What is NHS-Funded Nursing Care — and How Does It Differ from NHS Continuing Healthcare?

NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC) is a contribution paid by the NHS towards the cost of nursing care provided by a registered nurse in a care home with nursing. It is not the same as NHS Continuing Healthcare — it is a partial contribution rather than full funding, and it is paid directly to the nursing home rather than to the individual.

Who receives it?

FNC is available to people living in a care home with nursing who have been assessed as needing — but not qualifying for — NHS Continuing Healthcare. Essentially, if someone is in a nursing home and the NHS is not funding their full care, it should still be contributing towards the nursing component of their care via FNC. The current standard rate in England is £235.88 per week.

How is it paid?

FNC is paid directly by the NHS to the care home and should be reflected as a reduction in the fees charged to the resident. It is not means-tested and is not affected by savings or income. If your loved one is in a nursing home and you have never heard of FNC, it is worth checking whether it is being applied to their fees — not all families are clearly informed.

How does it differ from CHC?

NHS Continuing Healthcare covers all care costs in full and is based on the person having a primary health need. NHS-Funded Nursing Care is a contribution towards nursing costs only, for those who are in a nursing home but whose primary need is not classified as a health need. You can only receive one or the other — if CHC is awarded, FNC is subsumed within it.

If your loved one is in a nursing home and you are unsure whether FNC is being applied correctly, or whether they should be assessed for full CHC, we can help you understand your position. Speak to us →