Choosing a rest home

When is a rest home the right choice?

• Care needs exceed what can safely be provided at home (24/7 supervision, complex medical needs)
• The person is unsafe alone for any period — falls, wandering, fire risk
• The primary carer's health is suffering
• Home modifications and support services have been tried and aren't enough
• The person is isolated and lonely at home, and would benefit from social contact

Types of residential care

See full cost breakdown and subsidy information.

How to find and compare facilities

1. Eldernet — NZ's most comprehensive rest home directory. Search by region, care level, and features.
2. Village Guide — retirement village and care home comparison.
3. Ask the NASC assessor — they know the local facilities and can recommend based on your parent's needs.
4. Ask the GP or hospital discharge team — they work with these facilities regularly.

What to look for when visiting

The environment

• Is it clean and well-maintained?
• Does it smell OK? (Persistent bad smells suggest staffing or cleaning issues)
• Is there natural light? Access to outdoor areas?
• Are residents' rooms personalised with their own belongings?
• Is there a communal area where residents are socialising (not just sitting in front of a TV)?

The staff

• Do staff know residents by name?
• Are interactions warm and respectful, or rushed and task-oriented?
• What's the staff-to-resident ratio?
• What's the staff turnover like? (High turnover = poor working conditions = inconsistent care)
• Is there a registered nurse on site 24/7 (required for hospital-level care)?

Questions to ask

• What is the all-inclusive cost? Are there extra charges beyond the daily rate?
• What happens when care needs increase — can they accommodate hospital-level care on site?
• What activities and outings are available?
• How are medications managed?
• What's the food like? Can dietary requirements be accommodated? Can I eat a meal there?
• How do you handle complaints?
• What's the notice period if we want to leave?
• Can my parent bring their own furniture / belongings?

The admission process

1. Needs Assessment — the NASC determines the care level needed (rest home, hospital, dementia). This is required for government-funded care.
2. Choose a facility — visit 2–3, ask questions, trust your instincts.
3. Financial assessment — Work and Income assesses assets for the Residential Care Subsidy.
4. Admission agreement — the facility provides a contract. Read it carefully. Ask about extra charges.
5. Move in — bring familiar items. Visit often in the first weeks. The adjustment period is hardest for everyone.

Audit reports

All NZ rest homes are audited against the Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard (NZS 8134:2021). Audit reports are public — check before choosing:

• Search at health.govt.nz for facility audit reports
• Look for the overall rating and any corrective actions required
• Pay attention to medication management, infection control, and restraint use findings