Your Rights in a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility
Photo source: openverse, Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz
Moving into a rest home, hospital level care or assisted living facility is a big step for you or someone you love. Knowing your rights as a resident in New Zealand helps you feel safe, respected and in control from the very first day.
The Code of Rights
Everyone receiving health and disability services in New Zealand is protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. This includes aged residential care. The Code sets out ten rights, and providers must follow them whether you pay privately or receive government funding.
What your rights mean day to day
You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity and to have your privacy, culture and beliefs honoured. You are also entitled to be free from discrimination, coercion, harassment and exploitation. Your care must be of a suitable standard and delivered in a way that supports your independence. You have the right to clear communication in a language and manner you understand, with an interpreter if needed.
You are entitled to be fully informed about your care, including your options, costs and expected results. Nothing should happen without your informed consent, and you can say no or change your mind at any time. You may also have a support person with you, such as a family member, friend or advocate.
Before you sign anything
You should receive a written admission agreement before moving in. Take your time to read it, and consider asking a lawyer or trusted adviser to look it over. Check what the fees cover, what extras may cost, and what happens if your needs change or you decide to leave. Visit more than once if you can, and talk with current residents and their families.
Making a complaint
If something does not feel right, you have the right to complain and to have your concern handled fairly and promptly. Start by talking with the facility manager or following the complaints process in your agreement. If you are still not satisfied, free and independent help is available. The Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service can support you on 0800 555 050, and the Health and Disability Commissioner can be reached on 0800 11 22 33. Raising a concern should never lead to unfair treatment.
Speak up with confidence.
Your rights do not disappear when you move into care. Ask questions, involve people you trust, and speak up when you need to.
