Welcome to Summerset care
Welcome to Summerset
Summerset is a business that was founded on care.
It was the vision of our founder, John O’Sullivan, to create a retirement community that his own parents would be happy to call home. A place that puts the respect for its residents at the heart of everything it does. This philosophy continues to guide us today.
Summerset opened its first retirement village in Whanganui in 1997. Since then we’ve grown to become one of the country’s largest and most respected operators in the retirement village and aged care sector.
We have retirement villages around the country, offering fully independent living and a variety of care options. Over 8,000 New Zealanders have chosen to call our retirement villages home, and we think that’s pretty special.
Summerset villages are designed and built for their environment, so facilities may vary – but they often include a Divine Café, communal lounge with a large screen TV, piano and pool table, library, and a hair and beauty clinic based in the village centre. Most villages also have a bowling green, swimming and spa pool, and an exercise room.
Wherever you live in a Summerset village, you’ll have access to a range of community facilities, activities and events.
And if you’re keen to get involved, there are activities and events that cater to a wide range of resident interests and abilities. There are always opportunities to head to the shops and local community attractions, as well as further afield, in our Summerset courtesy van.
“The carers are just wonderful. They pop in and have a little chat. I do appreciate that.”
Care you can trust
If you’re looking for extra care and support for yourself, a friend or family member, you can be confident that a home in a Summerset village may well be the right choice for you.
Professional dedicated staff
• Staff onsite 24/7 once the village centre is completed, meaning you’re assured of a response if you need to use your call bell system
• Trained professionals who are passionate about aged care
• Resident centred, friendly, staff focused on delivering the highest quality care
• Should you need care of a type that is available in our care centre, you have priority to transfer (subject to availability and eligibility), so you can stay in the community you love
Continuum of care
• Almost all of our villages include a continuum of care, from independent living homes to serviced apartments, through to a quality care centre
Dementia Friendly accredited
• Many of our villages cater to residents living with dementia and we have been accredited by Alzheimer’s New Zealand as a Dementia Friendly Organisation
Ease of transfer within the village
• Easy transfer between homes should your needs change, with no further capital outlay usually required
• As a resident you have priority over nonresidents to transfer to the care centre (subject to availability and eligibility)
Experienced and trusted
• We have been operating retirement villages and aged care centres since 1997
• More than 37 villages and growing
• Over 8,000 residents call Summerset home
We have adopted a continuous listening approach to drive improvements important to residents. They are surveyed regularly on village life to understand where we can make things even better.
Summerset was named overall winner in the Reader’s Digest Association 2024 Quality Service Awards and we have been voted a Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand eight times since 2015.
Continuum of care
From independent living to our care centre
At
Summerset should your needs change you can access support to assist you.
Summerset villages are designed so that as your needs change you can generally access different levels of support to help you. We call this our continuum of care.
You can have confidence of knowing that you can increase your level of support as your needs change.
While living in a villa, cottage or apartment we can provide support with the likes of cleaning, meals and some personal care. These can be provided as one offs or as a package. You are also able to get support from home care providers into your independent home and into your serviced apartment in some of our villages.***
If your home is a serviced apartment, you will be required to purchase one of our services packages unless you are receiving rest homelevel care.
Should you need a higher level of care we can generally provide rest home-level care into our serviced apartments and up to hospital-level care in our Health New Zealand certified care centres. Access to our serviced apartments and care centre is subject to availability and eligibility.
We also offer rest home-level dementia care in some of our villages. Care options can vary between villages. Please see page 24-25 to see what care is available at villages.
You can be reassured that our care centre residents are supported by a wonderful team of carers, nurses, kaitiaki (wellbeing assistants) and village staff who truly bring to life every day –our core value of bringing the best of life.
