I agree it can be incredibly difficult obtaining CHC funding.
Technically 'Behaviour' is one of the main areas with a 'Priority' rating which
could trigger it.
But we've now had 3 years when the initial first check gives Mum a 'positive rating' but then when they do the full check even though I believe she should have most areas with a High or Severe need, somehow these are always 'downplayed' and when sent to panel have always been refused.
I've more or less been told, that only in the event of Mum being in the very last 'active state of dying' when I could apply for a Fast Track assessment, am I likely to be awarded it for her.
Mum has been at stage 7d for more than 2 years now.
She has irregular periods of ASCs, but these still only scored as Medium
She is on the highest level (Severe) for Communication & Mobility.
Nutrition is still Low because she is actually managing to put on weight! She is still able to swallow after constant prompting and despite taking an hour or so they just keep going until the plate is empty and of course being unable to move uses very few calories.
Skin integrity is maintained due to the high level of care, so again scored as Medium.
Continence, although doubly incontinent does require weekly invasive procedure so again only Medium.
Breathing is only problematic when she has her 'episodes', so scored as None
, as are her Psychological Needs
Being completely non-communicative and generally apathetic she isn't able to score anything for Behaviour.
She is only awarded FNC I reckon because of her Drug therapies.
Like you I though using her Care records might help and last time I quoted her weight losses and gains, her episodes of unconsciousness/ seizures, but they had no effect on the judgement.
I also think where you live and the pressures on the finances can impact enormously. I live in an area with a much higher percentage of people living into their 90s and 100s. The two neighbouring villages are both in the top 20 places to live to have a longer life and I know the PCT (or whatever it's current title is) really struggles to balance the books.
In fact I don't know anyone who has been awarded CHC and everyone I know in my age range has one relative dealing with dementia.