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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.

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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Need information about moving into a rest home?

You will find all the information you need here on the Eldernet site including, the process for accessing this service and a listing for every rest home or care home in the country. Eldernet Residential Care gives older people and those supporting them free, unbiased, and comprehensive information about moving...

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Standard rooms. Can the price differ from place to place?

If the care homes are in the same defined geographical region then the quick answer is 'no'. The maximum you have to pay for your contracted care, basic accommodation, meals, laundry etc. is known as the Maximum Contribution. These payment rates, which vary according to where you live (the regions...

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How do I find a dementia care home in New Zealand?

Use the Eldernet site where each level of care i.e., rest home, dementia, hospital and specialist hospital (psychogeriatric) care in Aotearoa New Zealand is shown. See: dementia level of care Select your region and find the facility that best meets your needs. If you urgently need to find a dementia...

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What is Hospital Care in New Zealand?

Hospital care (Aged Residential Care) is provided for those who have a significant disability and medical concerns. Most require the assistance of two people to move about. This type of hospital care is different to services provided at New Zealand's public hospitals. Find hospital level of care for older people...

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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.