Introduction

This is a research-based decision support tool for older people thinking about their homes and what will work for them into the future.

The tool reflects three years of research and development with older people and the many services used by older people.

The tool is independent. It does not promote any product or company.

The research has been undertaken by independent researchers at CRESA, Public Policy & Research, Katoa, and the University of Auckland. You can find more about the Find the Best Fit research and other home and house related research for older people at www.goodhomes.co.nz.

The decision support tool is designed to help older people:

• Think about the opportunities and constraints provided by their current home.
• Identify more clearly the issues or concerns they might have about their living environment either now or into the near future.

Why have we developed this tool? Because:

• Thinking about the future is complex. Older people are bombarded with often contradictory advice and information. This tool helps people to work through information and guides them as to the sort of 'homework' they might need to do to think about options.
• Solutions are often promoted (and accepted) BEFORE the real issues are identified. Starting with a solution (whether it is moving or staying) means alternatives and better solutions can be missed.

This tool can be used:

• By individuals
• By working with family or whānau, a friend, a service provider or needs assessor.
• By working through the sequence from issues (i-section) to opportunities (A-section) to information sections (B-section and C-section).
• By dipping into and browsing the different sections: issues (i-section), opportunities (A-section), and information pages (B-section and C-section).
• As many times as a person wants to.
• With a printout can be found here, so that pages of interest can be written down for later consideration.

This tool is to support decision-making. It is not designed to make the decision or take the decision away from people. Sometimes people will find what they are really comfortable with and what will really suit them by looking through different opportunities and combinations of opportunities.

A few things to remember:

• We rarely use specific figures or dollar values, but where they are used, they are current for 2021 and may change. The suggested information resources will help you to check for current information.
• This has been developed for people living anywhere in New Zealand. Opportunities, regulations or services can differ from place to place. Users need to check local conditions. The information pages makes suggestions as to where specific advice and information might be sought.
• People's resources and financial situations are all different. The information pages indicate the sort of resources people might need to pursue some options.
• Many of the opportunities and solutions identified will be useful to older people whether they are renters or owner occupiers, but the tool has been developed primarily for owner occupiers. Consequently, some options that require a housing asset will not be suitable for renters. A renters tool may be developed out of other research in the future.
• This tool is all about living in the community. It is not a needs assessment for rest home or hospital care. For information about aged residential care, see www.health.govt.nz.

Start by reading some Stories or Looking into issues you may have.

Disclaimer

CRESA and associates have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of content in this tool. Information has been provided in good faith and on the basis that every endeavour has been made to be accurate and not misleading. We shall not be liable or responsible for the accuracy or omission of any statement, opinion, advice or information in this tool. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for any damage or injury arising from use of this tool, or reliance on information contained in this tool. © 2021

Acknowledgements

We thank the large number of older people and various organisations who helped us to develop and test the tool. We especially appreciate the guidance and advice of Associate Professor Catherine Bridge, Director of the Home Modification Information Clearinghouse Service, University of New South Wales. We also thank the funders: the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, BRANZ Levy, the Retirement Villages Association and the Commission for Financial Capability.

Important Contacts and Resources

• Age Concern - provides advocacy, advice and information about services available to people 65 plus. There are branches throughout New Zealand.
  www.ageconcern.org.nz
  0800 652105


• Citizens Advice Bureau - provide a free and confidential service to ensure that individuals are aware of their rights, responsibilities and the options/services available to them. There are branches throughout New Zealand.
  www.cab.org.nz
  Freephone 0800 367 222


• Commission for Financial Capability - These websites include information on retirement villages, retirement planning, financial tools and calculators.
  www.cffc.org.nz
  www.sorted.org.nz


• Eldernet - provides a nationwide directory of retirement and lifestyle villages, home help services, aged care services, rest homes, residential and other care options, hospitals and other services for seniors.
  www.eldernet.co.nz


• Grey Power - is an advocacy organisation for those aged 50 plus. There are branches throughout the country. Members pay a yearly subscription which entitles them to a number of discounts and access to Grey Power Electricity.
  www.greypower.co.nz
  Freephone 0800 473 979


• Home & Community Health Association - is an umbrella organisation for home and community health providers. Information on the types of support services available and how to access services and funding can be found on their website, as well the standards and guidelines for professional carers.
  www.hcha.org.nz


• Maori Housing Network - information, advice and practical support for whānau, hapū and iwi about community home repairs, infrastructure for housing (e.g. power, water, roading), and papakāinga development. The network manages funding for projects. Funding is subject to certain criteria.
  www.tpk.govt.nz/en/whakamahia/maori-housing-network/information/


• Ministry of Health - information on home support services, how to access publicly funded health and disability services, information on residential care, certification and audits of rest homes and aged residential care facilities and home modifications and related subsidies.
  www.health.govt.nz


• Ministry of Social Development Office for Seniors - information on the types of financial support and services available for seniors.
  Website:officeforseniors.govt.nz
  Seniors Freephone: 0800 3266865


• Returned Services Association (RSA) - provides support and advice to current and ex-service defence force personnel and their dependents. Each branch has a local Welfare Officer who can link individuals with Veterans Affairs, provide financial assistance and advocacy, facilitate access to welfare services and help with practical tasks. There are 180 branches throughout New Zealand.
  www.rsa.org.nz
  Head Office 04 384 7994


• Seniorline - information to help older people navigate the healthcare system and make decisions about staying at home, moving to a retirement village, homecare, day care and rest home care.
  Freephone 0800 725 463
  http://www.adhb.govt.nz/seniorline/


• Services for Seniors - a brochure produced by the Ministry of Social Development containing information on NZ Superannuation, Veteran's Pension, extra financial help, help from other organisations and community groups.
  www.workandincome.govt.nz/documents/eligibility/seniors/services-for-seniors.pdf


• SuperGold - provides a directory of businesses offering discounts and concessions to SuperGold Card holders.
  www.supergold.govt.nz


• Veterans' Affairs - is an organisation that aims to ensure all veterans have access to the entitlements, services and supports available to them. They provide information and access to pensions, travel allowances/concessions, rehabilitation, aids and appliances, as well as the Veteran's Independence Programme and family support.
  www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz
  Freephone 0800 483 8372

The information pages (B-section and C-section) provide details on more contacts.