Fully independent services
A range of services as required
Supported living packages
Home help and meals, three packages to choose from
Rest home care
Meals, person-centred care and nursing support
Rest home-level dementia care**
Meals, person-centred care and nursing support
Hospital care
Meals, person-centred care and nursing support 24/7
Ministry of Health contracted care is subject to certification
* Rest home-level care can generally be provided in serviced apartments, once certified. However, there may be circumstances where your care needs mean this is not possible
** Excludes psychogeriatric care (specialist hospital-level dementia care)
*** Subject to approval
Independent living with services
Services when you may need them
“We’ve made instant friends; there is a real sense of community here.”
RAEWYN, RESIDENT AT SUMMERSET AT HERITAGE PARK
If you need support, there is a range of packages and services available in our independent living homes.
Our homes are designed with our residents and accessibility as a priority. Full of smart and safe living features to ensure our residents have peace of mind and a safe environment to call home.
We also offer support in our villas, cottages and apartments should you need a little bit of help to continue living independently.
From time to time life may mean you require one-off services or to receive some on a regular basis.
Some of our services include:
• cleaning
• laundry
• personal shopper
• driver
• meals
• personal and nursing assistance and more
Should your needs change, our residents get priority to transfer into our serviced apartments, care centre or memory care centre (where they are offered in the village and subject to availability and eligibility) where you are able to receive higher levels of care. This is our continuum of care philosophy.
Serviced apartments
Best of both worlds
Independent living with some support
Conveniently located with easy access to village facilities and village life, our serviced apartments are a perfect home where we can support you to maintain your independence.
Serviced apartments have been designed to provide a comfortable and modern apartment style living full of features and support making them an easier, safer and more enjoyable home for our residents.
Serviced apartments offer a double bedroom, a spacious separate living area with kitchenette, storage and an ensuite including accessible shower, grab rails and slip resistant floor. It is your home to furnish with your own furniture and belongings.
Our serviced apartments come with packages that mean we can provide support so you can get on with enjoying village life, while we take away some of those daily chores such as laundry and cooking meals. We require you to maintain a service package that best suits your needs, giving you more time to do the things you enjoy and time to spend with those you love.
If you need a bit more support we generally are able to provide rest home-level care in our serviced apartments.
There are many benefits to living in a serviced apartment
Make your home your own
You can put your own stamp on your new home with your furniture and your favourite pictures on the walls.
No more worries about maintenance and upkeep
We’ll look after any maintenance to your apartment (other than damage beyond fair wear and tear) so you don’t need to worry about it.
Help just the push of a button away
Serviced apartments have a call bell in case you need help from one of our friendly care staff. Call bells are monitored 24/7.
Supported living and care options
Our serviced apartments come with one of our supported living packages providing a range of options to support and suit you. If you need a higher level of care, rest home-level care
can also generally be provided in our serviced apartments (subject to certification and your care needs).
Ministry of Health Certification
The majority of Summerset serviced apartments nationwide are certified by the Ministry of Health to provide rest home-level care.
A serviced apartment could be right for you if you:
• Want to downsize and move to a warm, modern home
• Are living independently at the moment, but would feel more confident with support close at hand
• Want to retain your independence and minimise moves between homes should your health deteriorate
• Wish to remain independent, but need support or active management of medication
• Have been assessed as needing rest homelevel care
There are various costs you’ll need to pay when you first move into a Summerset serviced apartment, while you live there and when you leave.
Before moving in you will pay:
A deposit.
A licence payment.
While at the village you will pay:
A weekly fee.
A fee to cover your service or care package.
Any fees for user-pays services you choose to receive e.g. internet and phone. This fee is based on what you use.
Note: you may be entitled to a Government subsidy for rest home-level care.
SUMMERSET SURE GUARANTEE
When you leave you will receive:
Your repayment sum, which is your licence payment, less the deferred management fee and any outstanding charges
If you decide that Summerset life is not for you, then you can activate your Summerset Sure guarantee. This means if you decide 90 days after moving into your serviced apartment that Summerset isn’t right for you, we’ll refund your licence payment without deducting the deferred management fee (some conditions apply).
