Care costs and funding 

Understanding care costs and funding can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is you do not have to figure it out alone.

At Enliven, we’re here to help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions for yourself or someone you love.

What does age residential care cost?

In New Zealand, the cost of standard aged residential care is set by the government. This applies to contracted care services in rest home, hospital, and dementia care. 

If you are paying privately, or if you do not qualify for a full government assistance, you will need to contribute toward the cost of your care.

Some services and room types are not included in the standard government-funded care fee. These can include optional extras such as an ensuite, luxury food items, hairdresser, podiatry, premium accommodation or other personal services. Any additional charges will be clearly outlined in your Admission Agreement and you will receive an annual update if the costs change.

Accommodation supplement for some rooms

At some Enliven Homes, selected rooms attract an additional accommodation supplement. This supplement ranges from $25 to $75 per day, depending on the room and home.

We will always explain any additional charges clearly, so you know exactly what is included and what costs may apply.

How do I access care?

The first step is to have a needs assessment through a local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) service. This assessment helps determine whether aged residential care is needed and what level of care is right for you.

If long-term residential care is recommended, you may then be able to apply for financial help through Work and Income.

Residential Care Subsidy

The Residential Care Subsidy is government support that helps cover the cost of long-term residential care for eligible people.

You may qualify if you:

• are aged 65 or over, or are aged 50–64 and single with no dependent children
• have been assessed as needing long-term residential care in a rest home or hospital
• need care for an indefinite period
• meet the relevant income and asset criteria.

Work and Income will complete a financial means assessment to look at your assets and income.

What assets are considered?

Asset limits depend on your circumstances.

For people aged 65 and over, Work and Income currently states:

• if you are single, your total assets must be $291,825 or less
• if both partners are in long-term care, combined assets must be $291,825 or less
• if one partner remains at home, different limits apply depending on whether the family home and car are included in the assessment.

Because thresholds and policy settings can change, we recommend checking the latest information with Work and Income or talking with our team.

How to apply

In most cases, the process looks like this:

• Arrange a needs assessment through your local NASC service.
• If long-term care is recommended, complete a financial means assessment form.
• Submit your application and supporting documents to Work and Income.
  
  

What if I do not qualify for the subsidy?

If you do not qualify for the Residential Care Subsidy, you may still be able to access a Residential Care Loan.

This is an interest-free loan for eligible people who own property. It is paid directly to the care provider and usually does not need to be repaid until the property is sold or from the estate.

Respite care and Carer Support

If you are looking for short-term respite care rather than permanent care, there may also be help available through Carer Support.

Carer Support is intended to give full-time unpaid carers a break and can be used toward short-term residential care, such as a rest home stay. However, the subsidy may not cover the full cost, so there can still be a gap to pay.