Ministry of Health

Work and Income
 

    
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Accommodation for Older Adults

Retirement villages

Retirement village housing is for older people who can afford to buy property in a village and have sufficient capital to meet the ongoing service costs. Housing may be independent or serviced, with higher fees for the serviced accommodation. There are no subsidies for retirement village housing. 

Some villages require you to purchase home care services through the village rather than access publicly-funded services. 

Not all villages offer rest home and hospital care. If you think you may need care in the future, check that the village rest home / hospital have a contract with the local District Health Board to accommodate residents requiring subsidy.

Click on the link on the left for information on finding a retirement village and on where to go for information on the possible benefits and pitfalls of retirement village housing.

Rental

Rental housing is for older people who can manage independently at home, perhaps with some extra help through a home care agency. 

Assisted Living accommodation offers full board, with good access to activities and medical support through the rest home on the same site. 

If you are unsure about the appropriate level of housing for you, a Needs Assessment can help clarify this. 

Auckland rental accommodation for older people is in short supply and there is often a waiting list. Click here for listings of rental accommodation in Auckland and Northland.

Rest Homes and Hospitals

These facilities offer 24-hour care. If you require a subsidy, you must have a Needs Assessment by an assessor contracted to the District Health Board which recommends a specific level of long-term care. 

If you are able to pay privately a Needs Assessment may not be required. It is best to have one; without an assessment there is no ceiling on fees and the conditions of the District Health Board contract do not apply. 

Terms for both subsidised and privately paying residents are covered in the Admission Agreement. Ask for a copy of the agreement for any facility you are considering and study it carefully before making a commitment.

Emergency Accommodation