Summerset care centres
Across Summerset care centres we have a range of care options, with nursing care available on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Care centre
We know that moving into care can be a challenging time so our staff are trained professionals who are passionate about aged care and are there to make the move as easy as possible.
Our resident centred model means we get to know you so we can understand your preferences to provide more personalised care.
Living in our care centre is subject to availability and eligibility.
Care apartments
Some of our villages offer care apartments. These apartments will provide both rest-home and hospital-level care (subject to certification). Each apartment features a modern kitchenette* with tea making facilities and a fridge, an open plan living and dining room, plus a separate double bedroom with a large ensuite.
Care suites and rooms
Our care suites and rooms can provide both rest-home and hospital-level care (subject to certification). Our suites and rooms can accommodate a comfortable chair, other small furniture items and personal belongings. Some suites include a kitchenette* with tea making facilities and a fridge.
Sky TV and a phone can be added at an additional cost.
Respite and short term care
If you need care while your family is away or while recovering from a hospital stay, you’re welcome at Summerset for short term or respite care. You can stay with us for one day through to a month or longer. You may qualify for respite care funding. Contact your Needs Assessment Agency or discuss with the Care Centre Manager.
Understanding the costs of care
Care can be paid for privately or be partially or fully subsidised by the Government. The subsidy you are eligible for is subject to asset and income testing and is determined by Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ). A NASC assessment will determine the level of care you require.
Payment for care accommodation can vary across our villages from standard rooms where you pay the standard care fee, premium rooms that incur a daily accommodation charge that is additional to the standard care fee and care suites and care apartments that are available on a licence to occupy model.
If you are assessed as needing long term residential care and a private payer the maximum standard care fee you pay is set by Health New Zealand, and the charges can vary region to region.
You can talk to your Care Centre Manager about the costs of living in the care centre – they’ll be happy to answer all your questions and provide full details.
Summerset memory care centre
Specialist rest home-level dementia care.
Memory care courtyard designs vary across villages
“We’ve found a place we can give mum the dignity she deserves… with the knowledge that mum is taken care of”
DELWYN,
DAUGHTER OF A RESIDENT AT THE SUMMERSET ROTOTUNA MEMORY CARE CENTRE
Memory care centre
Summerset’s memory care centres are designed using international research and best practices to enhance residents’ wellbeing and provide the best quality of life for those living with dementia.
Our memory care centres provide modern and comfortable accommodation, which enables residents to continue to lead active, positive lives in a safe, secure and homely environment.
We are committed to providing the best of life care for residents requiring specialist dementia care, and understand everyone’s needs are very individual.
We aim to know what is important to residents before they move in: usual daily routines, interests and hobbies, likes and dislikes. This means staff know how to support and enable residents as they adapt to their new home and every resident has personalised plans including a care plan.
We are proud to support people living with dementia get the best out of life and have been accredited by Alzheimers New Zealand as a Dementia Friendly organisation. We recognise that residents living with dementia are still very active, so spaces are well considered, enabling freedom of movement and space for personal belongings.
Residents can choose from a range of spacious accommodation options and many memory care homes have a view of landscaped gardens.
All memory care centres have call bells which are monitored 24/7, so help is just the push of a button away.
Memory care apartments
Our memory care apartments offer a double bedroom, an ensuite bathroom, a generous lounge, a dining area and a kitchenette* with teamaking facilities and a fridge, perfect for relaxing with family and friends.
Memory care suites
Our memory care suites offer residents their own comfortable suite with private ensuite, kitchenette* with tea-making facilities and a fridge.
We take great care in helping choose the ideal environment and will recommend the setup that best supports the residents’ daily comfort and overall well-being.
We’re proud to be
Dementia Friendly Accredited by Alzheimers NewZealand
Summerset support packages
We offer a range of packages to support in our independent homes* and serviced apartments to allow you more time to do the things you enjoy.
