Unfortunately, sometimes the decision involving rest homes or care has to be made by others for the sake of an elderly loved one. It’s a major decision and not one to be taken lightly. At the end of the day, an improved quality of life is usually the ultimate goal. If you benefit from moving into a rest home, whether from daily care, companionship, or removing the stresses of looking after your home, then it’s almost certainly the correct decision.
Support Gallery
Here at Radius Care, our number one priority is the health, both physical and mental, of our residents. Rest Homes can be a worrying prospect, both for those moving and their families.
But help is at hand, and we’re here to support you through the process.
We’ve put together this short list of questions that may help, as well as some videos from our team answering some common questions many of our new families have. Anything else, we’re always here to ask.
Navigating Care
Consider care earlier rather than later
When to consider a rest home
When is a rest home a better option
Guiding your loved one into care
Care levels in detail
Finding a rest home that suits you or your loved one
Checklist when looking for a care home
Funding & finances
About Care at Radius
Brien’s Story
Staff at Radius Care
Your family is welcome
Activities at Radius Care
FAQs
Do I have to move?
What determines whether I can move into a rest home?
People move into rest homes for different reasons. Some may feel like it’s the best decision for their family, both financially and logistically. Others realise that they can’t take care of themselves any more, and a rest home is the best places to be looked after, while some move to be around other people.
What can I do to find a rest home that suits me?
You can get a list of rest homes in your area from the District Health Board, your local Age Concern, or the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination agency. Or search our locations for a Radius Care Home near you. Here at Radius Care, we put our residents first and foremost. We have a reputation for outstanding patient care, hospitality and professionalism.
What government funding is available to help with the costs?
Once you have been assessed as ‘needing care’ the person who carried out your needs assessment will explain how to apply for the Residential Care Subsidy. Government helps to fund the cost of care through this subsidy. It is means tested and depends on the level of your assets and income.
If your assets are equal to or below the asset threshold, you will qualify for the subsidy to pay for most of the cost of your care. The income test then determines what you will have to contribute to the cost of your care from any income you receive. To get full details about the Residential Care Subsidy and find out if you might qualify, contact Work and Income Residential Subsidy Unit. They can also be contacted on their helpline: 0800 999 727. If you don’t qualify for the subsidy, you will have to pay your own way. However you can ask for a review of your means test at any time if you think you might have become eligible for the subsidy.
How is the quality of rest homes monitored?
Rest homes must meet the Health and Disability Services Standards NZS 8134:2008, and be certified to operate by the Ministry of Health. They must also meet the requirements set in their contract with the District Health Board. The Ministry of Health arranges both regular and ‘spot’ audits of all rest homes to ensure they are continuing to meet both the Standards, and the District Health Board contract requirements. The District Health Board and the Ministry of Health will carry out additional inspections if needed. Summaries of audits for all residential homes are available for the public to read on the Ministry of Health’s web site page. Radius Care have an outstanding record with our audits.
Some of your rooms are larger than the standard rooms and come with amenities like an ensuite, access to a courtyard and/or great views. How much extra will this cost and who pays?
This is called an accommodation supplement fee and starts at $10 per night depending on the size and amenities available in a room. This additional fee is paid privately by the resident and is not Government funded. All of the aged care homes in the Radius Care Group offer a standard room option at no additional fee – dependent on availability at time of enquiry. Each care home sets its own fees so please talk to the care home manager for more details and to discuss your specific situation.