Throughout most areas there are a wide range of alternative housing options designed for older people.These will range from small "pensioner" flats run by council to well appointed apartments and flats in retirement villages. Some complexes will offer few services, while others can offer rest home level care within an apartment. Likewise there will be a mixture of rentals and various purchase options.

Sometimes it is not practical to remain at home and a shift to a purpose built unit offers a more sensible option.Although some retirement village units offer a "package"of various services, it is possible that people could qualify for HFA funded help and this should be explored first.

As people often ask questions about accommodation, here is some information to help.

Rates Rebates.
Do you qualify for a rates rebate?
Every year many people get a rebate of up to $500.
Councils administer the rates rebate scheme on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs. More information here.

Accomodation Allowance.
Often you may qualify for Accomodation assistance through Work and Income. More Information here

Retirement Villages And Semi-Independent Units

New Zealand is following overseas trends by witnessing an increasing number of retired people going into retirement villages or some other aspect of semi-independent living.

As people are often confused by the way retirement villages work, the common questions are addressed below.

What Do Retirement Villages Provide?

Retirement villages usually have units for sale or rent, these may be sited in proximity of other services such as a rest home or long stay hospital. While some people may choose to live quite independently, others can choose to "purchase" a variety of services such as meals, home help, laundry, personal assistance etc.

The "ageing in place" concept can apply to a certain extent as people access more services but remain in the same complex. For those requiring further care, the shift does not provide the same disruption, as they will already be familiar with staff and residents in the adjoining rest home.

What Should I Know About Purchasing, Renting and What Additional Costs Do I Have To Pay?

Some units are rented, but the majority are either purchased by Unit title meaning the owners will actually own the unit.

Another alternative system is known as a "licence to occupy" which gives the residents the right to use the unit for life, with full access to common amenities, but the resident's name does not appear on the title.

There are various methods of "sale" of the property, and intending residents should ensure they understand the provisions clearly before buying units. In most cases a percentage of the sale cost goes to the company/organisation, for maintenance/development etc.

In addition there will be a weekly or monthly fee for village services and programmes, rates, insurance etc.

In addition to the above factors, potential residents should ask about the following:

• What services are covered by the standard fee, and what do additional services cost?
• What activities are provided? What services are available if residents become unwell?
• What form of emergency call system operates?
• What degree of oversight/monitoring is provided?
• Is transport available?
• Can relatives stay?
• What assurances of financial security are provided?
• To what extent do residents have a say in the running of the village?
• How does the unit have to be sold and what reductions are made before the final settlement figure is established?

Local Authority Housing
(also known as Council "pensioner"flats)

These units are available for people with limited means who meet the necessary criteria that has been determined by the Council.Those members of the public wishing to be considered for a unit need to complete an application form which is available at any of the Council Service Centres and provided their application meets the criteria determined by the Council, then they will be placed on a waiting list and as units become available then they will be contacted and offered that unit.

Find local Pensioner Housing here

• Tauranga

• Taranaki

• Horowhenua

Equity Release

For latest information on Equity Release Code of Practice  link here.