Supported living essentials (offered at selected villages only)
Provided in villas, cottages, townhouses, apartments and serviced apartments
Supported living 5
Supported living 7
Supported living plus
Home help
• Bed and towels changed and laundered weekly
Meals
• Standard main meal and dessert five days a week
All meals are enjoyed in our dining room
Home help
• One hour of cleaning every week
• Bed and towels changed and laundered weekly
Home help
• One hour of cleaning every week
• Bed and towels changed and laundered weekly
Meals
• Standard main meal and dessert five days a week
• Morning tea daily
All meals are enjoyed in our dining room
Meals
• Standard main meal and dessert seven days a week
• Morning tea daily
All meals are enjoyed in our dining room
Home help
• One hour of cleaning every week
• Bed and towels changed and laundered weekly
• One 5kg load of personal laundry washed, dried and folded three times every week
Meals
• All meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner and dessert daily
• Morning tea daily (for a cost meals can be delivered, but it is recommended in the dining room for socialisation)
* Independent living homes include villas, cottages, townhouses, and independent apartments
Provided in villas, cottages, townhouses, apartments and serviced apartments
Provided in villas, cottages, townhouses, apartments and serviced apartments
Provided in villas, cottages, townhouses, apartments and serviced apartments
Summerset care offering
Should you require a higher level of care our care centre offers up to hospital-level care and specialist rest home-level dementia care in our memory care centre.
All care is subject to availability and eligibility, including a NASC assessment to confirm the level of care required and that Summerset can meet your needs.
Rest home care and specialist dementia care*
Can generally be provided in a serviced apartment or in our care centre or memory care centre
Hospital care
Provided in our care centre
Nursing care
• Clinical oversight 24/7
Diversional therapy
• Daily activities and entertainment for residents individually and in groups
Home help
• Weekly cleaning and a daily light clean (emptying rubbish bin, cleaning the bathroom basin and toilet and over bed table)
• Linen, towels and personal laundry washed, dried and folded
Personal care
• Assistance with dressing and getting ready for the day
• Medication supervision as required
• Assistance with bedtime routine
• Assistance with showering
Meals
• Nutritious meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Daily morning and afternoon tea along with a supper service
Delivered to your room or serviced apartment, or served in the dining room
Nursing care
• Higher level clinical care led by our nursing team, 24/7. Designed for residents assessed as needing hospital-level care
Diversional therapy
• Daily activities and entertainment for residents individually and in groups
Home help
• Weekly cleaning and a daily light clean (emptying rubbish bin, cleaning the bathroom basin and toilet and over bed table)
• Linen, towels and personal laundry washed, dried and folded
Personal care
• Assistance with dressing, getting ready for the day and mobilising if required
• Medication supervision
• Assistance with bedtime routine
• Assistance with showering
Meals
• Nutritious meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Daily morning and afternoon tea along with a supper service
Delivered to your room or served in the dining room
Making the decision to move into a retirement village and choosing the right level of support and care can be difficult. So it’s important to get the best information and seek the right advice.
• Involve your family and friends in your decision
• Get independent advice from a lawyer, ideally with experience in retirement village matters
• Talk to your GP or other health professionals about the level of care you may need
• Talk to the Care Centre Manager or Sales Manager about living in a Summerset village
If you’re considering rest home-level care, hospital-level care or specialist dementia care, there are a few further things to think about.
1. NASC needs assessment
If you have an age-related disability which is likely to continue for more than six months and makes it hard for you to do what you should be able to do on your own, you are eligible for a NASC needs assessment.
This looks at how much and what kind of assistance you need to live comfortably, as well as taking into account what you want from life, your resources (including friends and family) and your physical abilities.
You may have already received a NASC assessment, but if not, the assessment request can be made by the person needing care or by a family member, friend, GP, district nurse or carer.
To find out more about the NASC needs assessment process, you can download a copy of “Needs Assessment and Support Services for Older People — what you need to know.” from the Ministry of Health website (www.health.govt.nz)
2. Obtaining a subsidy
If you have been assessed by the local Needs Assessment Service Coordination agency ( NASC) as needing aged care, you may be eligible for a residential care subsidy.
