Metastatic prostate cancer and Continuing Health Care

Are there any local hospices near you? My husband collapsed while out walking exactly one year ago. No prior symptoms. He was told he had terminal bladder cancer in September. In October he was given radiotherapy to relieve his pain. It didn't, but he was unable to walk again after treatment. He has been bed-bound for 9 months. In and out of hospice 3 times over those months, as I struggled to cope at home. Community Carers could not control his pain. He was finally moved into a Nursing Care Home at the beginning of May. Because he went directly from the hospice to the Care Home (because hospices can only offer 'short term' care) he receives Continuing Health Care - no questions asked. I did not have to fill in any forms, the hospice did it all. I am so sorry for what has happened to you both - it's a terrible shock. If you need to speak to a friend - I'm here for you X

I took this from their web page as I only dealt with the Scottish side of things 

“NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) in England is a package of ongoing care, arranged and funded solely by the NHS, for adults with a "primary health need" arising from a disability, accident, or illness. This means the NHS is responsible for funding care when an individual's needs are primarily due to their health, rather than social care needs. It's free at the point of delivery and can be provided in various settings, including care homes or the individual's own home”

it might be worth checking out 

beaconchc.co.uk  as they are an advocacy service to navigate chc. 

Best wishes 

Liz & OH xx

Hi Nancy Jayne, 

thank you for your reply. I am so sorry you have had such a difficult time. I have gone through the CHC checklist and my husband meets many of the criteria….my local authority and hospital are very mean and run by political motivations. I am glad to read your husband got the care he needed. I will let you know how it goes in the meeting tomorrow. Thank you for being there for me. xx

Thank you for your kindness. I have done some research. The Scottish government and the Irish government have a different, more straightforward approach. The English government has a different approach and is more complicated…I will do my best to get the best care possible for my husband xx

Hello Teatowel 

I am so sorry to read your post. I am sure our Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week) will be able to help with this.

Citizens Advice would also be able to help in this case too.

Do you have a "Maggie's" near you - this is s cancer charity where you can drop in for help and advice - link "Maggie's".

I do hope this helps.

Best wishes - Brian.

Take a list of questions with you and make sure they answer them.

I do hope you get the answers you are looking for and yes they work differently. 

Let us know how you get on 

hugs 

Liz & OH xx

Thank you for your support. The hospital tell me that they no longer do HCH applications. It was too time consuming and cost too much in terms of staff time. I have to wait until my husband is back home and ask District nurses if they will apply. A bit annoying as I have done loads of research and went fully prepared for the challenge

Thank you. No we don’t have a Maggie’s near us. I will call the help line just to talk. It has been a tough day. I met with the Consultant this morning and things are potentially more serious than I thought. The cancer has spread to my husband’s lymphatic system as well as being in his bones and spinal cord. Feeling so very sad and alone.xx

Sorry, I meant CHC not HCH! 

Deep Breath - life is going to become difficult and upsetting, it's inevitable, in my experience. It's bad enough having a very ill husband, without all the complexities involved in caring for him from now on. Never forget to look after yourself during this time - it's vitally important. Eat properly, sleep (catch up when you can) and take breaks when it all becomes too much - let others sit with him. Get all the help you can from family and friends - I'm here for you too X