10 steps to finding the best care home for you

1. Get an assessment - know what level of care you need

Your assessment will have indicated your eligibility for care. Make sure you know what level of care you need.  In New Zealand the interRAI assessment is used to determine your needs.

2. Find out what your options are

Discuss the options with your contact at your older person’s service/NASC and family/whānau.

3. Deal with any emergencies

For urgent decisions see current vacancies on www.eldernet.co.nz/vacancies (all providers are shown). Select 'View in table' (centre left) for a spreadsheet view.

4. Sort out who pays for what

You are responsible for paying for, or contributing towards, your care.

• If you think you might need a subsidy or loan, get the application forms from your assessment team.
• If you are considering a Care Suite (a Care Suite is a Retirement Village offering that provides care as well) you are required to obtain legal advice.
• If you are weighing up a higher cost premium accommodation option and a Care Suite, then working out some scenarios and price comparisons is a useful exercise.

5. Shortlist, prioritise & visit

Make a shortlist of preferred homes, prioritise it and visit those that provide your level of care. Use this CHECKLIST, to help with your decision making.

6. Read the fine print

Ask each home for a copy of their Admission Agreement. Go away and read it. Contact the homes to clarify any points or if you have questions.

7. Consider a trial

If you would like a trial stay at any of the homes or hospitals, arrange this. You must pay privately for a trial.

8. Make your decision

Decide on your preferred home. Let your contact person at your older person’s service/NASC know what home you’ve decided on.

9. Sign up

Arrange a meeting with the admissions person at your home of choice, complete any negotiations, sign the Admission Agreement, and make arrangements for payment.

10. Tidy up all the ends

Complete your Residential Care Subsidy or Loan application if appropriate and send to Work and Income