WINZ will look at your assets and income and based on these, work out how much you have to pay towards the cost of your care.
For more information about the residential care subsidy, visit the WINZ website (www.workandincome.govt.nz).
3.Resident Admission Agreement
If you’ve been assessed as requiring rest home-level or hospital-level care, we’ll let you know immediately whether or not there’s a place available in the village of your choice, or if there is a place at another Summerset village nearby.
Once you’ve made your decision, we’ll talk you through our Resident Admission Agreement. This legal document sets out the responsibilities of both Summerset and the resident, and the conditions on which you can stay with us, and must be signed prior to you receiving care.
4. Occupation Right Agreement
If the room you are moving to is sold under a licence to occupy, you will also need to enter into an Occupation Right Agreement with us and receive independent legal advice from your solicitor.
Costs of rest home and hospital care vary from village to village.
You can talk to your Care Centre Manager about the costs of living in a Summerset care centre — they’ll be happy to answer all your questions and provide full details.
No doubt you’ve got questions
Making a move to our village is a big decision, and of course there are areas where you’ll want more details. These are the things we get asked about the most. If you have any other questions, please just ask the Sales Manager or Care Centre Manager.
Q: What levels of care do you offer?
A: We offer a continuum of care, from individual services and service packages. Rest home-level care, hospital-level care and rest home-level dementia care (memory care) is also provided in several villages. There are some types of care that we don’t provide, such as psychogeriatric care and certain types of medical care. Care is subject to certification, as well as availability and eligibility (see table on page 24 for specific care types provided at each village). If you require a level of care that we don’t provide, or if we do not feel we can meet your needs, we will do our best to assist you to find an alternative provider who offers the care you need.
Q: What does certification mean?
A: Hospitals and rest homes as providers of residential disability care need to meet Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard NZS 8134:2021. They are audited against the standards. Copies of audits are available from the Ministry of Health website www.health.govt.nz/ your-health/certified-providers/aged-care
Q: When is care available in a village?
A: Care is available once the village centre is open.
Q: Can I move between homes within the village?
A: Absolutely. Our continuum of care model means you have priority to move between homes
or into the care centre if your needs change (subject to availability and eligibility) and with no further capital outlay usually required.
Q: Do I need a package with my serviced apartment
A: Yes, you must purchase and continue to maintain a service package with Summerset for your serviced apartment.
Q: What happens if I need care and the care centre is full?
A: It is uncommon that we do not have care available. If we are unable to provide the care you need, we will work with you and your family to assist you in finding a room at another facility.
Q: Can I bring my existing home care services with me?
A: At some villages you may be able to continue to receive support from your home care provider if you are in an independent home or if you are in a serviced apartment (subject to our approval).
Q: Do I have to pay anything to transfer?
A: You don’t have to make any capital outlay to move between an independent home and a serviced apartment, memory care apartment or care suite within the village. Ask your Sales Manager for more information about this. A transfer admin fee of 2% of the licence price
for your new home will apply if you choose to transfer between homes of the same type (e.g. serviced apartment to serviced apartment). However, the transfer admin fee does not apply if you transfer to a higher level of care within the village, such as from a villa or apartment to a serviced apartment or the care centre.
Q: Does Summerset guarantee residents a place in its care centre?
A: Summerset residents have priority access to our care centres over non-residents. Access is subject to availability and eligibility and Summerset being comfortable we can meet your needs. However, we are generally able to accommodate residents and it would be rare for us to be unable to find you a room.
Q: What happens if you cannot provide the care I need?
A: If we are unable to provide the care you need, we will work with you and your family to assist you in finding a room at another facility.
Q: What are the charges for my care room
A: There is a daily charge set by Health New Zealand, which varies between villages and regions. For some rooms there is also a premium daily charge. You also need to pay for any user pays charges like Sky TV, phone or internet. There are some premium care rooms where you are able to pay on a licence to occupy model.
