Do I need an assessment to access respite care?

While you may pay privately for respite care, an interRAI assessment is required if you wish to access subsidised respite care in New Zealand. This assessment is conducted by trained health professionals and is usually organised through your local NASC or older person’s service. 

The assessment identifies the level of care needed (it is important to remember this as it indicates where your care will be provided in the care home and the cost of that care e.g., hospital care is more expensive than rest home care) and helps determine what types of respite or support services are most appropriate. It also ensures that the person receiving care gets support that is tailored to their individual needs.

If you choose to pay privately for respite care, an assessment is not required. In that case, you can contact care homes or home support providers directly to make arrangements. Be sure to request a written agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the care provided.

Note: Broadly speaking 'respite' means ‘having a break’. In this caregiving context it is important to understand there are different ways of ‘having a break’ such as the more traditional and subsidised Respite Care programme though to that provided in your own home by a home support agency, day programmes, etc. Different costs apply and funding may be available for each type for those who qualify.