What is an assessment?
When people in the older persons’ health sector are talking about an assessment, they’re generally talking about the interRAI assessment , otherwise know as a needs assessment. (Other assessments include ACC, mental health, equipment and housing modification assessments.) The interRAI assessment is the standard assessment ‘tool’ (a computer-based programme) used...
Who do I contact to get an interRAI assessment?
An interRAI assessment is organised by your local Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) team, or Care Coordination Centre (CCC) in some regions. All NASC or CCC contacts in New Zealand can be found on Eldernet.
How do I make a complaint about aged residential care?
If you have concerns about how a rest home or other aged residential care facility is run, or are unhappy with the services you are receiving, you have the right to complain. The process to make a complaint is as follows: Discuss your concerns with the manager Talk to the...
How to make a complaint about a service you're getting
If you have concerns about how a health or disability service is run or the services you are getting, you can make a complaint. Complaints are an important way for a service to improve and you should never feel bad about making one. Different services have different processes you must...
What home help can I get? Who pays?
The type of home help you can get and who pays for it depends on whether you want or need subsidised services (in which case your eligibility is determined by an assessment) or whether you will self pay. Typically home support services include assistance with your personal and, possibly your...
Can I get home help if I live with other people?
This depends on a number of factors including why you need the services, whether other household members can help out and whether you have a Community Services card. Importantly, in April 2023, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora announced a change to the way that family care is funded....
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 :...
I'm not happy. Can I transfer to a different rest home?
Remember, a care home (rest home) is your home; just like any home you live in, you can choose to move if you wish. The first step is to contact your local Needs Assessment Coordination Service (NASC) to let them know you want to transfer. They may do another interRAI...
Can I transfer to a care home in a different region?
You can transfer to a rest home in another region of New Zealand if you choose to, or you may have to transfer if your care needs change. Before you transfer, you or someone from your current residential facility need to contact your local NASC team so that they can...
Who pays for dementia care in New Zealand?
If someone has been assessed as requiring dementia level care in New Zealand, they are responsible for paying, or contributing, towards the cost of that care. People with available funds will pay privately for this care; others will have the cost of care subsidised through government funding. For those who...
How far in advance can I book respite care?
Whether advance bookings are offered or not often depends on the availability of care home beds in your region. Where there are no or few dedicated respite care beds in a region bookings may only be able to be made when a vacancy becomes available. This makes long term planning...
What is a Care Plan?
A Care Plan will be developed after an interRAI assessment has been completed, usually by a health professional that works in a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) team. The plan will be discussed with you (and those closest to you, as long as you agree). If you are eligible for...
Am I paying too much for power?
A free online tool called ‘ Powerswitch ’ (provided by ConsumerNZ) allows people to compare electricity and gas prices offered by providers throughout New Zealand. This service was previously known as ‘What’s My Number.’ Finding out how much you can save takes less than two minutes and involves answering some...
How does an interRAI assessment work?
In New Zealand, an assessment tool called interRAI helps older people access the services they need and helps sector professionals find out more about the needs of all New Zealanders. You may be referred for an interRAI assessment or you can self-refer via older person’s services. The process begins with...
What are the alternatives to respite care in a care home?
Having respite or short stay care in a care home doesn't suit everyone. The following give you options that you can access either in the community or in your own home. Day or social programmes are a great way of allowing your carer to take a break, while also giving...
How can I gain entry to a rest home or hospital?
Entry to residential care is managed by a process known as Needs Assessment 1) To begin this process you either need to talk to your doctor about the issues that you are having or you can contact the agency responsible for managing assessments (known as NASC or sometimes Care Co-ordination)...
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...
How does a day programme work?
Day programmes offer older people an opportunity to connect with a like-minded community, socialise in a stimulating environment and participate in a range of meaningful activities. As well as giving older people a fun day out, day programmes also provide carers and family with time out to take a break....
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...
Can I review my premium accommodation charges.
If you cannot (or no longer wish to) pay the premium accommodation charges, you can review your premium tenancy 18 months after admission and every six months thereafter; the provider then has six months to move you to a standard room, giving three days’ notice, or cease charging premium room...
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