Dom Littlewood has been looking at the changes to the assessment rules for care home funding, which could mean that patients can apply for a refund on their fees. Watch Dom’s report by clicking play above.

Previously, in England, each health authority used a different set of criteria to assess the funding a patient was eligible for.

Since October 2007 however, the rules for assessment changed and one system was implemented for the whole of England.

Wales follows similar rules to England, with Local Health Boards being required to follow Welsh Assembly Guidance from 2004.

Northern Ireland also follows rules that all care is paid for if the main need is a health need. A single assessment tool was launched in February and is currently being rolled out. But you cannot claim retrospectively here.

Scotland follows a completely different system, where all NHS care costs are always paid for. But individuals may have to pay for their room and board costs, on a means tested basis.

Who may be eligible for a refund?

Those with serious health needs who have been admitted to a nursing home in recent years could be eligible to claim their fees back.