MA Healthcare | Care Options + FAQs

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

We believe in treating our clients with dignity, respect, and empathy, fostering a sense of trust and ensuring their comfort and happiness.

What is aged residential care?

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Aged residential care provides accommodation and support for older adults who can no longer live independently at home. It includes assistance with daily living, medical care, and social engagement.

What types of care do you provide (e.g., rest home, hospital, dementia, palliative)?

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We offer a range of care services, including rest home care, hospital-level care, dementia care, and palliative care all across our four facilities. Each level is tailored to meet the specific needs of our residents.

What is the difference between rest home and hospital care?

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Rest home care focuses on helping residents with daily activities and general wellbeing, while hospital care is for those with complex medical needs requiring 24/7 nursing care.

What is the process for moving into aged residential care?

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The process involves a referral from your General Practitioner (GP), followed by an assessment by a needs assessor to determine your care needs, choosing a suitable facility, and completing the admission paperwork. Our team can guide you through each step of the way.

Eligibility and Admission

How do I know if I or my loved one is eligible for aged care services?

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Eligibility is determined through a needs assessment conducted by Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination (NASC). You can ask your GP for an assessment referral, or get in touch with your local service via the NASC website at nznasca.co.nz. You are also welcome to contact us for assistance with arranging this assessment.

Can I visit the facility before deciding?

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Absolutely! We would like to encourage you to schedule a visit to explore our facilities by contacting us here, meet our staff, and experience our care homes firsthand.

Am I required to appoint an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) before moving into the facility?

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Yes. An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) for personal care and welfare is a formal legal document that allows a trusted individual to make decisions about your health and wellbeing if you become unable to do so yourself. There are two types of EPOAs: one for Personal Care and Welfare and another for Property.

Do I need a referral or reassesment to apply?

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Yes, an interRAI assessment is usually required to determine the appropriate level of care and to test for eligibility for funding.

What documents are required for admission?

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You will need your interRAI assessment, identification, any relevant medical records, and financial details for funding assessments if applicable.

What if I do not have an activated EPOA?

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If there is no Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) in place, the family should seek to appoint a welfare guardian and possibly a property manager under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights (PPPR) Act. This appointed individual will make decisions on behalf of the person with dementia, ensuring those decisions align with the person's best interests. Typically, these decisions involve consultation with other family members/whānau, the Manager, a registered nurse, and/or the doctor. Without this alternative document, an admission cannot take place.
Effective communication is crucial in this process. Several organisations can provide support, including Alzheimers Auckland, the Advocacy Service, the Mental Health for Older Adults team or nurse specialists (e.g., Gerontology, Dementia), as well as chaplains or religious and cultural groups.

Costs and Funding

How much does aged care cost?

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Costs vary based on the level of care required and the type of accommodation chosen. Contact us for a detailed breakdown.

What is a financial means assesment and how does it work?

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A financial means assessment determines your eligibility for government funding via MSD. It takes into consideration your income and assets to calculate how much you will need to contribute toward your care.

What is the difference between private and subsidised care?

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Private care is fully paid by the resident, while subsidised care is partially funded by the government after a financial means assessment through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

Are there any hidden fees or additional charges?

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No, we provide a transparent fee structure. Additional charges, such as premium room upgrades or extra services, are outlined upfront and can be accessed via your Admission Agreement.

Accommodation and Services

What is included in the care package?

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Our care packages typically include accommodation, meals, 24/7 nursing care, medication, GP visits, assistance with daily living, housekeeping, laundry services, and access to social and recreational activities.

Can I personalise the room with belongings?

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Yes! Residents are encouraged to bring personal items such as photos, small furniture, or decorations to make their rooms feel like home. You may bring a TV or a small fridge which entails monthly power consumption charges.

What types of rooms are available?

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We offer a variety of room options, including standard rooms, premium rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and shared accommodations. You can choose based on your preferences, budget and facility availability.

What amenities and facilities are available?

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Depending on the facility, it includes landscaped gardens, communal dining areas, activity rooms, a mini library, and spaces for family visits.

Healthcare and Support

What medical and nursing care is provided?

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Our team provides 24/7 nursing care, medication management, routine health checks, and access to our facility GP, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals as needed.

How are medications managed?

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All medications delivered from our contracted pharmacy are managed by our trained nursing and care staff, ensuring accurate administration and compliance with legislative requirements.

Can residents keep their own GP?

