Home Care and Support Services in New Zealand
A plain-language guide to what in-home support actually involves, who provides it, what it costs, and how to arrange it — including government-funded options.
What is home care?
Home care — sometimes called home support or in-home care — is a broad term for any practical or personal assistance delivered to an older person in their own home. It covers a wide range of support, from help with housework and meals through to personal care, companionship, and nursing visits.
The common thread is that your parent stays in their own home rather than moving to a facility. For many older people, this is strongly preferred — and with the right support in place, it's often practical for far longer than families assume.
WORTH KNOWING
Home care is not just for people with high needs. Many families arrange it early — a few hours a week of practical help or companionship — and find it makes a significant difference to both their parent's quality of life and their own peace of mind.
Who provides home care?
Home care in New Zealand is provided by a mix of government-funded organisations, private agencies, and community groups. The type of provider matters because it affects how you access the service, what it costs, and the level of oversight involved.
Government-funded providers
The government funds a range of home support services through the Ministry of Health and district health networks. These services are coordinated through a needs assessment process (see below) and delivered by contracted providers. Funding is means-tested and based on assessed need — not everyone qualifies, and those who do may still have a contribution to pay.
Private home care agencies
Private agencies operate independently of government funding and can be arranged directly by families. They typically offer a wider range of services, more flexible scheduling, and faster access — but at full private rates. Quality and pricing vary between providers.
Community and not-for-profit organisations
Organisations such as Age Concern, Red Cross, and various church-based groups provide some services — particularly social support, transport, and meal delivery — often at low or no cost. These are worth exploring alongside more formal options.
Independent workers
Some families arrange support directly with an individual rather than through an agency. This can offer more flexibility and a consistent relationship with one person — but it places more responsibility on the family for vetting, employment compliance, insurance, and management.
Government-funded home care — how it works
If your parent may be eligible for government-funded support, the starting point is a needs assessment. In many areas this is carried out by the local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) organisation.
What a needs assessment involves
A NASC assessor visits your parent at home, talks with them about their daily life and what they're finding difficult, and assesses what level of support is appropriate. Your parent's GP can refer them, or you can contact the NASC service directly.
The assessment determines whether your parent is eligible for funded support, and if so, what level. It is free and there is no obligation to accept any particular service as a result.
What is typically funded
Personal care — help with bathing, dressing, grooming
Household management — light cleaning, laundry, meal preparation
Community participation — transport to appointments and social activities
Carer support — respite to give family carers a break
Nursing and allied health visits for those with clinical needs
IMPORTANT
Government-funded home care is needs-based and budget-constrained. Not everyone who applies will qualify, and those who do may not receive the full level of support the family feels is needed. Many families supplement funded care with privately arranged services.
Private home care — what to know
Private home care can be arranged directly with an agency without going through the NASC process. Access is faster, there is no eligibility threshold, and families have more control over who comes, when, and for how long.
Private care is the right option for families whose parent doesn't qualify for funded support, who need more hours than the funded allocation covers, or who want specific types of support — companionship, lifestyle assistance, or a consistent carer — that the funded system doesn't prioritise.
What private care typically covers
Companionship and social visits
Transport to appointments, shopping, and social activities
Meal preparation and light household tasks
Assistance with technology
Gardening and home maintenance coordination
Personal care for those with higher needs
What does home care cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on whether care is government-funded or private, and on the provider. The following gives a general indication — always confirm current pricing directly with any provider.
Government-funded care Government covers most; client contribution may apply Means-tested — from $0 to a set contribution
Private agency care Family / private funds $35–$75+ per hour depending on service type
Community/not-for-profit services Often subsidised or free Low cost or free for some services
Note: These figures are indicative. The home care sector is subject to funding changes. Always request a written quote from any provider before proceeding.
How to arrange home care
Step 1 — Talk to your parent
Any support arranged without your parent's genuine involvement is likely to be resisted or underused. The conversation about what help might be useful, and what they'd actually welcome, comes first.
Step 2 — Contact the NASC for a needs assessment
If government-funded care may be appropriate, contact your local NASC service. Your parent's GP can refer them, or you can enquire directly. The assessment is free and non-binding.
Step 3 — Research private providers
For private care, research local providers, check what they offer, ask about their vetting and training processes, and request a written quote. Ask specifically whether they can provide a consistent carer rather than rotating staff — continuity matters to elderly people.
Step 4 — Start small
If your parent is uncertain, start with the minimum — one or two visits per week — and build from there. It is much easier to increase support gradually than to introduce a large package all at once.
Questions worth asking any home care provider
How are your workers vetted — police checks, references, training?
Will my parent see a consistent carer or different people each visit?
What happens if a carer is sick or unavailable?
Are your workers employed by you, or are they contractors?
What insurance do you carry?
What is not included in your service — what should we arrange separately?
How do you communicate with families about how visits are going?
What is your process if we have a concern about the service?
What notice do you require to change or cancel visits?