Thousands may have wrongly paid care fees as Welsh government deadline looms

• Last chance for families to claim retrospective NHS Continuing Healthcare funding for 31 October 2015 to 31 October 2016

• With new deadline for applications set for 31 October 2017, families urged to act now before it's too late to apply for a refund 

Cardiff-based Hugh James Nursing Care and Age Cymru are calling for families who may have wrongly paid for care fees to take action now, following news that the Welsh Government has set a new deadline for reclaiming retrospective NHS Continuing Healthcare funding (CHC).

NHS CHC is a package of care funded by the NHS for individuals with a primary health need, regardless of the individual's ability to pay for their care.  However, with many families unaware of this funding or how to apply for it, thousands of pounds may be wrongly spent by the public on care fees annually when they should have actually received it for free.

With the clock now ticking, the cut-off date for the public to register an intent to claim with their local health board is 31 October 2017. This deadline means that this is the last chance for people to request retrospective applications for NHS CHC funding for the period between 31 October 2015 and 31 October 2016.

Lisa Morgan, partner at Hugh James and one of the UK's leading legal experts in the complex area of reclaiming wrongly paid nursing care fees, explains: "Since 2006, we've worked tirelessly to help thousands of people across Wales who did not realise that they were wrongly paying care fees.  In that time we have successfully reclaimed a staggering £100 million for families across England and Wales who have wrongly stumped up thousands of pounds to pay for care. 

"With families often left to wrongly foot the bill and pay for care by selling property or other assets, it is important that they are made aware now that the Welsh Government has announced this deadline for reclaiming retrospective NHS CHC eligibility and act now to ensure they don't miss out."

Urging people to come forward before it's too late, Victoria Lloyd, Assistant Chief Executive from Age Cymru, added: "This will be the last deadline where claimants can submit claims going back to 31 October 2015.  In the future, while claims can be submitted at any time, claimants will only be allowed to claim for up to 12 months from the date they submit their application.

"It is, therefore, vitally important for those with claims going back more than 12 months to make their intentions known before this year's deadline.  We would urge anyone who believes they are eligible but is not sure how to proceed to seek advice as soon as possible as time is of the essence here."

Hugh James Nursing Care has a helpline for those who think they may be eligible. For a free initial assessment the public can call 0800 988 2373 or visit hughjames.com/nursingcare to find out about eligibility for NHS CHC and reimbursement of care home fees.

Age Cymru also offers a free, impartial and independent service which provides advice and guidance on 08000 223 444 or visit www.agecymru.org.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
About NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC)
Often referred to as ‘fully funded care', NHS CHC is a package of care arranged and funded solely by the NHS, which can be received in a care home or at the individual's home. 
If an individual demonstrates a primary health need, then the NHS must pay for their care in full, regardless of their personal wealth.  To qualify, the individual must demonstrate that their needs are:
- Complex, intense or unpredictable
- Not incidental or ancillary to the accommodation a local authority is under a duty to provide, or
- Not of a nature typically provided for by a social services department.
Therefore, if someone is in a nursing or care home because of physical or mental health needs they may be paying fees that should be funded by the NHS.

About Hugh James Nursing Care
Hugh James Nursing Care is one of the leading national experts in recovery of wrongly paid care home fees.  Its team of nursing care legal specialists has successfully recovered over £100 million for families across the UK since the department was set up in 2006.

Hugh James Nursing Care is a trading name of Hugh James Involegal LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. For further information, visit hughjames.com/nursingcare

About Age Cymru
Age Cymru is the national charity for older people in Wales.  It is the force combining Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales. It works with local Age Cymru Partners across Wales to improve life for older people. Age Cymru is funded by donations from the public, corporate partners, our retail and trading enterprises and the Welsh Government.

Age Cymru is a registered charity 1128436. Company limited by guarantee and registered by in England and Wales 6837284. Registered office address: Tŷ John Pathy, 13/14 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PJ.  For further information, visit www.agecymru.org.uk