Care Necessities Limited

25/10/2026

Are you or a loved one paying care fees that the NHS could be covering?

If someone in your family is paying thousands of pounds each month for care, have you ever checked whether they might qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)?

The Government updated its CHC assessment guidance on 20 October 2026, making this a good time to remind families that NHS funding may be available.

CHC is funding for people with significant health needs. If eligible, the NHS can cover the full cost of their assessed care package, regardless of their savings or assets.

At Care Necessities, we help families understand whether their loved one might qualify, assist with assessments and challenge decisions where appropriate.

Not everyone will qualify, but it's certainly worth asking the question.

If you're unsure whether NHS funding has been considered, please get in touch. We'd be happy to discuss your circumstances.
🌐 www.care-necessities.co.uk

24/10/2026

Why keeping an eye on a loved one's care matters so much ❤️

The latest UK Covid-19 Inquiry report has highlighted the devastating impact that restrictions on family visits had on people living in care homes.

For many residents, particularly those living with dementia, being separated from loved ones caused considerable distress.

It reminds us just how important regular contact and independent oversight can be.

When visiting someone in a care home, you might notice things that aren't immediately obvious to staff. Perhaps they're losing weight, seem withdrawn, or their care needs have changed.

But what happens when you live too far away to visit regularly, or simply can't be there as often as you'd like?

At Care Necessities, our independent Wellness Reports help families understand how their loved ones are being cared for.

We visit residents, review their care arrangements and highlight any concerns that may need attention.

Sometimes, having another experienced pair of eyes looking out for someone you love can make all the difference.

23/10/2026

Is your loved one receiving the care they're paying for?

It was reported this week that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessed Yarborough House RCH in Grimsby as being inadequate and the home was put into special measures.

Inspectors raised concerns, identifying that staffing levels were unsafe, some residents had lost weight and were at risk of malnutrition, residents needing a textured diet were at risk of choking or aspiration and risks were not always identified.

It's worrying news, particularly for families who rely on care homes to look after their loved ones. But it also raises an important question.

How do you know your loved one is receiving the care they need?

CQC ratings are useful, but inspections can be years apart, and a lot can change during that time.

At Care Necessities, our independent Wellness and Oversight Reports help families understand how their loved one is being cared for. We visit the resident, review their care arrangements and records, and highlight any concerns that may need addressing.

It's about having another pair of experienced eyes looking out for someone you care about.

If you'd like some independent reassurance about a loved one's care, please get in touch.
🌐 www.care-necessities.co.uk
CQC report:
https://www.cqc.org.uk/press-release/cqc-downgrades-rating-grimsby-care-home-and-places-it-special-measures-protect-people

05/10/2026

Would you trust ChatGPT with your application or appeal for NHS Continuing Healthcare?

Artificial Intelligence can be an incredibly useful tool.

It can help families understand what NHS Continuing Healthcare is, explain the National Framework, the Decision Support Tool and concepts such as the four key characteristics of nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability.

It can help organise information, draft letters and identify arguments that may need to be raised.

But there is a very important difference between using AI as a tool and relying on AI as your advocate.

And when someone may be paying £5,000 a month — or more — towards the cost of their care, that distinction really matters.

For many families, an NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment is one of the most financially significant assessments they will ever be involved in.

Yet many people attend having very little understanding of what is actually being decided.

Understandably, they place enormous trust in the NHS and assume that every relevant record will have been reviewed, every aspect of their relative’s needs will have been investigated and the assessment will automatically provide a complete picture.

But NHS Continuing Healthcare teams are working under significant pressure and with limited resources.

A Nurse Assessor may simply not have the time available to spend many hours examining months of GP records, hospital records, care plans, daily notes, medication records, incident reports and other evidence.

A specialist advocate can spend that time.

At Care Necessities, we may spend hours preparing for an assessment or appeal before the meeting even takes place.

That preparation can involve identifying patterns of need, comparing different records, finding important evidence that may have been overlooked and considering how apparently separate care needs interact with one another.

AI can help with some of that work.

But AI only knows what you give it.

If an important record has never been obtained, AI cannot read it.

If a significant incident is buried within hundreds of pages of care notes that have never been reviewed, AI cannot identify it.

If the information provided to AI is incomplete, its analysis will inevitably be incomplete too.

And then there is the meeting itself - ChatGPT WILL NOT BE SITTING BESIDE YOU.

It cannot challenge an interpretation of the evidence in real time.

It cannot respond when a Nurse Assessor or Panel member raises an argument you were not expecting.

It cannot immediately point to the evidence that contradicts something being said.

It cannot explain why several separate care needs combine to create a more complex overall picture.

It cannot advocate.

That is especially important because families should not assume that, if the outcome goes against them, another full assessment will simply be arranged shortly afterwards.

Assessments are not routinely repeated just because a family disagrees with the outcome. A further assessment will usually need to be justified by a material change or deterioration in the person’s needs.

So getting the assessment right — and putting forward the strongest possible evidence — matters.

None of this means that every family needs to instruct a private advocate.

And it certainly does not mean that AI has no place in NHS Continuing Healthcare.

