Frequently asked questions

BEFORE ENTRY INTO CARE

  • Before entering care, a Needs Assessment is required to determine the appropriate level of support.

    You can arrange this by contacting your local NASC (Needs Assessment and Service Coordination) agency, speaking with your GP for a referral, or requesting assistance from hospital staff if your relative is currently hospitalised. You may also contact your local District Health Board (DHB) and ask to relate to the NASC team for older persons.

  • A qualified Needs Assessor will carry out a comprehensive assessment. This process identifies the level and type of care best suited to your relative’s individual needs.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  • You may be eligible for the Residential Care Subsidy (RCS), which helps cover the cost of standard care services for those who meet the financial criteria.

    Once a Needs Assessment confirms eligibility for residential care, you can apply for a financial means assessment through Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ). This assessment determines whether you qualify for the subsidy.

    For further guidance, you may speak with your Needs Assessor, Service Coordinator, or contact WINZ directly.  You can also check WINZ website for an updated information at Residential Care Subsidy - Work and Income.

  • Yes. As with living in the community, residents are required to contribute towards the cost of their care. This may be through private payment, contributions from NZ Superannuation, or other approved arrangements.

    If you qualify for the Residential Care Subsidy, you will still be required to contribute from your income, including NZ Superannuation or other benefits.

    Superannuation contributions are payable to Anne Maree Court Care Home from the day one (1) of admission, typically arranged via direct debit. Our team will be happy to assist you with setting this up.

  • If you are not eligible for the subsidy, you will be required to pay for your care privately. The maximum contribution amount is set annually by the Ministry of Health.

    For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the Ministry of Health Residential Care Subsidy guidelines or speak with our team for further assistance.

  • Yes. Residents are entitled to retain a weekly personal allowance, as well as an annual clothing allowance. The exact amounts are determined by Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ).

ROOMS

  • A premium room is that which is over and above the ARRC agreement requirements. This cost is not covered by subsidy and must be paid privately by the resident. The rate varies, dependent on room sizes and fixed features such as an ensuite, ceiling hoist in the room, private/shared toilet.

    For more details on pricing, please speak with the Facility Manager or Administrator.

    All rooms are subject to availability at the time of inquiry.

RESPITE CARE

  • We do offer respite care, subject to bed availability. Please contact our friendly Administrator on 09 418 3118, and we will be happy to advise you on current availability and assist with arrangements.

CARE

  • Anne Maree Court Care Home is licensed to provide both Rest Home and Hospital-level care.

    If a resident’s condition changes, any review of their level of care must be completed through a formal Needs Reassessment. This is typically carried out by a Geriatrician or Nurse Practitioner through North Shore Hospital.

    A referral for reassessment can be arranged by our visiting GP if a change in care needs is identified.

  • There are weekly GP visits, a 24-hour Registered Nurse and physiotherapy.

    We have curated in-house activities conducted by Registered Diversional Therapist, monthly therapy dog visitations and in-house communion.

  • We maintain strong clinical coverage across all shifts to ensure safe and continuous care. Our team includes:

    • A Clinical Manager, who is an experienced, qualified and practising Registered Nurse, available on site during the day

    • One Registered Nurse on each morning shift

    • One Registered Nurse covering afternoon and evening shifts

    • One Registered Nurse on night duty

    This structure ensures consistent clinical oversight and 24-hour nursing support for all residents.

  • Anne Maree Court Care Home has a predominantly permanent and stable team of staff.

    While agency staff may occasionally be used to maintain safe staffing levels, the majority of our team have been with us for more than three years, with several staff members having over 15 years of service. This reflects our strong culture of commitment and continuity of care.

  • We have a contracted General Practitioner (GP) who visits the facility weekly.

    Our GP also provides 24-hour on-call support, including weekends, ensuring residents have access to medical care whenever required.

MEALS

  • Yes. Most residents choose to have breakfast served in their room. However, the dining room is also available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at the table in a social setting.

  • Meals are served at set times at the dining hall, each day as follows:

    • Breakfast: 7:30am – 8:30am

    • Morning Tea: 10:00am

    • Lunch (main meal): 12:00pm

    • Afternoon Tea: 2:00pm

    • Dinner: 5:00pm

    • Supper: From 7:00pm onwards, served individually in residents’ rooms

    Residents who require assistance with meals are supported earlier to ensure comfort and adequate time for eating.

  • Yes, residents are welcome to enjoy alcohol in moderation if they wish. A social pre-dinner drink or a glass of wine with meals is permitted; however, alcohol is not provided by the facility and must be supplied by residents or their families.

    We also host a Friday afternoon Happy Hour, where residents may choose to enjoy a drink in a social setting.

    For safety and wellbeing, we encourage responsible consumption. If required, we are happy to store personal alcohol supplies securely in a locked cabinet.

  • Yes. Family and friends are very welcome to join residents for morning or afternoon tea at any time.

    Visitors may also join residents for the midday meal; however, we kindly ask that this is arranged with the Kitchen Staff a few days in advance. A small charge of $10 per guest meal applies.

PERSONAL

  • You are welcome to bring personal items that help you feel comfortable and at home, such as a favourite chair, family photographs, cherished ornaments, and personal devices (e.g. mobile phone, tablet, or laptop).

    Most belongings are acceptable, provided they can be safely accommodated within your room. Items must not pose a safety risk or restrict staff movement, ensuring there is adequate space for care – particularly in an emergency.

    For safety reasons, we discourage the use of items such as kettles, electric blankets, or any appliances that may present a burn or heat risk.

  • Yes. The facility is wired to support Sky TV in each room. Installation and subscription will need to be arranged directly with a Sky TV provider at your own cost.

  • Yes. A private landline can be arranged through a provider such as Spark, at your own expense.

    There are also shared phones available throughout the facility for resident use.

VISITING HOURS

  • There are no set visiting hours, and visitors are welcome at any time.

    However, to support the smooth delivery of care, we kindly encourage visits after 9:00am, once residents have had breakfast and morning cares.

    To ensure residents have adequate rest, we also recommend that visits conclude before residents’ usual bedtime.