Positive Ageing - Ask Questions Before Choosing A Rest Home
It is sometimes difficult to know what questions to ask when looking for a rest home for an elderly relative.
Consumer NZ says certification audits show that rest homes do not always meet all the required criteria.
Consumer has drawn up a rest home checklist setting out the sort of questions you should ask, covering such things as staff levels, facilities and extras, and hidden costs.
The checklist is available, free, on the Consumer website. It can be printed and used to help you assess the rest homes you’re considering.
www.consumer.org.nz.reports/rest-homes/checklist
There is a list of ‘certified providers’ of rest home services on the Ministry of Health website.
The Ministry of Health has also started publishing key findings from rest-home audits online.
Before signing an admission agreement, make sure you are clear about what is being agreed with the rest home; the admission agreement should make clear exactly what service and care the rest home occupant should receive.