AI can be an excellent way of helping families become better informed.

But securing NHS Continuing Healthcare funding is not easy.

Paying for experienced professional representation is not inexpensive either, and we fully recognise that.

However, when the alternative may be continuing to pay thousands of pounds every month in care fees, the cost of experienced support has to be considered in that wider context.

An experienced advocate understands the process.

They know what evidence to look for.

They know the arguments that are likely to be raised.

They can identify where an assessment does not appear to reflect the evidence.

And, crucially, they are there in the meeting with you, to make the case.

Professional advocacy can never guarantee NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, and no reputable company should suggest otherwise.

But in a difficult or finely balanced case, having someone who understands NHS Continuing Healthcare, has prepared the evidence properly and can challenge points as they arise can make an enormous difference.

So by all means use ChatGPT.

Use it to learn.

Use it to understand the terminology.

Use it to help you ask better questions.

Use it to organise your thoughts.

But don’t confuse a well-written AI-generated appeal with a fully prepared NHS Continuing Healthcare case.

AI can help you write the argument.

It cannot replace the evidence behind it, the experience needed to interpret that evidence, or the advocate who may need to make that argument when it matters most.

28/09/2026

Self-funding for care? Don’t assume the Local Authority has no role.

We often hear families say:

“Mum had savings, so Social Services didn’t want to know.”

But having enough capital to pay privately for care does not mean the Local Authority has no role.

If someone appears to have care and support needs, they can ask their Local Authority for a Care Act Needs Assessment, regardless of how much money they have.

What is a Care Act needs assessment?

It is an assessment of the person’s care and support needs — what help they require, how their needs affect their day-to-day life and wellbeing, and what support may be appropriate.

This can be particularly important where someone is considering a permanent move into a care home.

Having Adult Social Care involved can create a clear, contemporaneous record of:

- the person’s care needs;
- the difficulties they are experiencing;
- the level of support they require; and
- why residential care may be an appropriate way of meeting those needs.

Why does that matter?

Because someone may have enough savings to fund their own care today, but those savings can reduce very quickly.

If they later need to approach the Local Authority for help with care fees, it can be extremely helpful if Adult Social Care already knows about the person and there is a clear record of their needs and circumstances.

“But Social Services said there is a long waiting list…”

There is no fixed legal deadline for completing a Care Act needs assessment, but it should be completed within a reasonable timescale, taking account of the urgency of the person’s circumstances.

If you are told it may take months, ask the Local Authority to:

- formally record your request for a Care Act needs assessment;
- confirm the date the request was received;
- give you an indicative timescale for the assessment;
- explain how the urgency of the person’s circumstances has been considered; and
- confirm what can be done if the person’s needs cannot safely wait for a full assessment.

It is also sensible to make the request in writing, or follow up a telephone call by email, so there is a clear record of when help was requested.

And should there be a fee for the assessment? NO.

A Local Authority should not charge someone simply for carrying out a Care Act Needs Assessment.

There may be charges later for care and support, depending on the person’s financial circumstances, but the needs assessment itself should not come with a fee.

Our practical message - being a self-funder does not mean you should automatically exclude the Local Authority from the picture.

And if savings are starting to fall towards the Local Authority funding threshold, don’t wait until the money has run out before asking Adult Social Care to become involved.

Early involvement, a clear assessment of need and good contemporaneous records can make a significant difference if funding becomes an issue later.

Call now to connect with business.

31/07/2026

People often ask us what advocacy actually looks like.

Today, we were reminded that it isn't just about understanding the National Framework, attending meetings or challenging decisions. It starts with something much simpler... kindness.

One of our advocates spent the day supporting an elderly gentleman in hospital. His story is heart-breaking. He has lived through profound mental health challenges, a lengthy admission to hospital and, more recently, a stroke. Despite the complexity of his history, discussions today centred on planning for his discharge from hospital. His daughter was understandably worried about ensuring her father received the right care, in the right environment, where he could be kept safe and supported.

Before an important multidisciplinary team meeting, our advocate simply sat with him.

She held his hand.

She listened.

She gave him time to tell his story.

She treated him with the dignity, compassion and respect that every person deserves.

It wasn't until she was driving home that the emotion caught up with her.

Not because she had done anything wrong.

Not because she wasn't professional.

Because she cared.

Because once you have truly listened to someone's story, it's impossible not to.

People often ask what a care advocate actually does.

Yes, we understand the National Framework.

Yes, we know the legislation.

Yes, we challenge decisions when they aren't supported by the evidence.

But advocacy is so much more than that.

It's being the person who sits beside someone when they feel frightened.

It's making sure they are heard when everyone else seems to be talking about them rather than to them.

It's having the courage to challenge respectfully when something doesn't feel right.

And sometimes, it's carrying the emotional weight of someone else's story long after the meeting has ended.

Our advocates don't stop caring when they clock off. They carry these people with them. That isn't written into any job description. It's simply who they are.

Every member of our team gives a little piece of themselves to the families we support every single day, and we couldn't be prouder of them.

Because everyone deserves someone who will not only fight for their rights, but who will also sit beside them, listen to their story and remind them that they matter.

