May 22, 2025 Julie Garlick

Respite Care Options in New Zealand

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Caring for a loved one with a disability or age-related needs can be a deeply rewarding role—but can also be physically and emotionally demanding.

Respite care offers carers the opportunity to rest and maybe recharge, ensuring they can continue providing quality care.

‘Respite’ is taking a break for a few hours, a day, overnight or longer, from your caring responsibilities. It can feel hard to take a break from caring, but taking time out for you can help you feel rested and re-energised. 

A ‘respite option’ is any support or service that gives you a break from your caring responsibilities. This can be a break away or a break for you in your home.  

In New Zealand, several respite care options and funding supports are available to help carers take well-deserved breaks. A Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) provider in your region, can help you to get funding for respite and find respite options that will work best for you, if you are eligible for these funded services.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care in New Zealand provides temporary support for both the person needing care and their caregiver, allowing a caregiver to take a break from their responsibilities. Respite care can take place in various settings, including:

In-home respite: Support workers visit the home to provide care, allowing the primary caregiver to take a break.

Facility-based respite: Short-term stays at a respite care facility provide a change of environment and a break for both the care recipient and caregiver.

Rest homes: Short-term stays at a rest home can provide respite care, particularly for those with more complex care needs.

Community-based activities: Some respite programs offer day care, allowing the person to engage in social activities while the caregiver takes a break.

The goal is to provide a positive experience for the carer and the person receiving care.

Who is Eligible?

In New Zealand, eligible individuals for respite care are typically those who need a break from their caregiving responsibilities due to caring for an older adult, someone with a disability, or someone with a chronic health condition. 

This also includes any individuals who may need support due to a health condition, injury, or disability themselves. 

Carers, whether family members or friends, can access respite to take a break from their caring responsibilities. 

It’s important for carers to plan regular breaks and time out. Having a break gives you the chance to ‘recharge your batteries’ and follow your own interests. The person you care for may benefit from a break too.

Eligibility for respite care typically requires a Needs Assessment & Service Coordination (NASC) provider. The NASC assessment determines the type and amount of all respite support you can access.

You may qualify if:

You are a full-time, unpaid carer providing more than four hours of care daily

The person you care for has a disability or age-related support needs

You are an individual living with chronic health conditions or mental health and addiction issues

Individual has an injury covered by Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

Following a hospital stay or rehabilitation you need respite care

You must have a combination of needs to be eligible for respite care. They may include things such as:

needing support from your carer to manage at night

supervision with getting around your home

needing reminding to carry out the day-to-day tasks

needing significant help with toileting

You can find your local NASC provider through the Disability Support Services website: www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/disabled-people/assessment-and-funding/needs-assessment-services

Funding Options for Respite Care

In New Zealand, respite care funding comes from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). These funds are accessed through the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) system and can include subsidies like the Carer Support Subsidy and Individualised Funding - Respite. 

The type of respite you might get depends on your needs and the needs of the person you care for and what is available in your area. Your break might be for a short period (half a day, or overnight) or for several weeks depending on your situation.

ACC also provides funding for respite care, if the person has a work-related injury. 

Key Funding Options Include:

1. Carer Support Subsidy

Carer Support is a subsidy that helps you take some time out for yourself. It provides reimbursement for some of the costs of care and support for the recipient of care while you have a break.  You will usually have to pay a ‘top-up’ amount for the service.

You can use it to pay for:

A support worker (excluding partner or someone living at the same address).

Short-term residential care.

Day programmes or activities.

Note: You must be a full-time carer to receive the Carer Support Subsidy, providing more than 4 hours a day of unpaid care, e.g. as the parent of a disabled child.

The number of days and the subsidy amount are determined during NASC assessment, and then once approved then the Carer Support Subsidy can be paid to:

Friends and some family members

Neighbours or other people who provide relief care

Formal services (e.g. a rest home or holiday programme)

For more information, visit: www.info.health.nz/services-support/support-services/support-for-carers

2. Individualised Funding (IF)

IF provides greater flexibility by allowing disabled individuals to manage their own support services, including respite care.

This funding can be used for:

Hiring support workers.

Paying for community activities or programmes.

Eligibility for IF is determined through a NASC assessment.

Learn more at -: www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/disabled-people/assessment-and-funding/individualised-funding

3. ACC-Funded Respite

If the person you care for has an injury covered by ACC, you may be eligible for respite support through ACC. This can include in-home care or short-term residential care.

Contact ACC directly (www.acc.co.nz/contact) and speak with your case manager.

How to Access Respite Care

Contact your local NASC provider: They will assess your situation and determine your eligibility for respite services. www.healthpoint.co.nz/public/older-peoples-health/needs-assessment-and-service-co-ordination

Develop a Support Plan: Work with your NASC to create a plan that outlines the type and frequency of respite care needed.

Choose a Respite Option: Select from available services in your region. www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/carers/respite-advice-and-other-resources/auckland-region-respite-options

Apply for Funding: Submit the necessary forms to access subsidies.

Additional Resources

Carers New Zealand: Offers support and information for carers. Visit - www.carers.net.nz

Search “respite care” Online to find support workers and agencies

Seniorline: Provides information for older people and their carers. Learn more at – www.info.health.nz

Health NZ (Te Whatu Ora) – Manages public health and disability services, including respite care guidelines. Learn more at – www.tewhatuora.govt.nz

Ministry of Social Development – Guide for Carers – Detailed information on financial support and planning respite breaks. Learn more at – www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-can-do/community/carers/guide-for-carers/index.html

Eldernet – Aged care resource with listings of respite and short-term care providers. Access it at - www.eldernet.co.nz

You Deserve a Break

Being a carer can be tough—but you don’t have to do it all alone. Respite care isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about sustaining your ability to continue to provide care in the long term, without burning out.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or even just a bit run down, don’t wait. Reach out, explore your options, and take that well-earned breather. It’s not only okay to ask for help—it’s essential.