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...
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...
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...
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)...
How much does home help for those with high needs cost?
The thing to remember about these services that they are usually required every day, and the type of care that’s needed, more complex. Naturally these factors increase the cost as can be seen in the table below. High level services generally include a mix of formal home help and personal...
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 :...
How can I stay safe and healthy over summer?
When the long, sunny days of summer roll in, it’s important to stay mindful of your health. While the season is filled with opportunities for enjoying the warm weather, it’s worth being aware that the heat can present certain risks, particularly for older adults. Read on to discover some practical...
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...
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,...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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