Respite Care in New Zealand
Respite care is short-term care that gives a carer a break, while making sure the person they care for is still supported and safe.
It can be planned in advance or arranged in an emergency, and it might last for a few hours, a few days, or longer, depending on what’s needed. Caring for someone can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Respite care is important because it can also provide social interaction and stimulation for your loved on, gives carers time to rest and recharge, helps prevent burnout and supports your ability to continue caring long-term.
Types of funded care available
Depending on the assessment, respite may be provided as:
In-home respite
- A support worker comes to your home
- You take a break while care continues
- Can be for a few hours or overnight
Residential respite
- Short stay in an aged care facility, disability residence, or hospice
- Often used when carers need a longer break or are unwell
Carer Support Subsidy
- Gives you flexibility
- You choose who provides the care (including family or friends)
- You’re reimbursed up to a daily rate (varies by region and need)
Get started with a needs assessment
Most publicly funded respite care in New Zealand starts with a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) assessment. A NASC assessor talks with both the carer and the person being cared for.
They look at: Health needs; Safety; Cultural and whānau considerations; How caring is affecting you. When talking to assessors, be honest about how things really are including what happens on bad days. This helps ensure the right level of support is put in place.
How to arrange a needs assessment:
Ask your GP, hospital team, or community nurse for a NASC referral or contact your local NASC service directly. Once assessed, respite care can be approved and funded if you’re eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Respite care can happen in different settings, including:
In the home – a support worker comes in so you can rest, run errands, or take time for yourself
Residential or hospice care – your loved one stays somewhere else for a short period
Day programmes or community centres – providing care, activities, and social connection
Family or friends – trusted people stepping in temporarily
Find Respite Care on the Eldernet website...
Publicly funded respite care is usually free or subsidised. Some services may have a small contribution. Private respite care is also an option if you want more flexibility or faster access
Your NASC assessor will explain: What’s funded; How many days or hours you’re entitled to; Any costs involved.
Respite care is available for people caring for someone who is: Older or frail; Living with a disability; Managing a serious illness or palliative care needs.
You don’t need to wait until you’re exhausted. It’s appropriate to ask if:
– You’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out
– Your own health is being affected
– You need time to attend appointments, rest, or manage other responsibilities
– Care needs have increased
Yes. Hospices in NZ often provide respite and short-term inpatient care. Referrals can be made through: GP, District nurse or Hospital team. Hospice support is free of charge.
Social & day programmes
Day programmes offer older people an opportunity to connect with a like-minded community, socialise in a stimulating environment and participate in a range of meaningful activities. As well as giving older people a fun day out, day programmes also provide carers and family with time out to take a break.
There are a number of day programmes throughout New Zealand that are contracted to provide the service; a contracted day programme receives funding from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, which means attendance is subsidised. There are day programmes throughout the country that cater to specific needs, such as dementia support, and cultural and ethnic needs (such as kaumātua services). For non-contracted social and recreational day programmes, a small cost may apply.
