We're here to help you decide with confidence

Here you’ll find plain language, New Zealand specific guidance on Aged Care and Retirement Living.

2000+

loved ones

cared for

1200+

team members

nationwide

10+ yrs

caring for New Zealanders

GETTING STARTED

Navigating the changes of moving into aged care.

We know it can feel daunting to know where to begin. These topics cover the questions almost every family asks first.

Step 1

Talk with your GP

Chat with your doctor; they are the best people to talk to about the journey ahead. They are a neutral person who knows you and your health.

Step 2

Complete a Needs Assessment

Your doctor provides a referral and a trained assessor will visit you in your home and help determine the care level required.

Step 3

Talk to WINZ

If you are assessed as requiring care, booking a time with WINZ is recommended. This can be time-consuming and complex, so it’s good to start as soon as possible.

Step 4

Choosing a home

Visit a few facilities to compare, ask about personalised care, how they communicate with family, and the costs associated with what’s on offer to find the best fit.

LEVELS OF CARE

Making sure you’re getting the help you need

There are a number of care levels that we can offer to our residents to make sure they are looked after in accordance with their medical, physical and psychological needs.

Costs and Funding

Costs depend on each resident’s situation

Health NZ sets the amount charged for care at all levels, and the only part that differs from one operator to another is the Accommodation Premiums.

Fully Funded

Health NZ covers all costs if a resident qualifies for the Residential Care Subsidy.

Private Pay

All costs associated with care are privately funded by the resident/family.

Combination

Partial government funding with capped private contributions.

Work & Income New Zealand (WINZ) assesses eligibility and offers financial support options, like subsidies or loans. The application process can feel daunting and delves into every aspect of your finances, including Trusts. The catch here is to complete it as soon as possible. Find out more information on their website.

Fully Funded – also known as Fully Subsidised

WINZ (Work & Income New Zealand) assess your wealth and agrees that Health NZ will pay for your care. The superannuation you receive each fortnight is used as part of that calculation. It uses your super to help cover the costs you paid for when you lived at home (like food, power, doctors, medication, etc). WINZ allows for a small amount (less than 10%) that you can keep for personal costs such as small gifts or haircuts.

Private Payers

Straight forward, you pay for all of the care, usually one month in advance.

Combination of Both

This is where it gets a little more complicated. Again, WINZ are the decision-makers here. Based on your financial ability to pay, they work out how much Health NZ will pay, and you are expected to cover the rest. Another little quirk to remember here is that you will not have to pay more than the Rest Home level of care. If you need Dementia or Hospital level of care, Health NZ covers the difference between Rest Home and the higher level of care. This outlines why you must have a Needs Assessment done before you are able to move into Aged Care.

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from our people

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from the people who live here.

Aged care chose me, and I’m so glad it did. The support I’ve had from Alden to grow my clinical skills has been incredible. I went from caregiver to registered nurse with their support.

Sione P.

Auckland

What keeps me here is the residents. Every single day I go home knowing I made a difference. The team at my facility feel like whānau.

Aroha M.

Tauranga

I moved from a hospital setting thinking it would be a step back. It was the opposite — aged care is complex, rewarding, and my leadership skills have grown enormously.

Lisa T.

Wellington