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Search Results for "healthcare nz"

Home & community
Am I eligible for free health services in New Zealand?

You may be able to access free or subsidised health and disability services if you meet the following criteria: a NZ citizen or permanent resident or an Australian citizen or permanent resident who’s lived, or intends to live, in NZ for at least 2 years or a work visa holder...

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Tips to improve your brain health

As we get older, we may start feeling like we’re not as mentally sharp as we were 10 – or even 5 – years ago. While this can be frustrating, it’s unfortunately a normal part of ageing. In fact, we all experience changes to brain functionality as early as our...

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My family want me to move rest homes - what should I do?

Families generally have the best of intentions when it comes to where you live – they want to be nearer to you so they can visit more regularly or be closer whenever you need help. However, what is best for your family may not be the best thing for you....

Financial & legal issues
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...

Residential care
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...

How the system works
What is ‘My Health Passport’?

‘My Health Passport’ is a booklet designed to help individuals manage their health information and improve communication between them and their healthcare providers. In New Zealand, ‘My Health Passport’ is a free service that is available to anyone who wants to use it. The primary purpose of ‘My Health Passport’...

Home & community
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...

Home & community
I don’t own a driver’s licence. How can I prove my identity?

The Kiwi Access Card (previously known as the 18+ card) is a Government recognised form of photographic ID that can be used as evidence of age and identity throughout New Zealand. If you don’t have a passport or a driver’s licence, it’s a good alternative if you need proof of...

Home & community
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...

Home & community
Can I go to the public hospital if I'm unwell?

You can go to a public hospital if you are seriously unwell, and it is an emergency. For all other times you need to be referred by a health professional, usually your doctor. If it’s an emergency phone 111 and ask for an ambulance. If you’re near the hospital and...

Residential care
What happens if my care home decides to close or downsize?

Closing or downsizing an aged residential care (ARC) facility can have serious implications for everyone involved. That's why facilities need to follow a set of guidelines to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible. Crucially, residents should continue to receive quality care as specified under the facility’s Age...

Health & wellbeing
Is it harder for older people to build muscle?

With the right exercise and nutrition, older people can still build and maintain muscle mass and strength. But why is it important to be strong as you age? Maintaining muscle mass and strength is important for a number of reasons, including: Reducing the risk of falling : As we age,...

Residential care
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...

How the system works
How do I make a complaint about a retirement village?

It is important for retirement village residents to know they have the right to make a complaint. Every retirement village operator in New Zealand is required to have a complaint policy that follows the Retirement Villages Code of Practice. This policy should be accessible to residents and potential residents in...

How the system works
Your rights when receiving a health or disability service.

When receiving a health or disability service you have the right: To be treated with respect. To be treated fairly without pressure or discrimination. To dignity and independence. To receive a quality service and to be treated with care and skill. To be given information that you can understand in...

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What can I do to protect myself from being scammed?

Common sense and a healthy dose of scepticism can keep you safe from those who want to rip you off. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Being fearful of others can lead older people to isolate in their homes. Fear of being scammed can...

Financial & legal issues
Reviewing our financial affairs. A few things to consider.

The financial world is evolving and as we age, we will come across situations we may not be ready for, such as how we access our money, where it’s held and how we can use it such as, the changes to banks and banking processes, cryptocurrency etc.. Some will remain...

Home & community
How can I supplement my respite subsidy allocation?

Many people find that taking regular breaks helps them sustain their caring role at home for much longer than they otherwise could. But making respite care work—especially if you've used up your allocated subsidy—can sometimes take a bit of creativity and planning. Here are some practical ways to supplement your...

Residential care
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...

Home & community
Where can I get some help with maintenance of my property?

Some Age Concerns have lists of trusted local home maintenance and tradespeople, so enquire there. Sometimes a recommendation from a friend is a perfect solution, especially for the smaller, less costly jobs. Websites such as New Zealand based Builderscrack and others that are overseas based, offer a matching service where...

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