Rest homes and private hospitals

Although most people remain in their own homes during retirement, a small number require residential care.

In 2006, 3% of men and 7% of women aged 65 and over lived in residential care. For those aged 80 years and over, 19% of women and 10% of men were in residential care. (2006 Census - Statistics New Zealand).

If you are thinking about residential care, you should begin by having a 'needs assessment' - this applies even if you are in a public hospital.

Your doctor will be able to tell you the needs assessors in your area, or phone your local DHB and ask to speak to a Needs Assessment Service coordinator.

A needs assessor can visit you at home or in hospital to talk with you about tasks you find difficult, family/whanau or social support available to you and the kinds of services that would help you stay at home. It is often helpful to have another family/whanau member with you at this meeting. If the needs assessment process identifies long term care as the best choice for you, the assessor will recommend a level of care appropriate for your situation.

If you wish to apply for the Residential Care Subsidy you must have a needs assessment.  If your needs assessment shows you need long-term residential care your needs assessor will give you the Residential Care Subsidy application forms to complete. Once filled in the forms need to be sent to Work and Income for a financial means assessment to see if you qualify for the subsidy.

If you qualify, the subsidy and most of your NZ Super will be used to pay for your care, leaving you a small amount of personal money to spend.

If you have a partner who requires care, you can continue to live in your home for as long as you are able. Your home, car, chattels and prepaid funeral of up to $10,000 count as an exempt asset.

For more information, contact Work and Income, or download their residential care subsidy brochure. You can also call 0800 999 727 and request a copy.

Now, read about the Residential Care Subsidy, home ownership, your options for renting, what retirement villages offer and the Retirement Villages Act.