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Residential Care

Eldernet provides older people and those supporting them comprehensive information about moving to aged residential care (including rest homes, private hospitals, dementia care, and respite). Eldernet lists all Residential Care facilities in New Zealand.

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What is a rest home?

A New Zealand rest home, also known as a care home or residential aged care facility, is a place where older adults can receive around-the-clock care and support in a comfortable and secure environment. There are four levels of care delivered in residential care facilities in New Zealand: Rest Home, Hospital, Rest Home Dementia, and Psychogeriatric Specialist Hospital Care. All care home facilities are certified by the Ministry of Health, which involves an audit process to identify providers that deliver high levels of care.

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What should I look for in a rest home?

Residential Care in New Zealand

A New Zealand rest home, also known as a care home or residential aged care facility, is a place where older people live and receive care and support in a comfortable and secure environment.

Rest homes provide a range of services, including assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as medical care and supervision. They also offer various social and recreational activities, such as outings, hobbies, and entertainment, to help residents stay active and engaged.

There is no such thing as ‘the best’ rest home, as what suits one person doesn’t suit another: for some, being near family, friends and familiar places is crucial, while for others it’s the size and type of room available that's most important. The most important element in an ideal rest home is the philosophy and delivery of care.

Rest homes vary considerably and there can be a wide range of rooms to choose from – such as standard rooms, premium options that offer additional services, and care apartments, which combines retirement village and residential care elements. Regardless of which room or residential care facility you choose, you will receive the same standard of care.

Make sure you visit a rest home more than once before you make a decision – you may want to try out a rest home first, either via a trial period or by booking short-stay respite care. When you are ready to consider a rest home, our checklist can help you navigate the process. Then start browsing care home and residential care vacancies.