Ngā ratonga tautoko mō te hunga kaumātua Support services for older people

If you are getting older, you may be finding it harder to cope on your own. There are support services available to support you.

Types of support services

Support services for older people are funded by Health New Zealand. They help you to stay in your home for as long as you can.

Support services may include:

  • personal care — such as getting out of bed, showering, dressing, or taking medicines
  • household support — such as cleaning or meal preparation
  • carer support — help for the person who lives with you or looks after you for 4 hours or more each day
  • equipment to help with your safety at home.

Benefits of support services

These services can help you to:

  • maintain your independence and quality of life
  • stay in your own home for as long as you can
  • participate in your community.

How to access support services

To access these services you need to be a citizen or resident of Aotearoa New Zealand who is eligible for publicly funded health or disability services.

Eligibility for publicly funded health services — Health New Zealand (external link)

To access these support services you need to have a 'needs assessment'. You can refer yourself to a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC).

Find your local NASC (external link)

Last updated: