Dementia level care in New Zealand – personalised care and support from Bupa

Frequently asked questions

• What is dementia level care, and who is it best suited for?

  Dementia level care is for individuals living with a diagnosis of dementia who require structured daily support in a secure, specialised environment. Over time, dementia may impact memory, judgement, behaviour, and reduce physical function, making it harder and sometimes unsafe for the person to remain in their own home.

  Bupa dementia level care offers peace of mind for family/ whānau and a safe, nurturing environment for residents. Care is provided by our care home team to support with daily tasks, personal care, routines, and emotional needs.

  Learn more about dementia and its symptoms

• What are the levels of dementia care in NZ?

  Dementia care needs can range from mild to advanced. Some people may only need a little help maintaining routines, while others may need 24/7 care and clinical support and oversight.

  In New Zealand, dementia level care is provided in care homes that specialise in supporting people through all stages of dementia. For the most complex behaviours or needs, a higher level of support known as psychogeriatric care or D6 level care may be appropriate based on the person’s needs assessment.

  Learn more about Rest Home level care, Hospital level care and Psychogeriatric level care options at Bupa.

• How do I know if dementia care is the right level of support?

  If your family member has dementia and may be experiencing memory loss, poor judgement, unsafe decision-making behaviour, reduced physical function and can no longer be safely managed in their own home, dementia care may be the next step. A formal needs assessment will help determine if dementia level care is right for your family member. You can start this process through your GP or local NASC service.

• What is the difference between dementia care and psychogeriatric care (D6)?

  Dementia level care is suitable for people with a diagnosis of dementia who require structured daily support in a secure care home to maintain their safety.

  D6 level dementia care is the highest level of residential care for people living with dementia-related conditions that involve complex behavioural, emotional, or physical needs. This level of care often falls under psychogeriatric services and involves clinical expertise, secure settings, and a higher staffing ratio.

  Bupa provides psychogeriatric care at select care homes across New Zealand.

• What services are included in Dementia level care?

  Bupa’s Dementia level care includes but is not limited to:

  • Personal care and hygiene support
  • 24/7 nursing and medication management
  • Meals, cleaning, and laundry
  • Social activities Secure communities designed for safety and familiarity
  • A compassionate, trained team who understand dementia

  Learn more about the support and services you can expect at a Bupa Care Home

  If further support is needed for you or a relative, please visit our other levels of care pages 

  • Rest Home level care
  • Hospital level care 
  • Psychogeriatric level care

• How much does dementia level care cost in NZ?

  Typically, your monthly payments are paid for by a combination of people and or services including you, your private funds and or superannuation, Te Whatu Ora, and any subsidies you may be eligible to receive. 

  At Bupa, we are proud of the comprehensive aged care experience and services we provide. As well as your accommodation, we provide personal care services which could include the following:

  • Seasonal menus covering breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper. These can also be personalised based on your preferences, cultural requirements, and any dietary needs.
  • A social and recreational programme, tailored to your interests, which may include visits to the shops or other areas of interest in the community.
  • Care services including nursing and support care, general practitioner or nurse practitioner visits, your prescribed medication (to the extent they are subsidised by Pharmac), and certain specific medical care products you may require.
  • Certain specific communal equipment and mobility aids so you can continue to be you, at Bupa.
  • Transport to certain health services.
  • Laundry and cleaning of your accommodation.

  Services that are covered under our agreement with Health NZ Te Whatu Ora will be included in the daily care fee.  Any other services not covered (“additional services”) will be charged separately* and at your option. Availability of additional services may also change from time to time. Please refer to the t for more details.

  Where you have chosen to receive additional services* the charges are paid monthly via an account you have set up with our partner organisation called Capital Guardians. Additional services include:

  • Hairdressing and beautician services
  • Dry cleaning
  • Dentists, podiatry, opticians, audiologists, radiologists
  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Customised and personal care items e.g. specialised communication equipment or mobility equipment
  • Specialised assessment and rehabilitation services
  • Non-Pharmac funded medication

  *Some of the above services may be part of your treatment plan and paid for by separate funding from Te Whatu Ora, Manatū Hauora (The Ministry of Health), or ACC. Please check with your Needs Assessor to find out more.

• Is there a dementia level care subsidy available in NZ?

  Yes. If you meet certain financial criteria, you may qualify for a dementia care level subsidy to help cover costs. Your needs will be assessed by a local needs assessor.

  • Needs assessment  
  • Payment options
  • Subsidies and funding 

• Is dementia care available in Auckland or Christchurch? How do I find dementia care homes near me?

  Yes – Bupa offers dementia level care in a number of locations across New Zealand, including Auckland, Christchurch, and other cities and towns.

  You can use our care home locator to find dementia care homes near you, view services offered, and check availability.

  We recommend calling your preferred care home directly to confirm the most up to date availability and talk through your options with our friendly team. We are here to help you find the right fit.

• How will the care home team know how to care for my family member?

  Shortly after admission, a care plan is formulated with a tailored approach to supporting a person’s health and wellbeing, routines, safety, and quality of life. At Bupa, these care plans are developed with input from the resident (where possible), their family/ whānau, and healthcare professionals.

  Care plans are updated regularly to reflect any changes in condition, preferences, or support needs. Learn more about care planning at Bupa .

• Where can I learn more about dementia or early signs?

  Bupa provide helpful articles and resources about:

  • Types and symptoms of dementia
  • Early signs to look out for
  • How to support someone living with dementia

  Visit our Dementia Resource Hub