The majority of older New Zealanders are happy living at home and just need a bit of extra support now and again. There are plenty of services designed to keep you living well in your own home, including home support assistance (such as home help and personal care) and respite or short term care. Staying connected with your community is particularly important for older people living at home – whether that’s knowing where to go when you’re feeling unwell, looking out for your neighbours, or volunteering. You’ll also find a range of driving and transport options available throughout New Zealand to help you maintain your independence, as well as information about housing options available in your region.
Respite / Short term care
Home & community
Can I book respite care without advanced notice?
Some care/rest homes in New Zealand may take a respite booking at short notice. They often indicate that they offer this service in their Eldernet listing. Whether or not they can take a short-term respite booking when you need it depends on: the availability of beds (the majority of homes...
Home & community
Do all care homes offer respite care?
Not all rest homes offer formal respite care. The availability of respite care is dependent on whether a rest home or other residential care facility (such as a hospital) has an available bed. It also may depend on whether a facility has enough trained staff on site to cater to...
Home & community
Do I need an assessment to access respite care?
In New Zealand, formal respite care is usually provided in a rest home or other residential care facility, although it may also be offered in the person’s home in some circumstances. An interRAI assessment is required to access respite care. This is organised by your NASC/older person’s service and is...
Home & community
How far in advance can I book respite care?
You may be able to arrange a booking in advance, although this will depend on the availability of respite care in your region. For those facilities with dedicated respite beds, bookings might be able to be made in advance; some residential care facilities will prefer you to book as far...
Home & community
I’m a carer – do I really need a break?
No matter how strong and capable a carer is, they need regular time out to recharge their physical and mental batteries. Just like someone with a demanding job is encouraged to take regular leave to ensure they are at the top of their game when they are on the job,...
Save and share your favourite Knowledge Lab articles with friends and family.
Join Eldernet
Home & community
Is there a subsidy for respite care in New Zealand?
There are currently two main subsidised packages to support carers in New Zealand. Each generally require some private ‘top up’ funding, which is a disincentive if you can’t afford it. The Carer Support Subsidy This payment is designed to allow full-time carers to take a break. A full-time carer is...
Home & community
What are the alternatives to respite care in a care home?
Those who have been assessed as eligible to receive respite care via an interRAI assessment can access respite care in a rest home or other residential care facility. This will generally need to be booked in advance – find a list of rest homes that offer respite care ( as...
Home & community
What is carer support?
The Carer Support Subsidy is a payment offered to carers to help reimburse some of the costs associated with caring. It is paid to the person who is being cared for and is intended to help pay for carer relief (other than those who live with you) to allow the...
Home & community
What is respite care or short stay care?
What is respite care or short term (short stay) care in New Zealand? Respite is a short-term or temporary care option that provides a break for carers, as no matter how strong and capable a carer is, they need regular time out to recharge their physical and mental batteries. Respite...
Home & community
What is respite care?
Respite care (or short stay) is a temporary care option that allows carers to take a break from their caregiving duties. In New Zealand, respite care is usually provided in a rest home or other residential care facility. It is accessed via an assessment approved by your NASC/older person’s service....
Home & community
Who pays for respite care?
There are two main types of subsidised packages to support carers in New Zealand. Each generally require some private ‘top up’ funding, which is a disincentive if you can’t afford it. The Carer Support subsidy The Carer Support Subsidy is a payment offered to carers to help reimburse some of...