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...
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 such as, the changes to banks and banking processes, cryptocurrency etc.. Some will remain...
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...
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...
How does the New Zealand health system work?
In recent years, significant changes were made to the way health services are delivered throughout New Zealand. Previously 20 regional District Health Boards (DHBs) provide or organise health services across the country. As of mid-2022: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora manages all health services, including hospital and specialist...
How do I make a complaint about a serious incident?
All consumers receiving a health and/or disability service in New Zealand are protected by The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. You can read a summary of the code here. If you have concerns about how a rest home, hospital or health or disability service is run or...
Can't find a standard rest home room? The 10km rule helps
If your preferred care home only has a premium room available that attracts extra fees and you can’t or don’t want to pay these the following applies: if a standard room is vacant at another home within a 10 km radius you may have to go there; if you are...
What is the Maximum Contribution?
Everyone in a certified and contracted care home is required to pay for their accommodation and services. If you have little to no assets the government uses your NZ Super to pay for your care. If you have assets and/or income over the required thresholds, you are required to contribute/pay...
What is a premium room?
A premium room (or a room that has premium accommodation charges) is a room that has features that are NOT required under the Age Related Residential Care Agreement (ARRC) (i.e., they are over and above the standard features and services). Those who pay for premium accommodation do not get a...
What does it mean to have dignity at end of life?
End of life care is an important service in New Zealand. Reaching out early on for help allows care specialists to better understand your needs and respond suitably. When we or someone close to us is dying, we want to know this can be done peacefully, comfortably and with dignity....
What does a hospice do?
In New Zealand hospice staff and their associated palliative care and volunteer teams are skilled at helping you manage your end of life care. Hospice often provide inpatient services for respite, symptom and pain management, or support if their care cannot be provided elsewhere. At the end of life, some...
How are rest homes different to retirement villages?
Care homes (also known as rest homes or residential care facilities) and retirement villages are often talked about as if they're the same thing, but they're not. They serve different purposes and are governed by different legislation and regulations. Care home / residential care Many people use the term rest...
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...
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...
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....
How do I choose the right village for me?
More than 53,000 people live in retirement villages throughout New Zealand, and research suggests that most residents report a high level of satisfaction. Of course, it all comes down to choosing a village that is right for you. Make sure you visit a village more than once before you make...
How to make a complaint about a service you're getting
If you have concerns about how a health or disability service is run or the services you are getting, you can make a complaint. Complaints are an important way for a service to improve and you should never feel bad about making one. Different services have different processes you must...
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