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...
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 :...
Considering downsizing?
Consider the following: lots of your friends are downsizing and your children think it would be a good thing to do, but you're undecided. What are your options and what do you need to consider? Downsizing usually means moving house, and regardless of age is a challenging time. There 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). Important: Those who pay for premium accommodation do not get...
My friend is withdrawn and depressed. What can I do?
If someone has talked to you and you or they are concerned about their emotional or mental wellbeing, take the situation seriously and advise the person to seek professional assistance. Offer to take them or accompany them to their first appointment. Most older people will talk to a doctor about...
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...
Can't find a standard rest home room? The 10km rule helps
If your first choice of care home only has a room available that attracts extra fees (i.e. premium accommodation fees) and if you don’t want to or cannot pay an extra fee, the following 10 kilometre (10km) rule applies: If there is a vacancy for a standard room at another...
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...
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...
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...
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...
What's the best way to use this website?
Eldernet Life is about change and whatever your next step, Eldernet is here to help you make decisions that are right for you. Residential Care Search New Zealand’s most comprehensive directory of rest homes and specialist residential care – including up-to-date vacancies. While you’re there, why not order yourself a...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
What is respite? Carer Gateway. Carer Gateway is not a service in NZ

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