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Care Suites

Care suites offer an alternative to the ‘traditional’ room in a care home. With a care suite, you will ‘purchase’ your room. Eldernet offers New Zealand’s only selection of currently available care suites. Search by location and price to find a care suite that suits your needs and budget.

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What is a care suite?

A care suite is an accommodation option for older people requiring residential care. It is similar to a standard room or premium room, in that the care provided within the care suite is governed by the care home’s Aged Residential Care (ARRC) Services Agreement with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

However, the way that you pay for the accommodation aspect of a care suite is different. Instead of paying daily accommodation charges, you enter into an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) with the care home that gives you the right to live in the care suite. You pay an upfront capital amount (the ‘purchase’ price) which may be referred to as a Licence to Occupy. When you leave the care suite, you or your estate will receive payment for the sale of the care suite minus any agreed fees (such as the Deferred Management Fee) in your ORA. In New Zealand, you are required to get legal advice prior to signing an ORA.

A care suite allows you the independence and comfort of your own space, with the reassurance of daily care and support for your required level of care (rest home, hospital, or dementia level of care). Care suites come in various sizes, including studios and 1-bedroom apartments, and may suit a range of budgets. Most have a full ensuite bathroom, and many also offer a kitchenette and lounge area.

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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 suites, 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.

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