That, to us, is what advocacy is all about.

17/07/2026

We recently read a news report about a Lincolnshire home care provider that had received warning notices from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

As a Lincolnshire-based organisation supporting families across the county, stories like this always make us stop and reflect.

Understandably, reports like this can make families worry, especially if they have a loved one receiving care at home or living in a care home.

However, it's important to look beyond the headline.

In this case, whilst concerns were identified around governance and oversight, the provider was still recognised positively for the care being delivered. It highlights an important point – good, compassionate care and strong management systems don't always go hand in hand, but both are essential to delivering safe, high-quality care.

If you have a loved one receiving care, one of the simplest things you can do is read the latest CQC inspection report for their care provider. These are available free of charge on the Care Quality Commission website www.cqc.org.uk

Don't just look at the overall rating. Take a few minutes to understand what inspectors found, what the provider is doing well and, where concerns have been identified, what action is being taken to improve things.

If you still have questions after reading the report, don't be afraid to speak with the care provider. Open and honest communication can often provide valuable reassurance.

Sometimes, however, families simply want the confidence that comes from having an independent professional review their loved one's care. At Care Necessities, our Care Management service offers independent assessments and ongoing oversight to help ensure care continues to meet an individual's needs and remains safe, appropriate and person-centred.

If you have any concerns about the care a loved one is receiving—whether at home or in a care home—we're always happy to have an informal conversation. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01754 800551 or send us a private message.

Sometimes, a friendly conversation is all it takes to provide reassurance and point you in the right direction.

28/06/2026

📢 Did you know?

You may be entitled to a Care Act Needs Assessment even if you pay for your own care.

Many people assume that because they are self-funding their care, or the care of a loved one, the Local Authority has no role to play.

That is not necessarily the case.

Under the Care Act 2014, where it appears that an adult may have needs for care and support, the Local Authority has a duty to assess those needs, regardless of their financial circumstances.

A needs assessment is about understanding:
✔ What support a person requires
✔ The risks they face
✔ The outcomes they want to achieve
✔ Whether additional support may be available

Funding is considered after an assessment has taken place.

A recent Ombudsman investigation highlighted the importance of Local Authorities carrying out assessments in a timely manner and the impact delays can have on individuals and their families.

Knowing your rights can make a significant difference.

If you are unsure whether you or a family member should have had a Care Act Needs Assessment, it may be worth seeking independent advice.

22/06/2026

🏡 Case Study: When the Best Outcome Isn't Moving Someone

We were instructed by a Professional Deputy to undertake an assessment of an elderly lady living in a residential care home.

Whilst our review of her care needs concluded that she did not meet the eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare, our Advocate identified a number of concerns regarding the quality of care being provided. These concerns were reinforced when the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated the home as "Inadequate".

Over the following months, we worked closely with the care home management team, raising concerns around care documentation, falls management, personal care, skin integrity, nutrition monitoring and overall oversight of care.

A series of meetings took place and it was made clear that, unless significant improvements were achieved, consideration would need to be given to finding an alternative placement for the resident.

The Professional Deputy was understandably reluctant to move this lady from a familiar environment, but equally could not ignore the concerns that had been identified.

Following a recent review visit, we were pleased to find evidence of genuine and meaningful improvements. The resident appeared happier and more settled, her care records were significantly improved, additional safety measures had been implemented, and the home's CQC rating had also improved.

Most importantly, our Advocate concluded that it would not currently be in this lady's best interests to move her from her current care home.

This case highlights an important principle of advocacy and safeguarding:

✅ Independent oversight matters.
✅ Constructive challenge can drive positive change.
✅ The best outcome is not always relocation.
✅ The resident's best interests must remain at the centre of every decision.

Sometimes the greatest success is helping a provider improve so that a vulnerable person can remain safely in the place they know as home.

If you have concerns about a loved one, please contact us on 01754 800551 for a FREE initial discussion.

17/06/2026

⚠️ Acting as an Attorney is a Significant Responsibility ⚠️

Many people agree to become an Attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) because they want to help a loved one. However, it is important to remember that this role carries significant legal responsibilities.

A recent case reported by the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted what can happen when Attorneys abuse their position of trust. The couple involved were convicted after defrauding their elderly parents of almost £290k for their own benefit.

Whilst cases of this nature are thankfully rare, they serve as an important reminder that:

✔️ An Attorney must always act in the donor's best interests.
✔️ The donor's money and assets remain their own.
✔️ Decisions should be properly documented and justifiable.
✔️ Attorneys can be held accountable for their actions.

Many Attorneys find themselves having to make difficult decisions about care arrangements, property, and how care fees should be funded. Understanding your responsibilities can help protect both your loved one and yourself.

If you are acting as an Attorney or Deputy and have concerns about your responsibilities, or need guidance please feel free to contact us. Care Necessities specialises in care oversight and funding and we also work alongside trusted legal and financial professionals and can signpost you to specialist support where appropriate.

You can read more about the CPS case here:
🔗 www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/couple-who-defrauded-elderly-parents-forced-return-money-they-stole