Preferences and support
Discuss location, cultural needs, communication preferences and the people the person wants involved. Share what matters to their daily life with the receiving team.
Healthcare professionals · Social Workers
Helping people and families plan their next step
Resources for social workers supporting a person to explore residential care, compare local homes and prepare for a move. Keep the person's preferences and family or whānau involvement at the centre of the conversation.
A resource to share
A guide for residents and families
Download a one-page guide to share after your conversation. It includes practical next steps, local care phone numbers and space for questions to take to a visit.
Download the guide (PDF, 1 page)Speak with the right team
Community contacts by location
Call to discuss a potential referral, care suitability and current availability. Ask the team how to securely share patient information before sending any documents.
Feilding
For Social Workers
Bring the practical details together
Costs and arrangements
Help the person identify questions about accommodation, care charges and possible funding. Ask for a clear explanation of costs and the relevant agreements before decisions are made.
Planning the transition
Coordinate proposed timing, transport, personal belongings and communication between the person, family and services. Confirm acceptance and practical arrangements before organising the move.
Have these details ready for the conversation
- The person's wishes, preferred location and support network
- Assessment status and the teams already involved
- Questions about costs, funding and accommodation agreements
- Proposed timing, transport and a contact for coordination
Common questions
Questions before a referral
Can the person and family visit before deciding?
Use the community contact details to arrange a visit. This is an opportunity to meet the team, see the setting and discuss daily routines and support.
Where can families start with funding questions?
Our aged care funding guide introduces the questions to consider. Eligibility and individual funding arrangements need to be confirmed with the relevant assessment and funding services.
Where does needs assessment fit?
A needs assessment helps establish the level of care and services a person needs. The local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) service works with the person and, where appropriate, their family or whānau.
Read the New Zealand Government guide to starting residential careTake the next step
Discuss a potential referral
Speak with the local team about the person's needs and the information required to consider a placement.