Caring for an ageing loved one can quickly become a financial concern—especially when exploring long-term options like home care or retirement villages. Fortunately, in New Zealand, there are several forms of home care vs retirement villages NZ funding available, but they differ significantly depending on the type of care you choose.
In this blog, we break down what funding and subsidies are available for home care vs retirement villages NZ funding. how to apply, and what you need to watch out for.
💡 Quick Summary
| Support Type | Home Care | Retirement Villages |
| Te Whatu Ora (Needs-Based Care) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Work and Income NZ (WINZ) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rare |
| Residential Care Subsidy | ✅ Yes* | ✅ Yes* (care level only) |
| Disability Support Services | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| SuperGold Card Discounts | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| KiwiSaver/Retirement Withdrawal | ❌ No | ✅ For entry cost |
Applicable only if higher-level care is involved (rest home or hospital level).
Home Care: What Funding Is Available?
In-home support is often more financially flexible, especially when combined with government subsidies.
1. Te Whatu Ora (Public Health Home Support)
If your loved one is aged or disabled and needs help with daily activities, they may be eligible for funded home support services.
Covers:
- Personal care (showering, dressing)
- Housework
- Meal preparation
- Medication support
Process:
- Contact your local NASC (Needs Assessment Service Coordination) agency
- Get assessed by a healthcare coordinator
- Receive an individualised care plan (partially or fully funded)
2. Work and Income NZ (WINZ)
WINZ provides financial assistance for low-income or superannuitant clients, including:
- Disability Allowance
- Temporary Additional Support
- Home Help Subsidies
These can go toward home care, transport, heating, or medical costs.
3. Private Pay + Subsidies
Even if your loved one doesn’t qualify for full funding, home care can still be affordable, especially when you combine private pay with partial subsidies.
Explore flexible care packages
Retirement Villages: What Funding Is Available?
Unlike home care, retirement villages are not government-subsidised for lifestyle living. However, certain care components within the village may be eligible for support.
1. No Subsidy for Entry or Lifestyle Fees
- The Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) you sign to enter a retirement village is not eligible for public funding.
- All weekly service fees and management costs are privately paid.
2. Residential Care Subsidy (If in a Care Facility)
If your loved one transitions into a rest home or hospital-level care unit within a retirement village, they may qualify for the same Residential Care Subsidy available to anyone entering aged care.
Eligibility:
- Financial means assessment by Work and Income
- Needs assessment by Te Whatu Ora
- Age and residency criteria
👉 Learn about the Residential Care Subsidy
3. SuperGold Card Perks
While not a funding programme, SuperGold Card holders may receive discounts on transport, utilities, and some services—whether living at home or in a village.
Final Thoughts: What’s More Fundable?
- Home Care wins when it comes to access to public funding for daily support.
- Retirement villages typically require private funds, unless residential care is involved.
- It’s often easier to scale home care affordably, especially if your loved one owns their home and needs only part-time support.
At Home Carers, we help families understand what funding they’re entitled to—and how to apply. We can also work alongside NASC assessors and support your application process.
👉 Book a free consultation to explore funding options
👉 Contact our team for funding support
