Support for aging in place
Aging in place and retiring from the comfort of your own home is a goal for many Kiwis.
At the end of 2021, we conducted a survey as part of our partnership with lifestyle website Grown Ups, which revealed how important it is for Grown Ups members (aged 50+) to retire from the comfort of their home. 89.9% of homeowning respondents found it important or very important to remain in their home during retirement.
We understand that it can become difficult to carry out regular day-to-day routines when we get older, so it’s important to know what services are available to help you live a more comfortable retirement within your own home. Check out some of the support services available below.
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health and district health boards fund a number of support services to help retirees stay independent, participate in the community and continue to live in their own homes, including:
- personal care (eg, getting out of bed, showering, dressing, medication management)
- household support (eg, cleaning, meal preparation)
- carer support (help for the person who lives with you and/or looks after you for 4 hours or more each day)
- equipment to help with safety at home.
To find out more visit www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/health-care-services/services-older-people/support-services-older-people
Care Plus is available if you have health problems and need extra support from the health system – it ensures you get comprehensive care at a low cost. Visit the Ministry of Health website to find out more – https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/primary-health-care/primary-health-care-subsidies-and-services/care-plus.
Private Care NZ
Private Care NZ was created to help support anyone with health and wellness needs to affordably stay in their own home for longer. Visit www.privatecarenz.com to find out more.
Access Community Health
Access Community Health has been caring for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand since 1927. To find out more about how they can help, visit www.access.org.nz or email [email protected].
Stepping UP
Stepping UP is the flagship digital literacy programme for the Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa (DIAA). They offer free community programmes that support New Zealanders to build their computer, smartphone and digital skills in small easy steps. To find out more visit www.steppingup.nz.
Heartland has helped over 20,000 customers across the country release equity from their homes to have more financial freedom in retirement. To find out more about whether a Heartland Reverse Mortgage could help you take the stress out of increased living costs, get in touch with our friendly team on 0800 488 740 or [email protected] to discuss your options.
Applications are subject to loan approval criteria. Heartland Bank Limited’s responsible lending criteria, fees and charges apply.
