The Ryman Care Guide
On the cover: Dora and Gurpreet.
Above: Linda and Sami.
Tailored care, supporting your needs
When people visit Ryman care centres, they often say they can feel the difference. We offer the best of care, delicious meals, engaging activities, and beautiful surroundings. But the real difference is in the laughter, the kindness, and the feeling of connection that is always there.
This guide provides the information you need to get started. Even better, our village managers are experts at guiding residents and families through the process of moving to a care centre. We encourage you to make an appointment with your local village or call 0800 000 290 to speak with our friendly team.
Our commitment to excellence
When Ryman began over 40 years ago, our co-founder Kevin Hickman wanted to build a company committed to excellence. In his words, “Everything we do must be good enough for Mum and Dad.” This philosophy is still our cornerstone today.
A range of care options
We offer independent living, assisted living in serviced apartments, rest home care, respite care, and day care. Most of our villages also provide hospital and specialist dementia care.
Once you live in a Ryman village, you will have priority access to our care options over non-residents. Should a space be unavailable at the time of your transfer, we will do our best to accommodate you at another Ryman village that provides the level of care you need until a space becomes available at your preferred village.
The ‘gold standard’ of care
You can trust that you will receive exceptional care in a Ryman village, and that at all times you will be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.
Of all the large retirement providers in New Zealand (with 15 villages or more), Ryman has the highest number of care centres that have been awarded 4-year certification by the Ministry of Health. This is considered the ‘gold standard’ in care.
Our residents and families put their trust in us. That’s a privilege we take very seriously, and we’ve been repeatedly recognised for excellence in retirement living and care.
Above: Joy and Alison.
Care that’s right for you
To ensure you receive care that’s tailored for you, your needs will be assessed before you arrive. Turn to page 17 for information on how to arrange this assessment. When you move to the care centre we will develop a detailed care plan with you and your family that covers everything you need – right down to how you like your cup of tea.
Your dedicated care team
Our care centres are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At each care centre, the clinical manager and unit co-ordinators oversee caregivers and registered nurses who deliver your daily care. Wherever possible, the same team members will care for you each day.
Your care team is supported by our award-winning app, myRyman Care, which enables them to efficiently record care tasks and access clinical data at your bedside, freeing up more time to spend with you.
Medications are managed electronically, with up-to-date prescriptions and records.
Medical professionals visit the village regularly. A GP or nurse practitioner will review your health upon admission, with follow-up visits monthly or quarterly, depending on your needs. If you prefer, we can arrange for you to keep your own doctor.
Your safety is our priority
All rooms and ensuites have monitored call bells, and the care team carry pagers that alert them if you ring your bell. Our villages have 24-hour security, including overnight monitoring. Rooms and communal areas are fitted with monitored smoke detectors and sprinklers.
With high staffing levels and extensive training, our team is prepared for safety and emergency situations. We hold emergency drills every six months at our villages and care centres, and have emergency generators for your safety and comfort during a power outage.
“They’re so supportive here at the village, just lovely, lovely people. It’s great being able to trust them to look after everything, it’s very reassuring.”
Linda, family member
Top: Claire.
Bottom: Monika and Bruce.
Rest home and hospital care
Rest home and hospital care residents receive the very best of personalised clinical care, while enjoying the benefits of living in our friendly community.
Rest home care
Rest home care may be right for you if you need a little help getting around, or assistance with personal care, medical care, or day-to-day activities. We can assist you with anything from showering and dressing, to administering medicines – it simply depends on your needs.
In some instances, you may be able to receive rest home care in a serviced apartment. Serviced apartments come with support such as housekeeping and a chef-prepared meal every day. Light and spacious with a seamless flow throughout, everything is at your fingertips. There’s a kitchenette with a fridge-freezer and microwave and a private ensuite. To learn more about assisted living in a serviced apartment, refer to our Choosing your retirement lifestyle booklet.
Hospital care
Hospital care is the best option if you have chronic health conditions or need full assistance to move around. We can support all your needs, such as showering, dressing, monitoring and managing your health, assisting with medications, wound care, continence management, and more.
Our team will take great care to maintain your personal dignity at all times. A registered nurse is always on duty, and whilst it is not an acute hospital, our on-call doctor service is also always available.
“It makes me feel years younger knowing that help is there if I need it. It takes the stress away.”
Elizabeth, Ryman resident
Top: Joyce.
Bottom: A hospital care lounge in a Ryman village.
Specialist dementia care
It takes a community to support people living with dementia, and that’s what we’ve created – supportive and inclusive communities where residents can thrive.
Ryman residents aren’t defined by dementia
Ryman has developed an award-winning model of dementia care, myRyman Life, which aims to challenge perspectives on dementia and support residents to live full lives.
The focus is on experience-based care, enabling residents to live in the moment, and to feel kindness, love, and security. Residents are able to do things that bring them joy and fulfilment, and to challenge their brain by learning new games, activities, and skills. In 2020, myRyman Life was named Innovation of the Year – Dementia Care Model Solution at the Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards in Singapore.
Our specialist teams
Our dementia care teams receive specialist training, empowering them to care for residents living with dementia in a positive and therapeutic manner. Where possible, a primary caregiver is dedicated to each resident, helping to build trust, reduce stress, and provide a familiar rhythm to their daily routine.
Dementia-friendly spaces
Our dementia care centres are easy to navigate, and include secure, tranquil outdoor areas designed to give the feeling of a home garden. We provide a calming and safe environment with cues and signage to support memory and help with orientation.
Some villages offer a care companion model, where residents are supported to take part in activities such as baking, knitting, and gardening in dedicated spaces within the dementia centre.
“Everyone was wonderful in supporting my mother’s ever-increasing needs. They went above and beyond to include her in daily life and activities.”
Therese, family member
Top: Maria and Alfred. Bottom: Thelma and Judy.
Respite and day care
Respite care and day care are temporary care options that are helpful in circumstances such as providing extra support after a hospital stay or illness, and enabling family caregivers to rest or go on holiday.
Respite care
You may need some rehabilitation after a hospital stay, or perhaps a little extra help – whether it’s for a few nights or a few weeks. If you still live in your own home, a short stay in one of our care centres could even be a welcome break from your usual routine.
We offer rest home respite care and, in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia respite care. In some circumstances you can even receive respite care in a serviced apartment.
Day care
You also have the option to stay with us in our day care programme where you can enjoy meals and activities during the day and return to your own home afterwards.
Easing the transition
Spending time with us in respite or day care can be beneficial if you think you may need to move to the care centre in the future.
You’ll have the opportunity to chat with other residents, get to know the care team, and experience the services, activities, and social options available. This can help reduce anxiety if a full-time move is needed later.
Above: Jo and Shona.
The care centre experience
In Ryman villages, we’re always finding new ways to enhance your experience. We choose to go beyond what’s expected because we want you to live life to the full.
Care centre amenities
In the care centre you’ll have access to spacious lounges, dining areas, and lush green outdoor spaces where you can meet with friends or family. Other village amenities can include a shop, hair and beauty salon, and a reflection room.*
Delicious meals
Our residents look forward to mealtimes because the food tastes great –and it’s nutritious, with flavoursome meals prepared fresh on site by our village chefs. We offer something to tempt all tastebuds, with good old-fashioned home-cooked meals as well as some more exotic dishes. Think roast chicken or baked teriyaki salmon with a soy and ginger glaze.
With up to 120 different meals served each month, the same meal won’t reappear for four weeks – unless it’s back by popular demand! We cater to special dietary requirements and provide all meals and snacks. If space is available, friends and family are welcome to join you for a meal in the dining room. Meal vouchers are available for purchase at reception.
Fitness classes for all abilities
Our optional ACC-accredited Triple A exercise programme encourages residents to keep moving. Catering for all levels of ability, this free programme improves strength, balance, and mobility, helping you to prevent falls and maintain your independence.
Rest home care fitness classes are held at least twice a week and hospital care fitness classes are held every day. Fitness classes for residents in dementia care are held in the morning and afternoon every day so residents can join in at a time that suits them.
*Amenities vary between villages, please check with your local village.
Above: Fay.
Community and activities
Feeling like you belong is important for wellbeing, so we provide plenty of entertainment and activity options. These are a great way to get to know others in the care centre and build new friendships.
Activities programme
Ryman Engage, our complimentary activities programme, offers a variety of activities that are thoughtfully planned, age and ability appropriate, and make the most of our beautiful amenities.
The programme focuses on key aspects of wellbeing, including physical activity, social engagement, cultural and spiritual enrichment, intellectual stimulation, and creativity.
Every month, residents receive a calendar of scheduled event and activity options such as outings, interest groups, and Happy Hour – always a popular option.
Interest groups
There are many tailored interest groups such as Men’s Club, a chance for blokes to get together; Musical Moments, a music programme aimed at stimulating memories and reminiscence; and Mind Benders, which offers puzzles and quizzes to encourage mental agility. Plus many more – which makes it easy to find people who have the same interests as you.
Not everyone wants to be a social butterfly, and quieter activities are always available if you enjoy a more peaceful pace. There’s something to suit everyone.
Entertainers and visitors
We also welcome entertainers, speakers, and visitors, and host events such as art exhibitions, fashion shows, and performances. Even farm animals stop by for the occasional visit! Family members often join us for these activities.
“There are no strangers here – just friends we haven’t met.”
Leone, Ryman resident
Top: Pam and Nancy. Bottom: Art class.
Moving to the care centre
The steps below will help guide you through the process of moving to a Ryman care centre. If you would like more information, contact us on 0800 000 290 to speak to a member of our friendly team.
Step 1
Assess your eligibility
You need to be assessed by your local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination agency (NASC). Or in some regions, Care Coordination –Older Person’s Health. NASC and Care Coordination provide information, advice, and support to older people who are having difficulty living at home. You can contact them yourself, or your doctor can refer you.
NASC or Care Coordination will visit you and talk to you about your lifestyle and care needs to find the best care option for you. After you’ve been assessed, you’ll receive a letter to let you know whether you’re eligible for care services and, if so, what level of care and government assistance you’re entitled to.
To find your local NASC visit: nznasca.co.nz/regions Or call Seniorline on 0800 725 463
Step 2
Work out what it will cost
Costs vary according to your needs and the type of care accommodation you choose.
Once you have been assessed as needing care, you can apply for a residential care subsidy. This subsidy is asset tested by Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) and the asset thresholds are adjusted yearly.
If your assets are below the asset threshold, you qualify for government funding. WINZ will then assess your income and tell you how much you will need to pay towards the cost of your care.
If your assets are above the asset threshold, you pay the cost of care. If your assets fall below the threshold during your time in care, you will become eligible to apply for the residential care subsidy.
Step 3 Come in for a visit
Choosing the right care centre is an important decision. People often tell us they ‘feel the difference’ when they visit one of our care centres, and we’d love to share that with you. By visiting during the day, you can join in with the activities on offer. Or you might like to stay at the village for a few days and experience our respite care.
If you need transport to get here, we can arrange this for you.
Step 4
Apply to move in
Before you move in, you or your representative will need to sign an admission agreement and provide information about your personal circumstances and preferences. It’s important for us to know this information so we can give you the best possible care and quality of life.
We understand that privacy is important to you. At all times, your information will be treated with sensitivity and kept confidential. We will also give you or your representative a charter of your rights as a resident.
Above: John.
Selecting your room
Your private room and the care centre lounges will be your home.
Rooms are spacious, with monitored call bells in your room and ensuite, and overlook beautifully landscaped gardens or courtyards.* There’s plenty of space for family and friends to visit, and you can personalise your room to suit you. All rooms have a television, and some also feature an alcove that can fit a display cabinet, drawers, or a small fridge.
The price will depend on the type of room you select and will be clearly outlined in your admission agreement.
If the room you choose is superior to the required minimum government specification, an accommodation premium will apply. How this works and how to pay for it is explained on the next page.
*Room options vary between villages, please check with your local village.
Above: Artist’s impression of a care room.
Explaining the costs
Once you’ve been assessed as needing care, the next step is to understand how the fees are structured. This is broken down into two costs:
1.The base care fee
This covers the cost of your daily clinical nursing care, meals, housekeeping, and activities.
The base care fee is set by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora on an annual basis and relates to the provision of rest home care.
If you receive hospital or specialist dementia care, a government funded top up will be paid. Your local village manager will be able to explain this in more detail.
2.The accommodation premium
This applies if you are in accommodation that is superior to the minimum required standard. This can include the following: private room, spacious room size, private ensuite and room aspect. The cost of the accommodation premium varies depending on the type of room you select. You can choose how you want to pay this.
This is charged as a daily rate. This is a single refundable lump sum payment that you can pay when you enter your care room. It will be repaid in full no later than 30 working days after you vacate your care room. If you choose this option, you will pay lower overall fees.
You can pay 50% of the refundable accommodation deposit up front and pay 50% of the accommodation premium for the length of your stay.
To find out more, contact your local village or visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz/accommodation-premium
Settling in
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into the care centre with smiling faces, warmth, and kindness. Sometimes people feel nervous, but at Ryman, you’re in safe hands.
Your first day
On the day you arrive, you’ll be welcomed, shown to your room, introduced to the team and other residents, and given a tour of the care centre, all at your own pace. We’ll discuss your health and personal care needs with you or your representative, and create a care plan that covers your physical, social, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing, as well as your personal needs and goals.
Your private room
Your room is your private space, and decorating it with treasured items will help you settle in. It’s fully furnished, but you’re welcome to bring an armchair or favourite piece of furniture to help you feel more at home. If you’d like pictures to be put up on the wall, our maintenance team will do this for you.
Hospitality services
Our housekeeping team will keep your room and ensuite clean, with towels supplied and bed linens changed weekly (or more often if needed). Your personal laundry is taken care of and we will label your clothes for you. We can also arrange for your clothes to be dry-cleaned at your own cost.
“My mum’s a new person now, and far more relaxed than she’s ever been.”
Katrina, family member of a Ryman resident
Top: Dora and Vanessa. Bottom: Berrice and Donna.
Questions and answers
General living
I can live independently but my partner needs care. Can we still be together?
Can I have my own things in my room?
We offer independent and assisted living options in the village as well as care, so you can still be near each other even if your needs are different.
Absolutely. We encourage you to personalise your room as much as possible. It could be your favourite armchair, or a piece of furniture where you can display things that are special to you to help you feel more at home.
Can I hang pictures on the walls of my room?
Am I able to go outside the village?
Do I need to get up for breakfast?
Do I always have to eat my meals in the dining room?
Yes, our maintenance staff will be happy to do this for you.
Yes, we just ask rest home and hospital residents to notify staff when leaving the village to ensure their safety and security.
The choice is yours. Most residents have breakfast delivered to their room each morning. If you prefer, you are welcome to have breakfast in the dining room with other residents.
We encourage you to eat in the dining room as this is an opportunity to connect with other residents. However, you are welcome to eat in your room.
How can I attend church services?
We have weekly church services with different denominations at the village.
Can I keep my own doctor? Yes, it’s your choice. We also have medical professionals who visit the village regularly.
When can I have visitors?
How will my medication be managed?
What if I need help during the night?
This is your home, so visitors are welcome any time. The care centre amenities are available for you to enjoy with your friends and family. We simply ask that you respect the privacy of other residents.
We employ medical professionals who oversee your medication using our electronic medication system.
Care staff are on duty all night. All rooms and ensuites have call bells, in addition to night checks by care staff.
Questions and answers
Fees and costs
How do I apply for a subsidy?
You need to be assessed by your local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination agency (NASC). Or in some regions, assessment is done through Care Co-ordination – Older Person’s Health. NASC or Care Coordination provide information, advice, and assistance to older people having difficulty living at home. You can contact them yourself or your doctor can refer you.
Once you have been assessed as needing care, you can apply to Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) for a residential care subsidy.
To find your local NASC visit nznasca.co.nz/regions Or call Seniorline on 0800 725 463
How long will it take for my subsidy to be assessed?
Why do I have to pay a fee while I am applying for a subsidy?
It’s important to submit your application as soon as possible and to respond to all requests from Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) promptly. On average, WINZ approves a standard subsidy application in 8–12 weeks.
Your pension forms part of your fee when applying for a subsidy. Until the subsidy is approved, we do not receive full funding. You will continue to receive your pension into your bank account until WINZ advises otherwise.
We do not charge you full private fees for the first 8 weeks while you are applying for a subsidy, unless your subsidy is not approved.
What is a personal contribution?
Will I still receive my pension?
This is the sum that WINZ calculates you need to contribute towards your fees. WINZ will be able to explain how this has been worked out, and talk with you about concerns you may have.
If you receive New Zealand Superannuation, a Veteran’s Pension, or a benefit, most of this will go towards your care. You can keep a personal allowance and will also receive a clothing allowance. This amount is determined by WINZ.
Notes:
All information in this booklet is correct at the time of printing.