Q: What happens if I change my mind after moving into my serviced apartment?
A: Our Summerset Sure 90-day moneyback guarantee means that you will get a full refund without any deduction for the deferred management fee if, on the expiry of 90 days after taking up permanent residence, you decide that Summerset is not for you (some conditions apply). The only costs you may have to pay are any costs you have incurred for legal advice, together with the weekly fee and care or services charges and any other outstanding charges. The Summerset Sure 90-day money back guarantee does not apply if you pass away or leave for health reasons.
Q: What happens if I change my mind after moving into my memory care apartment, care apartment or care suite?
A: Our Summerset Sure 30-day moneyback guarantee means that you will get a full refund without any deduction for the deferred management fee if, on the expiry of 30 days after taking up permanent residence, you decide that Summerset is not for you (some conditions apply). The only costs you may have to pay are any costs you have incurred for legal advice, together with the weekly and care or services charge and any other outstanding charges. The Summerset Sure 30-day money back guarantee does not apply if you pass away or leave for health reasons.
Q: What are the specific care types provided at each village.
A: This table shows the levels of care provided or under development at each of our villages as at April 2024. Care is subject to availability and eligibility, including a NASC assessment and Summerset being comfortable we can meet your needs. * Available once the village centre is open.
Northland Whangarei* Summerset Mount Denby
Auckland Warkworth Summerset Falls
Hobsonville Summerset at Monterey Park
Ellerslie Summerset at Heritage Park
Manukau Summerset by the Park
Karaka Summerset at Karaka
St Johns Summerset St Johns
Milldale* Summerset Milldale
Waikato HamiltonFitzroy Summerset down the Lane
HamiltonRototuna Summerset Rototuna
Taupo Summerset by the Lake
Cambridge* Summerset Cambridge
Bay of Plenty Katikati Summerset by the Sea
Papamoa Beach Summerset by the Dunes
Hawke’s Bay NapierGreenmeadows Summerset in the Bay
Hastings Summerset in the Orchard
Havelock North** Summerset in the Vines
NapierTe Awa Summerset Palms
The care centre will be temporarily under refurbishment and may be closed. Please check with the Sales Manager.
Region Location
Taranaki New PlymouthVogeltown Summerset Mountain View
New PlymouthBell Block Summerset at Pohutukawa Place
ManawatuWhanganui
Whanganui Summerset in the River City
Palmerston North Summerset on Summerhill
Levin** Summerset by the Ranges
Wellington Paraparaumu Summerset on the Coast
Kenepuru Summerset on the Landing
Aotea Summerset at Aotea
Trentham Summerset at the Course
Waikanae* Summerset Waikanae
Lower Hutt* Summerset Boulcott
Nelson/Tasman/ Marlborough Nelson Summerset in the Sun
Richmond Summerset Richmond Ranges
Blenheim* Summerset Blenheim
Canterbury Wigram Summerset at Wigram
Avonhead Summerset at Avonhead
Casebrook Summerset on Cavendish
Prebbleton* Summerset Prebbleton
Otago Dunedin Summerset at Bishopscourt
Come and see for yourself
We aim to make sure you have the right home for your needs and situation, that you have the right level of care available now and in case you need it in the future, and that the village you choose is one where you can make the most of the Summerset life.
Above all, please come and see us. Spend some time at our villages. Have a coffee in the café and talk to our residents. Check out our facilities. Have a chat to our team. We’re proud of what we offer, and we’re happy to share the Summerset feeling with you. We think it’s very special.
And remember, there’s always the reassurance of our Summerset Sure guarantee*.
*Some terms and conditions apply.
Where you can get more support and information
Work and Income – 0800 999 727 or www.winz.govt.nz (search “residential care subsidy”)
NASC – www.nznasca.co.nz/services/ older-peoples-nasc-services/
Notes
Please make any notes on this page.
Ministry of Health www.health.govt.nz
Dementia New Zealand www.dementia.nz
Alzheimers New Zealand www.alzheimers.org.nz