A genuine break for carers — quality care for your loved one
Caring for a loved one is one of the most generous things a person can do. But carers need rest too. Our respite care offers short stays in a safe, welcoming environment, so you can recharge knowing your family member is in expert hands.
Short-term care that restores everyone
Family carers are the quiet backbone of aged care in New Zealand. Yet carer fatigue is real, and looking after your own wellbeing is not a luxury — it is essential to being able to keep caring. Respite care provides planned or emergency short-term stays that give carers a genuine break while ensuring loved ones continue to receive excellent care.
A respite stay can be a few days, a week, or several weeks — ideal for a holiday, a medical procedure, recovery from your own illness, or simply to rest. Guests enjoy the same warm environment, nursing oversight, nourishing meals and engaging activities as our permanent residents, with a care plan tailored to their needs from day one.
Respite is also a gentle way for families to experience residential care first-hand. Many discover how positive community living can be, which can make any future decision about longer-term care far less daunting for everyone involved.
Is this the right care?
Respite care is for families who need short-term support, and for older people who would benefit from a temporary stay.
- A family carer needs a holiday, rest or time to attend to their own health
- Recovery is needed after a hospital stay before returning home
- A trial of residential living would help with future planning
- Emergency cover is required when a carer is suddenly unwell or unavailable
- Increased support is needed during a difficult period or seasonal change
- A loved one would benefit from company and activity for a short stay
Benefits for residents and families
Flexible stays
From a few days to several weeks, planned in advance or arranged at short notice in an emergency.
Full nursing care
The same 24/7 registered-nursing oversight and clinical care as our permanent residents.
Guilt-free rest
Reassurance that lets carers truly switch off, recharge and return refreshed.
Instant community
A warm welcome, new friendships, shared meals and a full activity programme from day one.
A gentle trial
A low-pressure way to experience residential care and ease future decisions.
Smooth return home
Clear handover and updates so the transition back home is calm and well supported.
How we deliver this care
Person-centred, evidence-based and built around the goals that matter most to you and your loved one.
Quick, friendly assessment
We gather essential health, medication and personal information so care is ready before arrival.
A tailored short-stay plan
A registered nurse prepares an individual plan covering health, mobility, diet and preferences.
A warm welcome
Guests are introduced to staff, their room and the community, and supported to settle in comfortably.
Handover home
On departure we provide a clear update and any recommendations, so families return with confidence.
Looking after the carer, too
We want carers to take their break without worry. Before a respite stay we take time to understand routines, preferences and health needs, and during the stay we keep families updated as much or as little as they wish.
Taking respite is not letting anyone down — it is what makes sustainable, loving care possible. Families consistently tell us they return calmer, healthier and better able to continue caring, and that their loved one has thrived on the company and activity of a short stay.
- Planned respite booked around your holiday or commitments
- Emergency respite when life takes an unexpected turn
- Updates tailored to how much contact you'd like
- A clear, supportive handover on return home
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions families most often ask us.
How long can a respite stay last?
Respite stays are flexible — from a few days to several weeks — depending on your needs and room availability. We recommend booking planned respite early, especially over busy holiday periods.
Can you arrange respite in an emergency?
Yes, subject to availability. If a carer becomes unwell or circumstances change suddenly, contact us and we will do our best to arrange care quickly.
Is respite care funded?
Eligible people may receive funded respite following a needs assessment (NASC). Private respite is also available for greater flexibility. Our team can explain the options.
Will my loved one receive the same care as permanent residents?
Yes. Respite guests receive the same nursing oversight, meals, activities and warm support as our permanent residents, with a care plan tailored to them.
Can respite help us decide about long-term care?
Often, yes. A short stay is a gentle, pressure-free way for families to experience residential care, which can make any future decision clearer and less stressful.
Other ways we support your whānau
Speak with our care advisors
Every family's situation is different. Our care advisors offer a free, no-obligation conversation to help you understand your options and next steps.
Talk to us about respite care
Arrange a visit or a free, no-obligation conversation with our care advisors. We're here to help you find the right path for your whānau.