Mrs Akehurst | Kent
As ‘self funders’ there was not much help or advice from anywhere, about anything, when I was trying to do the best for my Mum.
I had looked into NHS Continuing Healthcare funding and had read the handbook from cover to cover but the problem is that it is not something that you can fill in forms and apply for yourself. It has to be done by healthcare professionals and due to a varying number of circumstances I could never speak to the same person or even get someone to return my calls when I was trying to get Mum assessed.
After a period of 6 months I was really desperate and found Compass CHC online. I took a chance and phoned them to ask advice on how I could start Mum’s case off. They were the first people to listen and didn’t try a hard sale but said I should know the handbook inside out and quote it. My problem was I had no one I could even speak to let alone quote it to! After a further two weeks of trying to speak with someone I gave up and called Compass CHC back. They did a quick assessment and said they thought Mum would qualify (for NHS continuing healthcare funding). I asked them to take Mum’s case on and the ball was rolling. They were straight on to getting records from the doctor, hospital and Mum’s care home. They were able to set deadlines and move Mum’s case forward.
There was a meeting which Natasha attended as advocate. Natasha knew Mum’s case inside out and had answers and examples for all of the domains of the Checklist and DST. We were successful in securing funding for 3 months. The fee to Compass CHC worked out at approximately one month of that 3 months so it hadn’t cost anything.
Next was the 3 month review. I was undecided about paying Compass CHC to help me with the review, but I am glad I did.
Again Compass CHC got all the records from the relevant parties and submitted an excellent letter of representation. Tyler was the advocate for the review meeting and although I think the comprehensive letter of representation went a very long way towards reinforcing Mum’s case Tyler’s quick responses to some of the questions during the meeting was none other than impressive and we secured a further years funding. The decision to go with Compass and engage an advocate was definitely the right one for us.
My advice would be give Compass CHC a call, they will listen and give best advice. Unfortunately not everyone will meet the requirements for the continuing healthcare funding but I think Compass CHC would be very honest in telling you whether, in their opinion, it would be worth you proceeding.
