At what age am I eligible for a Retirement Village?
The age that you need to be to enter a Retirement Village in New Zealand varies by village. Some villages may allow residents to enter at 55 while others commonly have a minimum entry age of between 65 and 75. Find out more on retirementvillages.co.nz - we have every village...
How are rest homes different to retirement villages?
Rest homes and retirement villages are terms that are often used incorrectly and interchangeably which causes confusion. Not only do they serve different purposes they are governed by different legislation and regulations. To many people, the word rest home includes ANY facility where older people live and where they can...
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...
What is a statutory supervisor?
All registered villages in New Zealand are required to have a Statutory Supervisor. Their role is to monitor the financial position of the village and the security of its residents. They are independent from the Village Manager and are regulated by the Financial Markets Authority. The Statutory Supervisor reports to...
Why is it important to eat regularly?
We expect that our diet and appetite will change as we age, and to a certain point eating less as you get older is normal. Mobility issues may cause older people to reduce the amount of physical activity they do, and their metabolism may slow down which results in less...
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...
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...
Thinking of retirement living? Here are the legal must-dos
‘Buying’ into a retirement village is not the same as purchasing a family home, for example. You need specialist legal advice, as there can be some legal ‘fishhooks’ to get your head around. The following questions are designed to assist in your decision-making process: Legal stuff Have you received and...
Thinking of retirement living? Read these key financial tips
Just like any property purchase, purchasing into a village is a big financial commitment. Ensure you know the financial ins and outs of each retirement village, as they can vary from village to village and region to region, so ensure you get specialist legal advice. Here are some things to...
Is a care suite different to a serviced apartment?
A care suite is a hybrid-type option that combines a village offering (therefore something that 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...
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...
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 such as a sense of loss but also 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...
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 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...