What levels of care are available for older
New Zealanders?
There’s a wide range of aged care services in New Zealand, from short-term support to more advanced, long-term care.
Respite care
Respite care refers to short stays in a care home, ranging from a few days to several weeks. It’s designed to support family/whānau when a primary caregiver needs a break, is unwell, or going on holiday.
It provides meals, personal care, and access to activities while maintaining a sense of independence.
For many, these short-term stays become an important stepping stone to longer-term care as health needs evolve.
In-home care*
In-home care is support provided to older people who want to remain in their own home with minimal disruption. Care can be provided by support workers or nurses to help with hygiene, meals, medication, property maintenance, or transport. Family members may also be primary carers.
Care can be limited to scheduled hours, unless a needs assessment deems it necessary to have full time in-home care. If needs become more complex especially with medical care, home support may no longer be enough.
*Bupa does not currently provide in home care services but offers short stay services and permanent rest home, hospital, dementia or psychogeriatric care services across many of its New Zealand care homes. If you require more information on home care services, please refer to Home care services in New Zealand
Rest home level care
Rest home level care is best suited for older people who need some support with daily living but can still maintain aspects of independence. In a rest home, residents have access to:
- Assistance with personal care
- Meals, laundry, and housekeeping
- Medication management
- Social activities
- Support team 24/7
This level of care can be reassuring for family/whānau who are concerned about ongoing safety or daily challenges at home.
Hospital level care
Hospital level care is a type of care for older people with complex medical needs that go beyond what rest home level care can provide. This includes people with chronic health conditions, potential cognitive decline, limited mobility, or those recovering from illness, surgery, or injury. This level of care offers:
- Support with personal care
- Meals, laundry, housekeeping
- Medication management
- Social activities
- Support team 24/7
Dementia and psychogeriatric care
For those living with dementia, care needs often change as their condition progresses. Recognising the early signs of dementia such as memory loss, confusion, or difficulty managing routines, is important for planning ahead. This level of care is for people who can no longer safely manage at home, or in rest home or hospital level care.
Bupa offers dedicated dementia care and psychogeriatric care in secure environments designed to keep residents safe and supported.
Psychogeriatric level care (specialist dementia care or D6) is for people with advanced dementia and complex behavioural or psychological symptoms.
At Bupa, this care is delivered in secure homes by specialist nursing teams, with personalised plans to ensure safety, dignity, and support for both residents and their family/ whānau.
Determining the right level of care through a NASC Needs Assessment
In New Zealand, the right level of care is established by a needs assessment.
What is NASC?
NASC, or Needs Assessment Service Coordination, is a New Zealand service that helps people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or age-related needs to access publicly funded support services. They evaluate safety, health, mobility, and independence to recommend the most appropriate level of support. They can also determine your eligibility for these government funded services.
How can you access a needs assessment?
You can speak with your GP or health professional for a referral to the NASC for a needs assessment. Alternatively, you can also refer yourself by contacting your local NASC.
When should you consider a needs assessment?
You may want to request an assessment if you or your relative struggle with daily tasks, if there are safety concerns such as frequent falls, or if medical needs have become more complex. You can also take a look at our guide for signs you or your relative may need to consider a care home to understand what to look out for.
Booking an assessment is often the first step in planning. From there, family/whānau can explore short stays, visit care homes (also known as rest homes), and talk with team members to better understand life in a care home.
At Bupa, we understand the importance of understanding the right level of care. Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or are ready to take the next step, we are here to provide guidance, compassion, and care throughout.