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: Plans for your future care needs.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES: (As relating to residential care). These are services that are over and above the services required under the ARRC agreement. If you want them, you have to pay for them.
ARRC: Age-Related Residential Care. Term often used in relation to Te Whatu Ora/public health system agreement with care home providers.
ASSET THRESHOLD: As relating to the Residential Care Subsidy. This is the dollar amount (of assets) you can keep that you are not required to contribute to your care.
CARE SUITES/CARE APARTMENTS: A MOH-certified room in a care home or village that is ‘purchased’ under an ORA, and that meets the requirements for care to be delivered to those who have been assessed as requiring it.
CARE HOME: A general name for aged residential care facilities.
CARER/CARE PARTNER: Someone who cares for you in an informal sense. Usually an unpaid family/whānau member.
CAREGIVER: A formal often paid role. Usually provides personal care.
CCC: Care Coordination Centre. A team managing referrals assessments and services. May be know as NASC in other regions.
CONTACT PERSON: This refers to your contact person at your local older person’s service.
DMF: Deferred Management Fee (as relating to registered retirement villages). This is the percentage deducted from your purchase price, received on the sale of your unit or apartment. The figure is defined in your contract.
DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE: Assistance with household tasks.
DUAL USE/SWING BEDS/FLEXI BEDS: Rooms in a care home where several levels of care can be provided, such as rest home or hospital level care.
EPA: Enduring Powers of Attorney. Also referred to as EPOA.
GP: General practitioner or doctor.
HEALTHCARE SERVICE: A community-based facility where different health professionals and other relevant services are located. Will usually include doctors/GPs, nurses, administrators and pharmacy, for example.
HEALTH NEW ZEALAND | TE WHATU ORA: Provides and coordinates health services in your region.
interRAI: A computer-based assessment and care planning programme.
LEVELS OF CARE: Relates to the type of residential care you need.
MC: Maximum Contribution. Those in contracted residential care, who have been needs assessed and are eligible for care, are required to pay no more than the MC. The rates are gazetted.
MOH: Ministry of Health | Manatū Hauora. MOH works to promote and improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders. It regulates and monitors our health system, and advises the Government on health policy.
MSD: Ministry of Social Development. MSD provides a range of support, including additional financial assistance to those who meet the criteria for eligibility.
NASC: Needs Assessment Service Coordination.
NEEDS ASSESSOR: An interRAI trained health professional may include: clinical needs assessors, community based registered health providers (often based in a home support service), and registered nurses in care homes.
NZ SUPER: New Zealand Superannuation.
ORA: Occupation Right Agreement.
PERSONAL CARE: Assistance with personal hygiene and the care of your body.
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION CHARGES: (As relating to residential care). Premium accommodation is that which includes features that are over and above those found in a standard room and not required under the ARRC Agreement.
RCS: Residential Care Subsidy. A subsidy available to assist with payment for residential care for those who meet specific eligibility criteria.
REFUNDABLE ACCOMMODATION DEPOSIT (RAD): This new payment option is offered by some residential care homes as an alternative to premium charges. It is currently one upfront payment that is fully refunded after the room is vacated.
RESIDENTIAL CARE: A ‘live in’ service for those requiring high levels of care, i.e. a care home. It is currently provided in one of four settings which are related to levels of care: rest home, dementia, hospital (continuing care i.e. age-related, not public hospital) and psychogeriatric (dementia hospital).
RESPITE CARE: A short-term care option providing a break for carers. Usually provided in a care home or other residential care facility.
RV: Retirement village.
SERVICE COORDINATOR: A person who arranges and coordinates services, usually following a needs assessment.
STANDARD ROOMS: (As relating to residential care). These rooms meet all the ARRC agreement requirements. They do not attract premium charges.
SUPPORT WORKER: A formal role. May provide personal or practical support.
TOP UP: An additional fee to cover the full cost of the service.
WORK AND INCOME: A division of the Ministry of Social Development.
Find: Nationwide services & contact details
Updated: 25 Mar 2024