Advice & Resources for Families Supporting an Ageing Parent
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Start with your situation
Most families don’t arrive thinking “I need respite care.” They arrive thinking “Dad keeps falling — what should we do?” Choose what feels closest to your situation.
Mum or Dad needs help at home
You have noticed changes but are unsure what support is needed.
I am worried about their safety
You have noticed changes but are unsure what support is needed.
They are coming home from hospital
You need to prepare quickly and understand what support may be needed.
I am supporting someone with dementia
You need practical information and guidance.
I am struggling as a family carer
You need support while balancing your own responsibilities.
›Family carer burnout
›Taking a break
›Respite options
I need to understand costs
You want clarity before making decisions.
Featured advice
Latest advice & guidance
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Safety & Independence
Dad Keeps Falling at Home - What Should Our Family Do?
Falls can be a sign that current support needs reviewing. Here is how families can respond.
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Hospital & Recovery
Coming Home From Hospital: Preparing for a Safe Recovery
What to organise before discharge so your parent recovers safely at home.
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Dementia & Memory
Early Signs of Dementia: When Should Families Step In?
Recognising memory changes and knowing what practical steps to take next.
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Featured advice
Latest advice & guidance
Most families do not sit down one Sunday afternoon and decide to create a care plan for Mum or Dad.
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It often starts small. One sibling takes Mum to a GP appointment. Another picks up groceries. Someone starts calling Dad
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Dad still gets around on his own. He has not had a major fall or injury, and he would certainly
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browse by topic
Explore advice by topic
Category 1
Home Care Explained
Understand how home care works, what support options are available and how families can make decisions.
- What does a home carer do
- Hours of care needed
- Private vs government-funded care
Category 2
Safety & Independence at Home
Practical advice to help older people remain safe and independent.
- Dad keeps falling
- Living alone safely
- Mobility changes
Category 3
Hospital, Recovery & Mobility
Support for families managing recovery, discharge and changing mobility needs.
- Coming home from hospital
- Recovery support
- Mobility assistance
Category 4
Dementia & Memory Support
Information and guidance for families supporting someone experiencing memory changes.
- Dementia support
- Respite
- Daily routines
Category 5
Supporting Family Carers
Advice for family members providing care and balancing other responsibilities.
- Carer burnout
- Taking a break
- Sharing responsibilities
Category 6
Costs, Funding & Planning
Clear information about the financial side of home care and preparing for the future.
- Private care costs
- Government funding
- Planning ahead
Category 7
NZ Services & Resources
Trusted New Zealand organisations and services that can support older people and families.
- Dementia organisations
- Age Concern
- Equipment providers
- Legal/EPOA
Video Library
Watch Home Carers advice videos
Safety & Independence
What to do when a parent keeps falling
Dementia & Memory
Supporting a parent with early memory changes
Costs & Funding
How much does private home care cost in NZ?
Trusted New Zealand organisations & support
Our existing Resources have moved here — a directory of trusted New Zealand organisations and services for older people and their families.
Dementia Organisations
2 organisations
Information, education and support for people living with dementia and their families, including local support groups and practical resources.
Provides specialist dementia support, education and guidance for people with dementia, families and carers.
Age Concern & Community Support
5 organisations
Advice, advocacy and support services for older people and their families — helping older people maintain independence, stay socially connected, access community services and address issues such as elder abuse.
Information, resources and support for family members caring for someone who is older, disabled or unwell. Includes practical advice, tools and advocacy for unpaid carers.
A free information service helping older New Zealanders and their families find information about health services, housing, transport, support services and living independently.
Free, confidential information and guidance about community services, rights, health, financial support, housing and navigating government services.
An advocacy organisation representing the interests of older New Zealanders and providing information about issues affecting seniors.
Health Organisations
8 organisations
Information about New Zealand’s public health system, hospitals, community health services and support available to older people.
Trusted, easy-to-understand health information for New Zealanders, including information about conditions, treatments, medicines and healthy ageing.
Support, education and information for people living with Parkinson’s and their families, including specialist Parkinson’s educators throughout New Zealand.
Information, support and resources for stroke survivors, families and carers, including guidance on recovery and adapting after a stroke.
Information and support relating to heart health, cardiovascular disease prevention and healthy living.
Support, information and practical resources for people affected by cancer and their families.
Information about hospice and palliative care services available for people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
Information about healthcare rights in New Zealand, helping people understand their rights when receiving health and disability services.
Mobility & Equipment Providers
5 organisations
Information, equipment and support services to help people with disabilities or mobility challenges live more independently.
Disability equipment, home modifications and accessibility solutions to help people remain safe and independent at home.
Mobility equipment and daily living products designed to help people maintain independence and safety at home.
Personal medical alarms and emergency response services designed to help older people feel safer living independently.
Personal alarms and emergency support systems to help people get assistance quickly if they fall or need urgent help.
Legal / EPOA Information
4 organisations
Official information about Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOA), including how they work and how to set one up.
Services and information relating to wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, estate planning and managing affairs.
Information about legal services, helping people find qualified legal professionals.
Helps people plan and communicate their future healthcare wishes, including what matters most if they become unable to make decisions themselves.
Government Funding & Information
5 organisations
Information about accessing government-funded support through a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) organisation.
Information about services supporting older people, including staying safely at home, community support and aged care pathways.
Information about financial assistance and support options for people with health or disability-related needs.
Information from the Office for Seniors about ageing well, rights, entitlements and issues affecting older New Zealanders.
Information about retirement villages, rest homes, home support providers and aged care services throughout New Zealand.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us what is happening with Mum or Dad, and we will help you understand your options – no pressure, no obligation.