Help from a carer and assistive equipment could make tasks such as showering, dressing and using a toilet much safer for you. Find out what government help you may qualify for.
You can get help with your personal care if you:
have ongoing or age-related health problems
live with a disability
have an injury or disability because of an accident
are recovering after hospital treatment and need help for a short while.
You must also be eligible for publicly funded healthcare.
rental or repair of assistive equipment to help you manage in your home, eg a wheel chair, walking frame or a shower chair.
How to ask for government help
The help you can get from government with day-to-day personal care depends on your personal circumstances, for example, your income, or how much help you get from family or whānau.
If you have a disability or ongoing health issues
Arrange a needs assessment through your doctor or a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) team if you have:
health problems due to old age
an ongoing health condition that will last for more than 6 months, or
If your assessment shows you need equipment, for example, a wheelchair or walking frame, the NASC team gets an assessor from Equipment and Modifications Services — often an occupational therapist — to help you.
If you’re on a low income, you can apply for a Disability Allowance to help with the cost of items you need for your personal care, for example, incontinence pads or clothes that wear out quickly because of your disability.
If your claim is accepted, your ACC case owner arranges help for you. They carry out a Social Rehabilitation Assessment to work out what you need. If your injury is serious and going to affect you for a long time, they do a Support Needs Assessment.
If you need help with other things that are not related to your injury, your ACC case owner contacts a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) team to ask for a needs assessment.
After a stay in hospital
If you’re in hospital and need some help for a short time when you get home, talk to the social worker at the hospital. They can arrange help through the Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC).
If you find that you need help after you’re back home, contact your family doctor or the doctor treating you.
If you have someone caring for you
Your carer can apply for a Supported Living Payment if:
they’re not your partner
they care for you full time
you would otherwise need to move into residential care, for example, a rest home or long-stay hospital.
You can apply for Supported Living Payment, which can help to pay for your personal care if:
you have a health condition, injury or disability that means you cannot work now or in the future, or
you’re blind — you need to provide evidence, for example, an assessment from your opthalmologist or optometrist, or a Work Capacity Medical Certificate from your doctor.
Most retirement villages do not provide day-to-day personal care as part of their services. If you cannot afford to pay for it yourself, you can get help through a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) team.
There are other ways you can get help with day-to-day personal care.
You can pay for services yourself. If you have a needs assessment, ask the Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) team to suggest services in your area.
If you have private health insurance, check your policy to find out if they pay for services to support you in your home.
Some charities or foundations offer services to people depending on their situation. Your Citizens Advice Bureau can help.
65 years or older
Discounted services
If you’re 65 or older, your SuperGold Card offers discounts for some businesses that provide personal care in your home.
Age Concern can arrange for someone to visit you regularly. They’ll find a volunteer with similar interests to you who can provide you with some company.
