What is a healthy lifestyle?
The following are commonly identified as important elements of a healthy lifestyle. Exercising, Getting enough sleep, Staying connected with other people, Keeping your brain active, Eating a healthy diet, Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol, Managing your health conditions and regularly reviewing your medication with your doctor. Living a healthy lifestyle...
Does the 2023 change of government affect the health system?
There have been a number of significant health system changes in New Zealand Aotearoa since 2022 (e.g., the establishment of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and related agencies by the then Labour Government). The General Election of late 2023 saw a National, ACT and New Zealand Coalition Government...
What is an EPA? What you need to know.
Enduring Powers of Attorney (known as an EPA or EPOA) are legal documents that allow you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so yourself. Some people set an EPA up when they buy their first home or start...
What is the asset limit for the rest home subsidy 2025-2026?
If you are single the limit is $291,825. If you are a couple and you both need care the limit is $291,825. If you are a couple, and one of you needs care there are two threshold options: Combined assets of $159,810, not including the value of your home and...
Keeping safe at home
We should all feel safe and secure in our homes, whether we own, rent, or live in a retirement village. Here, we share some valuable home safety tips for people of all ages as well as some useful tools for older people looking for extra security measures to assist when...
Thinking of retirement living? Here are the legal must-dos
Buying into a retirement village is quite different from purchasing a home in the traditional sense. There can be some legal 'fishhooks' to get your head around, the terminology is specialised, and there are important rights and responsibilities that you'll want to fully understand. That's why getting proper legal advice...
Thinking of retirement living? Read these key financial tips
Just like any property purchase, moving into a retirement village is a big financial commitment. Every village operates a little differently, and fees or conditions can vary from village to village and region to region. Getting specialist legal advice is one of the best ways to make sure you understand...
Is a care suite different to a serviced apartment?
A care suite is a hybrid-type option that combines a village offering (meaning it requires an upfront ‘purchase’ price) and support at a higher level of care as certified by Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health and governed by the Age Related Residential Care (ARRC) Agreement. They may also be referred...
Need information about moving into a rest home?
You will find all the information you need here on the Eldernet site including, the process for accessing this service and a listing for every rest home or care home in the country. Eldernet Residential Care gives older people and those supporting them free, unbiased, and comprehensive information about moving...
How much are rates rebates in New Zealand?
For older people, particularly those on low or set incomes, rates increases can be stressful. A rates rebate gives some relief. The threshold was increased for the 2025/2026 year: Maximum rebate $805. Income threshold $32,210. If you think you are eligible, contact your local council after you get your rates...
What is going to keep you functioning as well as possible?
A car that runs well, is looked after. So too with us; how we function depends on the maintenance of the vehicle that carries us along. While our genetic makeup and our past lifestyle plays a part, there is a lot that can be done to not only maintain our...
What's the best way to use this website?
Eldernet Life is about change and whatever your next step, Eldernet is here to help you make decisions that are right for you. Residential Care Search New Zealand’s most comprehensive directory of rest homes and specialist residential care – including up-to-date vacancies. While you’re there, why not order yourself a...
What should I expect when moving into a care home?
For many people, moving to a rest home or care home brings up a range of emotions, from a sense of loss to anticipation. Moving involves quite a lot of planning and can feel daunting. Often, people worry about downsizing their possessions, losing the things that they take pleasure in...
What is a Green Prescription?
A Green Prescription Rōngoa Kākāriki is a programme in New Zealand that aims to support people to become more physically active and make positive changes to their lifestyle. The programme involves a healthcare professional or a trained health coach giving the patient a "prescription" for physical activity and lifestyle changes....
Who is NZ's Retirement Commissioner and what is their role?
The Retirement Commissioner in New Zealand is a government-appointed position as part of Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission. The role is responsible for advocating for the interests of older people in relation to retirement income policies (such as New Zealand’s NZ Super pension scheme), services and products. The current...
I feel isolated and lonely – how can I build relationships?
It’s sad how often older people say they don’t want to be a burden or that they feel lonely or isolated. Often the person thinks there is little they can do about this. They may have built defensive walls around themselves or retreated from social settings so as not to...
Are rest homes free for the elderly?
No, rest homes and residential care facilities are not free for older people. Paying for, or contributing towards, rest home care and other residential care services is your responsibility, much like any other living arrangement. Eldernet lists providers who meet certain requirements and have a Maximum Contribution (MC) limit. This...
Dementia Mate Wareware: Is the outlook brighter?
In the past, a dementia diagnosis has been seen as a fast track into a care home; today, there are new research studies and innovations to support those living with dementia, and hopefully bring us a few steps closer to a cure. Research into dementia has come a long way....
Key terms and concepts in the older persons’ health sector
10KM RULE: This rule deals with the situation where an intending resident’s first choice of care home only has a room available that attracts extra fees and the person doesn’t want to, or cannot afford to, pay those fees. ACC: Accident Compensation Corporation. ADVANCED CARE PLAN & ADVANCED DIRECTIVES :...
What is a Disclosure Statement?
A Disclosure Statement is one of the documents you will receive if you intend to ‘purchase’ into a village (alongside an Occupation Right Agreement ). A Disclosure Statement is an important document to read and understand, as it explains the key information about moving to a village, including the type...