Residential care

To be eligible to receive publicly funded health and disability services, a person would need to:

• be a New Zealand citizen; OR
• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has been living or is intending to live in New Zealand for 2 years or more; OR
• hold a residence class visa (ie, residence permit, resident visa or permanent resident visa; OR
• be a refugee or protected person.

To be eligible for publicly funded residential care the person must have:

• a needs assessment to determine their needs and the level of care required to meet those needs. It may be determined that the person is able to receive services in the community or in a supported living environment, and that residential care is not required to meet their needs.

During the service coordination process it will then be determined:

• whether or not the person has a condition that can be reversed;
• whether or not the person can be safely supported in the community; OR
• if the person needs long-term residential care indefinitely, what level of care is required – in a rest home or a continuing-care hospital.

It may be determined that the person is able to receive services in the community or in a supported living environment, and that residential care is not required to meet their needs.

The Needs Assessment Service Coordination agency (NASC) in your area is responsible for needs assessments.

The attached links are to related information:

• Aged Related Residential Care Services Agreement
  The contract that sets out the services required to be provided by contract by the providers.
• Long-term Residential Care for Older People – What you need to know
  A booklet that sets out what people need to know when they are thinking about moving into residential care.
• Needs assessment
  Information on getting a needs assessment and on finding your local NASC.
• Residential care subsidy
  Information on the Work and Income website on the Residential Care Subsidy. Work and Income are responsible for the Financial Means assessment which is required for a person who applies for a residential care subsidy.