Aged Residential Care
Even if you are not ready to move into residential care now, it is good to start thinking about: where you might go and putting your name on a waiting list at one or more facilities. While retirement and lifestyle villages offer independent living, aged residential care refers to live-in facilities offering different levels of lifestyle support and medical care.
Levels of care in New Zealand
Some residential care facilities include all levels of care in the same location and others only offer one or two options which means that you would need to move to a different facility if your care needs changed.
- Resthomes – when you still have some independence
- Dementia Care – specialised care for people with dementia
- Hospital Care – more registered nurses available
- Respite Care – short-term care to give full-time carers a break
You can use the Eldernet website to find local residential care providers, check on the levels of care they offer and see what their current vacancies are. From there, call or email individual providers to arrange a site visit, ask questions, check on wait times or put your name on a waitlist.
How to arrange for admission
The first step is to apply for a Level of Care Needs Assessment through your GP or Hospice social worker. This can take around 2 weeks.
Get your ducks in a row video series
Tanya Newman, Social Worker at North Haven Hospice in Whangārei, spoke at Dying Matters Week 2024, about better preparing for aging and end of life. Watch Tanya’s presentation in four easy to watch 10 minute videos.
What practical steps can you take now, to make the end of life easier? Now is always a good time to understand what is (and isn’t) available, so you can plan appropriately.
How to pay for residential care in New Zealand
Residential Care Subsidy
This is means-tested and only covers the cost of a standard room. Many facilities offer a limited number of or no standard room so the additional cost of a premium room would need to be covered separately. The subsidy is paid directly to your residential care provider. Find out more about the residential care subsidy
Self Funded
You can fund your own aged residential care or fund the difference between a standard and premium room.
Residential Care Loan
This is an interest-free loan funded against the value of your home and is paid directly to the rest home. It’s usually repaid when you pass away or your home’s sold. This could be a good option if one of you is still living in the family home and the other needs to go into care. Find out more…
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