How to safely visit care homes in times of COVID outbreaks
All care homes have policies around such events which are guided by New Zealand health authorities. Social connection and physical contact with whānau are fundamental to the health and wellbeing of those in aged residential care (ARC). Care providers have policies in place that enable safe visiting, social activities and...
How do I find a dementia care home in New Zealand?
Use the Eldernet site where each level of care i.e., rest home, dementia, hospital and specialist hospital (psychogeriatric) care in Aotearoa New Zealand is shown. See: dementia level of care , select your region and find the facility that best meets your needs. If you urgently need to find a...
Compare hotel, home support & residential care costs
Is residential care (often called rest home care) expensive? Many seem to think so however once the fees are broken down and compared to other types of services and/or accommodation you may be surprised. We have compiled the following to allow you to consider your options: the cost of home...
What accommodation options are there in a care home?
Care homes offer a wide range of accommodation options, at varying price levels. Something that costs extra in one home (like an ensuite) may be included at no additional cost in another, so it's good to ask lots of questions and make comparisons. Years ago, most rest homes in New...
Can couples move into a New Zealand care home together?
Although it is more common for one person to be assessed as needing residential care, couples can and do move into a care home together. In fact, some care homes have rooms specifically suited to couples. On Eldernet , you can filter search results by ‘Rooms suitable for a couple’...
Care home or more home support? Considerations & scenarios.
These decisions can be complex so, after you've thought through what some acceptable options are for you, we advise that you obtain professional financial and legal advice. If you stay at home, are all the support services you require available? If you intend to pass on some inheritance, some of...
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...
Can a family member be paid to care for me at home?
In April 2023, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora announced a change to the way that family care is funded. The changes provide more choice and flexibility for those who need support services to remain in their homes and communities. Importantly, it also means that caregivers who provide support...
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. In certain situations, you may have to transfer if your care needs change and the home you currently reside in does not offer the level of care you require. Before you transfer, you...
Do I need a Care Plan to move into rest home?
No you don't need a Care Plan to move into a care home but one will be developed with you either before or on your arrival. A Care Plan details how care will be delivered to you when moving into a care home. It is created based on the results...
Do all care homes offer respite care?
Not all care homes offer respite or short stay care. A few dedicate a bed for this purpose and others offer it on an 'ad hoc' basis (which generally means when they have a vacancy that they can offer for a short stay). When looking for a care home use...
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...
What are the odds of ending up in a care home?
The statistical odds that you might need residential care (or go to a care home) are low. These odds do increase with age if combined with significant health and/or other needs, by which time it’s often a perfect solution. For example: the percentage of the population living in a care...
Welcome to my home - Health Quality & Safety Commission
Health Care Home - New Zealand
Where can I find Ministry of Health (MOH) care home audits?
Audit reports are available at: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/certified-providers/aged-care A full list of certified rest home (care home) providers in New Zealand can also be downloaded.
How to find a good care home
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...
Mixed feelings after a loved one goes 'into care'?
Giving up a caregiving role is difficult. You’ve probably invested a lot of physical and emotional energy in supporting your spouse/partner, relative or friend to remain at home for as long as possible. When the decision is made to go into a care home you may experience conflicting feelings –...
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...