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Enrolling with our facility GP is encouraged because they provide timely, onsite and offsite care, collaborate closely with the nursing staff, and ensure seamless management of residents' specific healthcare needs such as prescribing medication including antibiotics. While enrolling with the facility GP is encouraged, residents retain the choice to remain with their existing GP if they prefer and if it is within a reasonable distance from the facility.

What happens in a medical emergency?

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In the event of a medical emergency, our staff is trained to provide immediate care and will coordinate with emergency services and the resident’s family as appropriate.

Food and Nutrition

Are meals provided, and can dietary needs be accommodated?

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Yes, all meals are provided, and we cater to each individual’s dietary requirements, including allergies, medical conditions, and cultural preferences.

Are family members able to bring food for residents?

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Yes, family members can bring food for residents, but we recommend discussing this with staff to ensure that dietary or medical considerations are met.

Can residents have input into their meals?

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We encourage feedback from the residents on meal options, and regular discussions with our kitchen team ensure that menus are varied and meet our residents’ preferences.

Activities and Social Life

What activities and programmes are offered for residents?

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We offer a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, gardening, music therapy, exercise classes, church services, and social outings. Activities are designed to cater to all levels of ability.

Can residents participate in religious or cultural practices?

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We support residents in maintaining their religious and cultural practices. This includes facilitating visits from religious leaders, celebrating cultural events, and providing spaces for worship or reflection.

Are there opportunities for social interaction and outings?

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Yes, we encourage social interaction through group activities, events, and outings to local sites. Family members are welcome to join in some activities.

Visitors and Communication

Are visitors allowed and what are the visiting hours?

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Visitors are always welcome between 10 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Sunday. We can also have flexible visiting hours to accommodate family and friends, with guidelines in place to ensure residents’ privacy and safety. If you will be visiting after 5 PM, please contact the Manager.

Can family members stay overnight?

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Yes, family members can stay overnight under special circumstances. We recommend discussing this with management to make appropriate arrangements.

How do residents stay connected with family and friends?

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Residents can stay connected through phone at their own expense, video calls, and in-person visits. We can also assist with technology (such as (Wi-Fi, mobile phone use) to help residents communicate with their loved ones.

Staffing and Safety

What qualifications and training do your staff have?

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Our staff have various qualifications across all four facilities. We also provide monthly in-service trainings and education sessions from our local Gerontology Nurse Specialist (GNS) and other healthcare partners. First Aid training is also mandatory for all staff. We believe that continuous professional development ensures high-quality care for our residents.

How is are the facilities secured to ensure resident safety?

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Our facilities are equipped with security systems, including monitored entrances and exits, security rounds, and staff are available 24/7 to ensure safety and wellbeing.

How are complaints or concerns handled?

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We have a formal complaints process in place. Concerns can be raised with any staff member or through our management team, and we are committed to resolving issues promptly and transparently. We believe that complaints are our opportunities to improve our services.

Transition and End-of-Life Care

Can a resident transition to a higher level of care if needed?

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Yes, we provide a continuum of care, allowing residents to transition seamlessly to a higher level of care as their needs change.

What support is available for end-of-life care?

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We offer compassionate palliative care, including pain management, and emotional support for residents and their families during this difficult time.

What happens if a resident wants to move to a different facility?

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If a resident wishes to transfer, we will assist with the process and provide all necessary documentation to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care. 21 days written notice is required should the resident wish to discharge from the facility.

Covid-19 and Other Contingencies

What measures are in place to handle COVID-19 or other outbreaks?

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We follow strict Infection Prevention Control protocols, including regular cleaning, staff PPE use, visitor guidelines, and resident vaccinations to prevent outbreaks.

What is your policy on vaccination for staff and residents?

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We strongly encourage vaccinations for both staff and residents to ensure a safe environment. Vaccination via our pharmacy is arranged annually.

How do you ensure the safety of residents during emergencies?

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We have an emergency plan in place for situations like natural disasters or pandemics. Staff are regularly trained in evacuation procedures and emergency responses.

Additional Questions

Can pets visit or stay with residents?

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Pets are welcome to visit, and some facilities allow residents to have small pets with prior approval by the Manager. Pet therapy sessions are also available.

How is privacy maintained for residents?

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Residents’ privacy is respected through private rooms, secure storage for personal items by notifying management, and confidentiality in medical and personal care.

Do you offer respite care or short term stays?

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Yes, we offer respite care and short-term stays for individuals recovering from illness or to provide temporary relief for family caregivers via Carer Support or private funding.

Further questions?

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If your question is not answered above, feel free to reach out to us. Our contact details can be found here.

We enrich the lives of our residents with respect and dignity

Rest Home Care

Hospital Care

Dementia Care