Aged residential care in New Zealand: Levels of care explained

Rest home care

Rest home care is for older adults who can no longer manage independently in their own home but do not require hospital-level care. Trained caregivers and registered nurses provide assistance with daily living tasks, including personal hygiene, medication management, meals, and social engagement. Rest home care offers a supportive environment that promotes well-being while helping residents maintain a level of independence. It is the lowest level of care available within a residential aged care setting and is typically suited for those who require daily assistance but still have some mobility. Depending on asset and income thresholds, some residents may qualify for a rest home subsidy to help cover costs.

Dementia care

Dementia care provides specialised support for people living with dementia. In New Zealand, care facilities offer different levels of dementia care, with some having dedicated dementia units staffed by specially trained caregivers and nurses. Facilities providing secure dementia care are designed for residents who experience significant memory loss, confusion, or wandering. However, not all people with dementia require this level of care. Some may initially live in a rest home setting with appropriate support. Choosing the right care option depends on the individual’s needs, and a dementia care provider should work closely with the resident’s family to develop a personalised care plan that aligns with their specific situation.

Respite care

Respite care is short-term care for people who typically live at home with in-home support but require temporary assistance. It is also available for those whose usual carer is away or in need of a break. Additionally, respite care may be sought following an operation, illness, or accident.

Respite care is typically provided in a rest home, specialist hospital, or dementia unit, with different levels of care available to meet varying needs. The length of stay can range from a single day to more than a month, and funding is determined through a Needs Assessment.

Day care

Day care in a rest home provides a structured and supportive environment for older adults during the day while allowing them to continue living at home. It offers social interaction, planned activities, and supervision, catering to individuals with different needs and preferences. The services and programs available vary by facility, so it’s best to contact providers directly for specific details.

Psychogeriatric care

Psychogeriatric care caters to residents with high dependency needs and challenging or disruptive behaviours. These behaviours can stem from dementia, an age-related disability combined with a mental health condition, or a combination of both. Facilities that cater for psychogeriatric residents will have trained staff and maintain a minimum of two staff members on duty. This includes a registered nurse offering medical oversight, and a caregiver. In larger facilities with multiple units, registered nursing coverage can be shared between units during off-peak hours.