Understanding the pathways to aged care at home with the right support for you and your family

Realising you or someone you love might need extra help at home can feel daunting. Perhaps daily tasks are becoming harder, or you’re worried about safety. Here’s the reassuring truth: staying in your own home with the right support is not only possible; it’s what most people choose. It is absolutely possible to age well in the safety and comfort of your own home and maintain your independence.

Want Home Care Support? You’re Not Alone

According to the 2025 New Zealand Seniors Quality of Life Report, nearly 69% of New Zealanders want to age independently at home. The government’s ‘ageing in place‘ policy supports this by providing community services to help people stay in their homes safely for longer. Getting elder care at home doesn’t mean losing your independence; quite the opposite. The right in-home health care support with tasks that have become challenging actually enables you to keep living the life you want, for longer. Think of it as gaining support, not giving up control.

What Do In-Home Care Services Look Like?

Home care services in New Zealand are flexible and built around your needs. In-home support can include home caregivers for showering and dressing, household tasks such as cleaning and meal preparation, companionship and social connection, nurse visits, and home modifications like handrails or ramps for safety. Whether you need general support or specialised community nursing care, you can choose what works for your situation, starting with as little or as much help as you need.

For more than 100 years, Access has been a trusted provider of home care, currently supporting around 40,000 people annually with a team of 3,500 dedicated staff. We meet you wherever you are, and can adapt our services as your circumstances evolve, with home support, nursing and allied health care such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy available through one national organisation.

Publicly Funded vs. Private Home Care in New Zealand

Publicly funded aged care at home is likely to be available if you are a New Zealander with an ongoing illness, injury, age-related health condition, or disability which means you need support in your home. The process to get funding usually starts with a needs assessment through a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NZNASC) agency to determine eligibility. Access is a lead provider for government-funded services, holding established contracts with Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Ministry of Social Development (MSD), ACC for injury support. We also provide Individualised Funding services. Your health professional such as your GP or nurse, can refer you, or you can contact your local NZNASC directly and ask them to refer you to Access.

Get funded care and support services

Private home care services are self-funded and offer more flexibility. You choose your provider, agree on your schedule, and can usually get started with in-home support faster. Many families use private home care alongside public funding to add services that may not be funded, appreciating the personalised approach it provides.

Get self-funded, private services

Getting Started on Your Home Care Journey

Talk with your whānau, your health care provider or someone you trust about getting support at home organised.

If you are considering publicly funded support, talk to your GP for a refer to your local Needs Assessment Coordination Service. If you’re exploring private aged care options, you can contact reputable providers in your area directly.

Starting early gives you control and choice about staying independent and living well in your own home.

Get Home Care with Confidence

Asking for help is a practical step toward maintaining your independence and quality of life. At Access, we understand these decisions can feel overwhelming, but we are here to walk alongside you.

We are experts in navigating the funding available and providing compassionate care.

Whether you have general questions about funding or you are looking for an immediate, flexible private home care schedule tailored to your needs, our friendly team is here to help. Complete our simple website contact form for a rapid response, or reach out to discuss your options.