Supported Living & Respite NZ

Supported Living & Respite NZ

Finding Support for Home and Community Life

This directory provides information and connections to services that support disabled people to live as independently as possible in their community, and that provide essential breaks for carers (respite).

Whether you are exploring long-term living options, support to live in your own home, or short-term respite care, understanding the available pathways and providers is the first step.

Lead Government Agency for Disability Support

Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People is the primary government agency responsible for the overall disability support system in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its purpose is to give disabled people and their whānau greater choice, control, and flexibility over their lives and the supports they use. This includes significant funding for supported living arrangements and respite care services.

Key Role in Supported Living & Respite: Whaikaha funds a wide range of home and community supports that enable people to live independently. This includes support workers, personal care, household management, and funded respite options to provide breaks for unpaid carers. Support is often allocated through Individualised Funding, giving people more direct control over the services they receive.

Coverage: Nationwide (Aotearoa New Zealand)

Website: https://www.whāikaha.govt.nz/

Local Gateway to Funded Disability Support

Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) organisations are local agencies that act as the primary point of contact for accessing many publicly funded disability supports. They work under the direction of Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People and Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand to assess individual needs, determine eligibility, and coordinate services.

Key Role in Supported Living & Respite: A NASC is often the first step for adults seeking support. Their trained staff work with you to understand your goals and daily needs. They can then allocate funding and help plan a package of supports, which may include support workers for daily living, personal care, household management, and funding for respite care options.

How to Connect: You must contact the NASC that serves your specific region. Whaikaha provides a full directory.

Coverage: Region-specific. Each geographic area in New Zealand is served by a designated NASC.

Find Your Local NASC: Whaikaha's "Find a NASC" Directory

Understanding Respite Care Options

Respite care provides a temporary break for unpaid carers and a positive experience for the person they support. It is an essential service that helps sustain caring relationships and supports the wellbeing of the whole whānau. Respite can be planned regularly or used in an emergency, and it takes many forms to suit different needs.

Common Types of Respite Include:

  • In-Home Respite: A support worker comes to the home to provide care, allowing the primary carer to go out or rest.

  • Community-Based Respite: The person supported participates in day programmes, activities, or short outings with a provider.

  • Short-Term Residential Respite: The person stays for a short period in a dedicated facility or a respite home, often to allow the carer a longer break or to cover a hospital stay.

  • Centre-Based Respite: Care is provided at a specific facility during the day.

Accessing Respite: Funding for respite is typically allocated through your local NASC organisation as part of a support plan. Discussing your needs with your NASC coordinator is the first step.

Residential, Vocational & Respite Services

IDEA Services is a subsidiary of IHC New Zealand and one of Aotearoa's largest providers of support for people with intellectual disabilities. They offer a range of residential, vocational, and community-based services designed to support people to live fulfilling lives as part of their community.

Key Services Include:

  • Supported Living: 24/7 residential support in group homes or individual tenancies.

  • Respite Care: Planned and emergency short-term residential breaks at dedicated respite houses across the country.

  • Community Participation: Day programmes and activities that build skills and connections.

  • Vocational Services: Employment training and support through Choices NZ.

Coverage: Nationwide, with services in many regions across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Website: https://www.ihc.org.nz
General Enquiries: 0800 442 442
Email: info@ihc.org.nz

Planning, Choices & Advocacy

Finding the right supported living or respite option is a significant decision. Being prepared, knowing your rights, and having support to speak up can make the process clearer and ensure the choices you make are the best fit for you or your whānau.

Key Considerations & Resources:

  • Your Rights: You have the right to be treated with respect, to have your needs and preferences heard, and to be actively involved in all decisions about your support. The Health and Disability Commissioner provides a code of rights and a free advocacy service.

  • Asking Questions: When meeting with a NASC or service provider, it can help to prepare questions. For example: "What are my different housing options?", "Can I meet the staff who will be supporting me?", "How are emergencies handled?", "How flexible is the respite schedule?"

  • Advocacy Support: Organisations like People First New Zealand (run by and for people with learning disabilities) or local Disability Information and Advisory Services can provide advice and support to help you communicate your needs and understand your options.

  • Future Planning: For families, thinking about long-term future care and support is important. Resources for future planning can guide these conversations.

A Starting Point:

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