We understand that moving into care is a big decision and things may feel a bit overwhelming. Wherever you're up to in the process, we're here to support you by giving you personalised advice.
If you need more care, even if you’re unsure about residential care, a needs assessment will help you understand your options and the type of care that is right for you.
Your GP can refer you for a needs assessment or you can contact the local Health NZ Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) team directly.
Find your local NASCYour needs assessment will determine the type of aged care required.
You are no longer able to live independently and require around the clock support from trained caregivers and registered nurses supported by regular visits from a GP or Nurse Practitioner.
You require a higher level of care usually because your medical or mobility needs are more complex. This level of care also includes palliative care services. Palliative care is the true test of a care home, and at Metlifecare, where we put people first, it is our honour and privilege to support residents and their families through this phase of life.
Our specialist care team helps residents and their families with the complex challenges of living with dementia whilst providing a balance of freedom and security to help keep residents safe.
This is a temporary care service that may be available for people who need some extra support to recover from an illness or surgery, or to give your usual carers a break.
Once you know what type of care you need, it’s time to find what options are available at your preferred location and what the costs will be.
The amount every resident is required to pay for Aged Residential are Services is set by the local DHB (now Health NZ), and the amount is the same for all residential care facilities within the specific district.
The Daily Care Fee covers accommodation in a standard room including key things such as: all meals, laundry, housekeeping, activities, visits from Metlifecare’s GP or nurse practitioner, certain Pharmac-funded prescribed medications, and assistance with transport to some health service appointments. The Nurse Manager can provide in more detail other items covered in this fee.
Some residents may qualify for a Residential Care Subsidy to help cover some or all of the Daily Care Fee in a standard room. Hospital and dementia care have a higher daily care fee, but provided Health NZ criteria are met, a top up subsidy is provided to cover the difference.
Residents receiving the Residential Care Subsidy will redirect most of their Superannuation payment toward the cost of care. If care is paid for privately, Superannuation payments continue as usual.
Most Metlifecare care homes offer a higher level of accommodation than a standard room funded by the Daily Care Fee. Additional premium room features like ensuite bathrooms, larger rooms or outdoor balconies incur an additional cost. The additional cost of premium accommodation is not subsidised, so must be paid for by private means. Click to view our current PAC rates
These premium accommodation costs are charged daily as a Premium Accommodation Charge (PAC), or in selected villages are funded via the purchase of an Occupation Rights Agreement (ORA).
In selected villages, Metlifecare offers premium accommodation as a Care Suite that is available under Occupation Right Agreement (ORA).
Each Care Suite has a full ensuite bathroom and kitchenette, and many
have a private balcony or patio. Some are large enough to accommodate couples, so you can receive care together in the same suite, even if one of you requires hospital level care. With more space to call your own and offering both rest home and hospital level care, there’s no need to move for high levels of care. Our Care Suites provide you with peace of mind, privacy, and a space to call home.
We understand that people often need care in a hurry. As a Metlifecare resident, if you have insufficient funds to settle the full amount on the transfer, we may agree to an arrangement where you are able to use the equity you have in your villa or apartment to fund the care suite purchase.
Please talk to our Nurse Managers if you’re interested to learn more.
Once you’re happy with your chosen care options and the associated costs, Metlifecare will help you prepare for moving in.
We can host another visit for you and any family or friends who may be helping you with the move. We will create a plan to ensure your room is set up with your favourite items ready for you.
On the move-in day itself, we’ll be there waiting to greet you and to help your family make it feel like home. We’ll discuss your preferences and make a personalised care plan with you. It’s our goal to help you settle in quickly so that you can continue to do the things you love.