Comprehensive Guide to End-of-Life Support in New Zealand

This is a guide to end of life support in NZ.

Navigating the final stages of life can be a challenging and emotional journey, not only for those who are terminally ill but also for their families and caregivers. In New Zealand, the government recognises the importance of providing robust support systems during these times. End of life support that the government provides offers essential assistance to ensure that individuals receive the necessary care and dignity in their remaining days, easing the burden on their loved ones. This programme is crucial in delivering compassionate, hospital-level care to those with a life expectancy of less than six weeks.

One of the significant components of New Zealand’s end-of-life support is the provision of six weeks of paid support, which can be utilised for either residential care in a rest home or for carer support at home. This initiative is fully funded by the government for a standard room in rest homes. If care is at home they can provide approx $120 per day for a care giver to relieve the burden on the family. The flexibility of this programme allows families to choose the facility that best suits their needs, with the government covering the expenses for standard rooms, though premium rooms may incur additional costs.

Moreover, the programme addresses the needs of primary caregivers by providing financial relief and professional support, ensuring they are not overwhelmed by their caregiving duties. If the patient’s condition extends beyond the initial six-week period, a referral to a local assessor will determine future care needs, which will then be income and asset-tested. This approach ensures that continuous, tailored care is available while considering the financial circumstances of the patient’s family.

Criteria for Palliative Funding

To be eligible for palliative funding through the DHBs, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Terminal Illness: The patient must have a confirmed terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than six months. This needs to be certified by a qualified healthcare professional, typically a doctor.
Residency: The patient must be a resident within the DHB area. This ensures that the funding is allocated to individuals living within the jurisdiction of the DHB.
Medical Certification: A doctor must complete the clinical recommendation section of the application form, verifying the patient’s medical condition and prognosis. If another healthcare professional completes this section, it must still be signed off by a doctor.
Care Plan: A comprehensive care plan should be provided, detailing the palliative care services required. This plan helps in assessing the exact needs of the patient and the appropriate level of funding.
Application Form: The application form must be completed in full, including all necessary documentation and signatures. This form is available from the DHB websites and needs to be submitted to the appropriate department for review.
Assessment and Approval: After submission, the application is reviewed by a local assessor or a palliative care team to ensure that all criteria are met and to approve the funding. This process involves evaluating the patient’s condition and the proposed care plan.

For more detailed information and to download the application form, you can visit the Waikato DHB website

Funding and Costs

The New Zealand government provides substantial financial support for end-of-life care to ensure terminally ill patients receive appropriate and dignified care. This support covers up to six weeks of paid care, which can be utilised either in a residential rest home or for carer support at home.

Government Funding Details

For those opting for residential care, the government fully funds the cost of a standard room in a rest home. This is not income or asset tested. This funding arrangement allows families to select the facility that best meets their loved one’s needs without worrying about the cost of a standard room. If a premium room is preferred, families should be aware that they will have to pay the extra for that. These are typically bigger rooms, having a ensuite and may have fridges, balconies etc.

In the case of home-based care, the government allocates approximately $120 per day to support the main carer. This subsidy is intended to provide relief to the primary caregiver by allowing them to hire professional assistance, thus ensuring that the patient receives necessary care while the caregiver gets much-needed rest and support. There is also similar long term care available accessible via a needs assessment.

Additional Costs and Considerations

While the government funding is comprehensive for standard care, families opting for enhanced services or premium accommodations should prepare for additional expenses. Premium rooms in rest homes come with extra daily charges (from $20 – $200 extra per night), which can add up over time. It’s essential for families to budget for these costs if they prefer more luxurious or private accommodations.

Furthermore, if the patient lives beyond the initial six-week period, there will be a reassessment by a local assessor. This reassessment determines future care needs and funding, which will then be subject to income and asset testing. This ensures that ongoing care is tailored to the patient’s evolving needs while considering the financial situation of the patient and their family.

Overall, the government’s financial support for end-of-life care in New Zealand aims to alleviate the burden on families, allowing them to focus on providing emotional support to their loved ones during this challenging time.

New Zealand’s end-of-life care funding is a compassionate initiative that helps families navigate one of life’s most profound and emotional journeys. By alleviating financial worries and ensuring quality care, it allows families to focus on their emotional well-being and cherish the time they have left with their loved ones.