fees, including board and accommodation.
NHS Continuing Healthcare is free. This is unlike help from social services which you may need to pay for depending on your income and capital.
Continuing Healthcare is care provided over an extended period of time to a person aged 18 or over to meet physical or mental health needs which have arisen as the result of disability, accident or illness.
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Naturally there are rules about who qualifi es for Continuing Healthcare, and who does not. The NHS says:
Anyone assessed as having a certain level of care needs may receive NHS continuing healthcare. It is not dependent on a particular disease, diagnosis or condition, nor on who provides the care or where that care is provided. If your overall care needs show that your primary need is a health need, you should be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.
If you have access to the internet, you can see the full NHS booklet about Continuing Healthcare at:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/
documents/digitalasset/dh_106229.pdf
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WHO IS IT FOR?
WHO WE HELP
Paladin is here to assist patients and their families at any stage of their care requirements. This may well be at a time of crisis, such as when a Primary Care Trust decides you are not eligible for Continuing Healthcare and in turn declines or withdraws a funding award. This situation will require an appeal to the Primary Care Trust and/or the Strategic Health Authority. Patients may find their health deteriorating and needing additional help and support in their own home. Patients cared for in residential settings may be forced to move into a nursing home.
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No matter what you’re facing, Paladin can intervene and create a plan of action, either for you to set in motion, or indeed for us to act on your behalf. No matter how big or small the decision and information required, Paladin is happy to help.
Once awarded Continuing Healthcare funding The National Framework requires an initial 3 month review, followed by annual assessments. As such, we believe we can be most effective by offering you continuing advice, to make sure the care providers deliver the appropriate standard of care, maintain your freedom of choice and act with all regard to your Human Rights.
HOW WE HELP
To begin with, we usually talk your case through with you by phone.
Following this, we may meet with you, the patient and/or any other family members or carers in order to get a full understanding of the issues. We then review all available documentation and request in writing any further documentation we need from the relevant authorities. This thorough groundwork then enables us to prepare a case for the Continuing Healthcare assessment. If required, we can also be present at the assessments and/or appeal hearings, to act as the patient’s advocate in person.
WHERE WE HELP
Paladin works across the UK. In the first instance, individual attend- ance to assessments and appeals is by our principal, Anne Reed.
We are happy to travel to wherever we’re needed: at a patient’s home, nursing home or Primary Care Trust premises as required.
CONTACTING PALADIN
Paladin is delighted to answer your initial enquires and to discuss the most appropriate plan of action for your given circumstances.
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PALADIN’S PRINCIPAL
Paladin brings together a unique combination of legal expertise and hands-on NHS experience.
ANNE REED
Anne is a dual qualified practitioner. A qualified nurse having trained at the renowned St. Thomas’
Hospital in London, Anne achieved the prestigious Nightingale award, followed on by an extensive 17 year NHS career, after which she re-qualified as a Solicitor. Anne achieved her eminent NHS profile in her role as a Clinician, Manager and Expert in Tissue Viability, thus providing her clients with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. A unique and challenging combination of clinical and legal experience led Anne to specialise as a Claimant Clinical Negligence Lawyer, (currently non-practising). As a skilled litigator and advocate Anne is a progressive and dynamic individual who is challenging and proactive in her approach. She set up her first Consultancy, Medeagle UK in 2004 providing medico-legal training to both NHS and private organisations on a National level.
Anne is driven by a desire to ensure that all patients and in particular those who are vulnerable or elderly, receive the ‘best care’ to meet their needs. Continuing healthcare and the associated clinical and social care packages for patients suffering with both physical and forms of dementia such as Alziemers, particularly in the client’s own home, has become a specialist area of expertise both on a professional and personal level. Anne is unphased by bureaucracy and brings her knowledge, empathy and passion to bear on behalf of clients, families and fellow professionals all over the UK.
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ANNE REED Tel: 01822 610303
Email: annereed@paladinadvocates.com
Paladin Advocates, 13 Duke Street, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0BA www.paladinadvocates.com
Paladin is a trading name of Medeagle International Limited Registered in England No. 7488785. VAT Reg No. 106 8224 33
Please contact Anne Reed on the number below.
If you believe that you, or a relative, qualify for Continuing Healthcare but are not receiving it, we would be delighted to discuss this or any other issue concerning care.
