Navigating NHS-funded nursing care fees

Alice was living in a nursing home, and the NHS were contributing NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) towards the cost of her nursing care. The contract Alice’s daughter signed stated that the FNC payments would be subtracted from the weekly fees payable by Alice.  

Alice’s daughter reached out to our adviceline when the care home wanted them to sign a new contract where the FNC payments would now be in addition to the weekly fees, costing the family thousands of pounds more a year. 

Our adviser referred them to the Competition and Market Authority’s care home guidance, because as this was essentially an increase in fees, there needs to be clear evidence for it, and it must follow consumer law. 

Alice’s daughter was able to work with other residents to use this guidance in responding the care provider. The provider reconsidered the proposed changes, and kept the FNC payments as part of the weekly fees. In real terms, this meant there was not an increase in fees.