Archer Care
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Care Fee System & Subsides
Care can be paid for privately or be partially or fully subsidised by the government. The subsidy you are eligible for is subject to asset and income testing and is determined by Work & Income NZ (WINZ).
The government sets a daily/weekly care fee for each level of care. (e.g rest home, dementia, hospital)
Fully Subsidised Care
If your financial summary of cash and assets is below the maximum subsidy threshold (approximately $292,000 in round numbers – adjusted by the Government annually), your Residential Care Fees are fully subsidised by the government.
Private Payers
If your total assets are above the WINZ threshold, you will be required to contribute privately to your fees until your personal funds reduce to this maximum subsidy threshold level.
If you are paying privately, you are only charged at the Rest Home Care Fees rate and premium room fees if appropriate.
If you are assessed as requiring Hospital or Memory Care services, which are at a higher care fee rate, the government pays these additional fees incurred.
Admission Process
Archer aims to make moving into care as seamless as possible.
You will need to work with Archer on your Personalised Care Plan and Admission Agreement.
An Admission Agreement document and Direct Debit form for payments will be required to be filled out and signed within 24 hours of your admission.
A comprehensive Care Plan will be carried out with the Nurses, yourself, and any family/friends you would like to attend. It includes aspects of your wider health, interests, personal preferences, and emergency contacts.
Enduring Power of Attorney
Residents are required to have Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOA) documentation in place.
An EPOA is a legal document allowing you to appoint someone to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
There are two types: Personal and Welfare (one person) and Financial and Property (one or more people) EPOAs must be set up with a lawyer or recognised authority like Public Trust.
All residents entering Dementia Care must have EPOAs enacted.
To learn more about EPOAs click here
Important notes regarding the subsidy application
A Residential Care Subsidy Application Form must be completed if you are applying for a Residential Fees Subsidy. This involves a WINZ Financial Means Assessment.
These forms can be obtained from the Needs Assessment team, your appointed Social Worker, a Case Manager at WINZ, or by contacting WINZ directly at 0800 999 7272.
It is vital to complete and send the application promptly for a decision within 90 days of admission. If you’re unable to complete the application fully, still send them as quickly as you can.
During the 90-day processing period, you are personally responsible for paying the care fees.
If your subsidy is then approved, WINZ will pay these fees to the Archer Care Home, and we will reimburse you for your payments made during this period.
If financial pressure arises while awaiting approval, you can apply for an interest-free WINZ loan. Your home and other significant chattels may count as assets for security for this loan.
The loan scheme can be viewed on the Ministry of Health website: Residential Care Loan Scheme. The National Residential Subsidy Unit can be contacted at 0800 999 727.
Archer Villages & Care Homes has a Hardship Policy to assist residents facing financial or personal challenges.
