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 premium accommodation or a premium bed?
Premium accommodation is that which provides amenities over and above the ARRC agreement requirements. It attracts additional daily costs of $5 to $100 plus. These services may include fixed features (such as an ensuite, tea/coffee making area or a view for example) and/or features associated with the room (such as...
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...
Understanding the Deferred Management Fee
The following example shows how the Deferred Management Fee (DMF) is worked out in New Zealand, and how it affects the final payment to you or your estate when you leave a retirement village. Example – Mr C Mr C chose a unit in a village close to his old...
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 is a care suite?
A care suite (sometimes also known as a care apartment) is generally a retirement village offering with care components governed by the Age-Related Residential Care (ARRC) Agreement. It offers the same type of care as a care home and is bound by the same rules. As this is a type...
What are the costs of entering a village?
Depending on where you want to live in New Zealand, the cost of ‘buying’ into a retirement village can vary greatly – some units can be priced in the $100,000s while others can reach into the millions. This ‘purchase’ price is known as the Capital Contribution. You can search for...
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...
Mythbusting - Retirement Villages are expensive
Are Retirement Villages expensive? In short, the answer is ‘not always.’ There can be some very affordable homes within Retirement Villages, however, not all are priced at the affordable end of the market either. Just like real estate on the open market, Retirement Villages offer a range of options –...
Mythbusting - Will I get access to care on site?
If I live in a retirement village will I get access to the care home on-site? The truth is that if you need a high level of support and can no longer stay in your village unit, you are likely to be able to access care in the onsite care...
I want to continue working past 65. What are my options?
Working past 65 is fast becoming the norm in New Zealand; in fact, almost half of people aged between 65 – 69 are still in paid employment in New Zealand. People will have their own reasons for wanting to work into their later years; for some it’s about contributing their...
How much do I need to retire in New Zealand?
Everyone’s circumstances are different and there is no one size fits all rule when it comes to financing a retirement. Some may want to spend every dollar they have while others will want to keep some left in the kitty for an inheritance or bequest. Of course, people will have...
I’m thinking of volunteering. What are the benefits?
Not only does volunteering have a positive impact on the economy, but also the community and the volunteers themselves. The most common reasons people give for doing voluntary work are: being helpful to others, “paying back” to society, and having a sense of obligation to the future generations. It is...
Do residents need to move from the village to receive care?
While it is true that some retirement village residents may need to receive care in another facility, it is by no means the most likely scenario. In reality, only 12.8% of Kiwis living in villages end up being moved to a different facility to receive care. And more than half...
Am I paying too much for power?
A free online tool called ‘ Powerswitch ’ (provided by ConsumerNZ) allows people to compare electricity and gas prices offered by providers throughout New Zealand. This service was previously known as ‘What’s My Number.’ Finding out how much you can save takes less than two minutes and involves answering some...
I’ve just turned 75 – how do I renew my NZ driver’s licence?
When you turn 75, your licence will be valid for only two to five years, and you will need to present a medical certificate each time you apply. If recommended by your doctor, you will also have to sit a 30-minute On-road Safety Test. As you will need to renew...
Do I need a medical certificate to renew a driver’s licence?
To renew your licence past your 75th birthday you will need to visit your doctor to get a 'Medical certificate for driver licence'. Tell your doctor the certificate is for your driver licence. You will have to pay for the appointment yourself. During your appointment your doctor will discuss your...
What is the Total Mobility Scheme?
The Total Mobility Scheme assists people with eligible mobility issues around New Zealand to get access to subsidised door-to-door transport. It's aimed at people with temporary or long-term disabilities who cannot use public transport, and therefore need an alternative mode of transport to live their lives normally and stay connected...
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...
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