What is a dual use room or swing bed?
Dual use (or “swing”) beds are rooms that can support more than one level of care - typically rest home or hospital care - to be provided in the same room, which means the resident doesn't need to change rooms. This can be especially reassuring if you’re worried about the...
Statistics about ageing
Demystifying who lives in care According to statistics from interRAI New Zealand, 31, 600 kiwis currently live in aged residential care (2017/2018). That means that less than 5% of people over the age of 65 call a residential care facility home (according to data from Stats NZ 2019 ). People...
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...
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. Some will remain in paid work as they age, some will want to pass...
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...
What to weigh-up if considering a retirement village?
Before you get your heart set on any particular village or unit, take your time to look around and gather as much information as you can. Talk to friends who've already done their research or who have moved into a village themselves. Explore all your options, and make sure you...
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...
Financial Means Assessment form - Work and Income
In New Zealand, a financial means assessment is a process used to determine an individual's eligibility for a residential care subsidy , which helps cover the costs of long-term residential care services. This assessment evaluates the person's financial situation and determines their ability to contribute towards the cost of their...
What is equity release?
The concept of home equity release involves converting a portion of your home’s value into cash, while still allowing you to live there. Usually, this is in the form of a reverse mortgage. When you sell the home or die, the full loan plus interest has to be repaid. Currently,...
Compression garments - benefits and cost
A compression garment is a specialized type of clothing designed to provide gentle, consistent pressure to specific areas of the body. These garments are typically made from elastic materials and are worn snugly against the skin. They come in various styles, such as sleeves, stockings, socks, gloves, each catering to...
Standard rooms. Can the price differ from place to place?
If the care homes are in the same defined geographical region then the quick answer is 'no'. The maximum you have to pay for your contracted care, basic accommodation, meals, laundry etc. is known as the Maximum Contribution. These payment rates, which vary according to where you live (the regions...
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...
Are retirement villages and rest homes the same?
Drawing a distinction between accommodation and care is a way to begin to understand the differences between retirement villages, rest homes and other options. Once there were rest homes and then along came lifestyle and retirement villages. Rest homes were tasked with caring for the frail and chronically ill, and...
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. To start the process of moving, contact your local Needs Assessment Coordination Service (NASC) to let them know you want to transfer. They may do another...
What is acuity?
In simple terms, ‘acuity’ is a measure of how unwell a person is and how much care they need. In the world of healthcare, ‘acuity’ refers to the intensity and severity of a resident’s care needs – including illness, injuries, and other health issues. Acuity helps healthcare providers assess how...
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...
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....
What is a serviced apartment?
A serviced apartment is a common retirement village option which provides certain services to people who are paying privately for these services. Commonly these people are reasonably independent. Services range from meals and cleaning services to, in some cases, high-end services such as a personal chef and chauffeur. High levels...
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....
I’m shocked. The cost of residential care seems high. Is it?
We understand, the cost for living in a residential care home does seem high, however a bit of a reality check shows that it’s not at all. The following is a comparison with someone living in a hotel and buying in home support services three times a week. No other...
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