Psychogeriatric level care in New Zealand – specialist care and support for complex dementia needs

Frequently asked questions

• What is psychogeriatric level care, and who is it for?

  Psychogeriatric level care is for people living with a diagnosis of dementia or mental health disorders who require highly specialised nursing care for behavioural or psychological symptoms of dementia which could include:

  • Significant memory loss and confusion
  • Agitation or aggression
  • Mental health conditions alongside dementia
  • Difficulty with emotional regulation or communication

  Psychogeriatric level care provides clinical care and management in a secure setting, providing peace of mind for family/ whānau, and personalised support for people with complex dementia-related needs.

  Learn more about dementia and its symptoms

• What is the difference between dementia level care and psychogeriatric level 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.

  Psychogeriatric 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.

  Learn more about Dementia level care options at Bupa.

• What is D6 level dementia care?

  D6 care is another name for psychogeriatric level care and is the highest level of dementia-related care in New Zealand. This level of care is designed for individuals with very high needs, including complex behaviours or coexisting mental health challenges.

  Visit our Dementia Resource Hub for helpful resources on how to support people living with dementia.

• What services are included in psychogeriatric level care?

  Psychogeriatric level care at Bupa includes:

  • 24/7 nursing support and medication management
  • Meals, cleaning, and laundry
  • Personal care and hygiene support
  • Secure, dementia-friendly communities
  • Structured routines and activity programmes
  • Emotional and behavioural support and regular clinical reviews
  • A compassionate, trained team who understand dementia

  Care plans are personalised and updated as the resident’s needs change. Learn more about what to expect at a Bupa care home

• How much does psychogeriatric 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.

  Subsidies and funding 

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

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

  • Needs assessment  
  • Payment options
  • Subsidies and funding 

• Where can I find a psychogeriatric level care home near me?

  Bupa offers psychogeriatric care in a number of locations across New Zealand.

  You can use our care home locator to find psychogeriatric level 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 do I know if psychogeriatric care is the right level of support?

  If your family member has dementia and is experiencing behaviours or symptoms that go beyond what can be managed in a dementia level care setting, such as aggression, disorientation, or serious mental health needs, psychogeriatric care may be the next step.

  A formal needs assessment will help determine if psychogeriatric level care is right for your family member. You can start this process through your GP or local NASC service.

• 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.

• Can I visit my family member in psychogeriatric level care?

  Yes. Bupa strongly supports regular visits and family/ whānau involvement. Visiting arrangements are flexible and designed to suit your family member’s comfort and care needs. Our team works closely with family/ whanau to keep everyone connected and supported.