HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Moving to a different rest home or hospital
When older people move into a rest home it becomes their home. They get to know the staff and other residents. They hopefully feel safe and happy there.
Sometimes, an older person will need to move to a different rest home if their current facility is unable to provide the care they need. This can cause anxiety and distress.
Moving to another facility
If you wish or need to move to another rest home, it's important to notify the Complex Clinical Care Network (CCCN). You can contact them by phoning (03) 768-0481. CCCN will ensure the new facility is appropriate and that the necessary paperwork is completed. This makes sure that any funding is redirected accordingly.
Your agreement should have how much notice you need to give. A reassessment may also be necessary if there has been some time since your last assessment, a different level of care is required, or if the new facility is in another region.
When an older person is reassessed
Rest home staff constantly assess all residents to make sure they're getting the right care. They assess the residents' wellbeing, and whether the staff can look after them and the other residents safely. They will talk to you about any concerns.
If the rest home is no longer able to provide you with the appropriate care and safety, the rest home staff or your GP will ask for a reassessment of level of care. The rest home staff, or your GP will talk to you and explain why they are doing this. There may be some delay before the reassessment happens. However, it can happen more quickly if the situation is urgent.
People can feel sad or angry when it's suggested they need to move. It's normal to feel this way and the person doing the reassessment understands this. They will work with you but there are times it isn't always possible to come up with an answer that everyone is completely happy with.
During a reassessment
The hospital staff member who will do the reassessment will read the latest staff assessment of the person, so they're aware of what the issues and concerns are. The person doing the assessment will listen to what you think and feel about you or your loved ones needs.
The assessor will talk with you and your loved ones. It may be possible to move to a different area within the same rest home if the right level of care is available. If it's not, it may be necessary to move to a different rest home.
What happens next
Not every older person who's reassessed has to move. The assessor may suggest trying something new, such as changing medication or managing problems in different ways, to avoid the need for a move. However, if the changes don't work well, a move may be necessary.
The assessor will complete all the necessary paperwork.
A different member of the hospital team, called a service coordinator will help with the move itself. They will also answer any questions you may have. Together they will help choose a more suitable rest home
If you don't agree with the decision
After a reassessment of an older person's level of care, whānau/family may not agree with the decision. You can discuss your concerns with the assessor and ask any questions you have. If you still disagree you can ask for a second opinion.
If it will cost more when an older person moves
Older people who receive care in a residential complex either pay the entire cost privately or receive a government subsidy. The cost of care is different in different parts of New Zealand. Even if it costs more for the higher level of care, the difference in cost will be paid by the government.
All rest homes and hospitals offer standard rooms and services. Many facilities also offer extra services and aspects in some rooms, such as private bathrooms. The rest home or hospital can charge for these extra features, and the cost will vary a lot. You will have to decide whether it is worth paying for these extras. You will also need to know what happens if you can no longer pay for them. Seniorline (see below) can offer useful advice about premium charges.
For more information
You can find out more through the following services and websites:
Age Concern
Website: www.ageconcern.org.nz
Phone Age Concern West Coast: (03) 789‑7659.
You can find information and advice about rest homes and other retirement facilities under Residential care.
Eldernet
Website: www.eldernet.co.nz
This website has information about rest homes and residential care, including a directory of what's available in your area.
Seniorline
Freephone: 0800‑725‑463
This toll-free service provides information about services and help for older people
Where from here?
This booklet (published in association with Eldernet) explains some aspects of residential care. You can order it online. The booklet is free but there's a small cost for postage.
WINZ Residential Subsidy Unit
Freephone: 0800‑999‑727
This unit can answer all questions about residential subsidies.
Written by senior medical officer, Older Persons Mental Health, Canterbury DHB. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2019.
Review key: HIRRV-48277
