law 31
Time is running out for care home fee claims
It’s a common misconception that anyone spending time in a nursing or care home because of a medical condition has to pay their own fees
A Court of Appeal ruling in 1999 stated that all care that is needed due to ill health should be fully funded by the NHS. Yet many families remain unaware that they may be wrongly paying fees – in some cases meaning property has to be sold, savings spent and contributions made as a family to fund care, which is actually an entitlement.
While the whole subject may appear complicated many families can claim back fees. However time is running out for claims which relate to care dating back to 2004.
“Many people may have been unfairly paying the costs of residential care for a friend or relative,’’ said Moore Blatch partner Tim Spring, who heads up the community health law department in Hampshire.
Mary just
The need to act now follows an announcement by the Government placing a September 30 deadline on claims for fees paid from April 2004 until March 2011.
“With the deadline fast approaching we recommend any person who has managed the self- funding of a care home resident to investigate the requirements and take advice as to whether they have missed out.“
Spring says that anyone who has spent time in a nursing or care home due to a medical condition, whether for a physical or mental health care need, may be eligible to reclaim fees that have previously been paid.
Claims can arise from a wide variety of medical conditions and can still go ahead even if the
person who received the care has since passed away.
“While this is a complex area of law Moore Blatch’s experience in handling claims involving the medical profession means that we know the value of basing a claim on clear and expert medical advice, which is crucial in cases like this,’’ he said.
“Our team includes lawyers with both legal and medical qualifications who are able to structure claims and evidence to ensure that families who are entitled to reclaim fees can do so as painlessly as possible, and with some care homes costing £50,000 a year the sums involved are significant.’’
For further information on any matters relating to care of
Tim Spring, partner and head of clinical negligence
the elderly or for a free initial consultation to see if you, or a relative, are eligible to claim back fees you have paid, contact Spring or our community health law team on the details below.
Details:
Tim Spring 023-8071-8000
tim.spring@mooreblatch.com
Community health law team 0800-157-7611
claimed back her care home fees...
...and now you could too
Like Mary, your care home fees could be covered by the NHS. If you or a member of your family are resident in a care home and have a primary health need you may be able to reclaim the fees that you have paid to date.
The Department of Health has announced a cut-off date of 30 September 2012 for notifi cation of claims for repayment of care home fees. So if you wish to fi nd out if you are eligible, you need to act now.
Moore Blatch has an established, expert Healthcare Law team which is more than happy to give you a no obligation phone consultation to see if you or your relatives are eligible to reclaim care home fees.
Simply call us today on the number below and ask to speak directly to Tim Spring, Head of Clinical Negligence and Healthcare.
Freephone 0800 157 7611
www.mooreblatch.com/CLAIM
Offi ces in Southampton, Lymington, Whiteley & Richmond-upon-Thames
Telephone +44 (0)23 8071 8000
www.mooreblatch.com
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – SEPTEMBER 2012
www.businessmag.co.uk
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