Rest homes: respite care. what you need to know about short term care

Respite care is short-term care for people who normally live independently, but
require temporary support. People often seek respite care following an operation,
illness, or accident.
What are the benefits of respite care?
Respite care is designed to give the person receiving it – and their carer – a break. If someone is
recuperating from an illness or operation, it can also help to speed up recovery as it allows them to get
plenty of rest, as well as quality care from healthcare professionals.

Respite care is typically provided in a care home, specialist hospital, or dementia unit. There are different levels of respite care to meet different needs.

Funding for respite care is determined by the needs assessment. The Ministry of Health provides different levels of funding based on someone’s needs.

A needs assessment will determine whether someone is eligible for respite care. Needs assessments are carried out by DHB-approved assessors.

The first step is to request a needs assessment. Once that has been approved, you can book respite care for yourself or a family member at an approved residential care facility. For more information please visit the respite section of the ministry of health website.

Other types of care

Rest home care

Rest home care is a type of residential care. Rest homes (also called care homes) provide 24-hour care to people who are no longer able to live independently.

Hospital care

Hospital level care is specialist clinical care for residents from registered nurses and highly trained caregivers. It includes end of life care and respite care.

Dementia care

Dementia level care is specialist care for residents with dementia who require accommodation within a secure environment with support from highly trained staff.

Log in to Village Guide

Log in to Village Guide

Don’t have an account?

Sign up to Village Guide

Already have an account?

Reset your password

Don’t have an account?

You can request an Information Pack for multiple villages by adding them to your Saved List. When ready, complete the form within your account area.