FAQ

If you or a loved one are struggling with daily tasks such as personal care, medication management, or mobility, aged care may be an option. A Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) assessment is required to determine eligibility for government-funded care.

NASC (Needs Assessment and Service Coordination) is a government service that assesses an individual's care needs and determines the appropriate level of support.

To get a NASC assessment:

1. Contact your GP or local health provider – They can refer you to your local NASC agency.

2. A NASC assessor will meet with you – This could be at home, in the hospital, or in another care setting. They will discuss your health, mobility, and ability to manage daily activities.

3. Assessment outcome – The NASC team will determine whether you qualify for government-funded support and what level of care is appropriate.

4. Funding and placement – If you qualify, they will assist in organizing funding options and finding a suitable care facility like McKenzie Healthcare.

A person from your local NASC team will come to your home to assess you.

• Your assessment may take up to 3 hours.

• You can invite your spouse, family, whānau, friends, an interpreter, or your current carers to support you during the assessment.

• They can help answer the assessor’s questions and ensure all relevant information is shared.

The NASC assessor will:

• Use an assessment tool to evaluate your current abilities, resources, goals, and needs.

• Ask practical questions to understand what support you require.

• Decide what support services you need.

• Inform you about what happens next and any steps required for your care plan.

The process involves:

1. Requesting a NASC assessment to determine the level of care required.

2. Reviewing available funding options, including government subsidies.

3. Contacting McKenzie Healthcare for a tour and discussion about available rooms and services.

4. Completing an admission form and providing necessary medical documents.

5. Coordinating the move-in process with our team to ensure a smooth transition.

Financial assistance is available through Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) for eligible individuals.

Residential Care Subsidy Depending on your income and assets, you may qualify for a subsidy to cover most of your care costs. If eligible, your income will contribute to the remaining balance. If you do not meet the criteria, you will need to cover the full cost of care. You can request a reassessment if your financial situation changes. For details on asset and income thresholds, visit Work and Income.

Residential Care Loan If you do not qualify for the Residential Care Subsidy due to asset thresholds, you may be eligible for the Residential Care Loan. This interest-free loan is available to those who own the home they lived in before moving into residential care. The loan must be used to cover care costs and is repaid when the home is sold or from your estate after passing. Click here for more information.

Maximum Contribution If you are assessed as needing residential care through NASC, providers can charge up to a set maximum weekly amount for services. This amount, known as the maximum contribution, varies by region. You can check the maximum contribution for your area here. If eligible for the Residential Care Subsidy, this may be covered; otherwise, you will need to pay privately.