What is a RAD?
RAD is short for Refundable Accommodation Deposit , and it is an alternative payment option offered by some care facilities in New Zealand. Instead of paying ongoing premium accommodation charges, you can choose to make a single up-front lump-sum payment. The key point is that this amount is fully refunded...
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 pros and cons of living in a village?
Approximately 14% of the people aged 75 and older choose to live in a village – and that number is set to increase as our population continues to age. It is estimated that 26,000 retirement village units will need to be built by 2033 just to keep up with current...
What are some alternatives to retirement village living?
‘Buying’ into a retirement village can be a great option for those who are wanting to maintain their independence while living among a like-minded community. Yet it’s not the only choice – there are myriad other living options to suit all lifestyles. Staying where you are There is benefit in...
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...
Find information about getting older
We pride ourselves on being the most trusted online resource for older people and those supporting them to find the information they need to navigate the ageing journey. Yet, we also understand that not everyone wants to, or is able to, access the internet. This is why The Eldernet Group...
Find information about moving into a retirement village
Considering making a move to a retirement village? Our resource retirementvillages.co.nz is New Zealand’s most comprehensive guide to retirement villages, and showcases every retirement village in Aotearoa. It hosts the country’s largest selection of properties for sale, with more than 500 properties currently listed. Search available properties across every region...
Are there rental options for older people in New Zealand?
Home ownership in New Zealand has been declining for the past 30 years, a fact that has been exacerbated more recently by rising inflation and the increased cost of living. As a result, an increasing number of older people rent. While there are a variety of rental options that may...
What is the Winter Energy Payment?
The Winter Energy Payment is an extra payment provided to those eligible to help with the cost of home heating during the cooler months of the year. It is a non-taxable amount paid from May – October. To find current Winter Energy Payment rates, visit the Work and Income website....
Should I get a bowel screening?
Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in New Zealand and the fourth most common cause of cancer death. It is estimated that around 3,000 new cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed each year in New Zealand, and more than 1,200 people die from the disease. The risk of...
Is a villa in a retirement village the right option for me?
There is a range of different accommodation options to choose from in retirement villages across New Zealand. A popular choice for many people is a villa. A villa is a good option for people wanting to maximise space. Villas are commonly free standing and offer a modern open plan kitchen,...
What is a 'good death'?
As we age, the topic of death becomes more prevalent in our lives. We witness our friends and family members pass away, and we become more aware of our own mortality. While it may be a difficult topic to discuss, it's important to understand what it means to have a...
Is ageism a problem in New Zealand?
According to the Global report on ageism , half of the world’s population are ageist and immediate action needs to be taken. The report found that ageism is prevalent in most aspects of society, including in the provision of health and social care, in the workplace, media and the legal...
Find advocacy services for older people in New Zealand
In New Zealand, there are a number of services and organisations that are there to support and advocate on behalf of older people. Some of these include: Age Concern : Age Concern is a nationwide organisation that provides advocacy services for older people. They offer support, information, and advocacy to...
What do I need to do to prepare for a respite short stay?
This response assumes you are either privately paying for this service or have been assessed and are eligible for a subsidy. You are readying for a respite short stay in a care home. 1. The first thing to do, is to determine how you will pay for the service. If...
I need extra support at home. What options are available?
It's normal to worry when you find you are struggling with day-to-day tasks. It can feel like you've lost a sense of control over your life. Yet, worry can be a motivating force too. Many people find that being clearer about what might be going on for them, such as...
Tips for visiting loved ones in dementia care
Visiting can be a stressful time especially if you do not understand the condition so it is useful to find out more before visiting. Dementia NZ and Alzheimers New Zealand are the main support organisations in New Zealand. Useful resources can be found at both. A supportive dementia care facility...
What’s Making Life Easier at Home all about?
Genetics and life’s experiences have landed us where we are today. Some things we’ve been able to work on and change, but others have remained resistant, despite the very best of intentions. So, where we are now, is working with the toolbox life has given us. Those who have the...
Current information about residential care vacancies.
For daily nationwide bed availability see: www.eldernet.co.nz/vacancies To view in a table, select a DHB region first then select ‘View in table’ on right side of the screen. The report can be filtered by: Provider, Vacant beds, Short stay, Impending vacancy, Dedicated Premium room charges, Dedicated Dual use beds, Care...
Are some home support services free?
Some home support services may be free to the client. There may be a part charge or you may have to pay for your services yourself. It depends on your situation. Funding agencies such as the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, the government...