Choosing the right level of care is one of the most important decisions for older adults and their families. At Aspiring Care, part of Aspiring Village in Wānaka, we make that decision easier by offering compassionate, professional support in a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you’re exploring Wānaka retirement living, respite options, or dementia care, this guide explains how we help residents feel secure, respected, and cared for every step of the way. Aspiring Care continues to grow as part of the wider Aspiring Village community, offering both hospital-level and dementia-level care right here in Wānaka. This means residents can access the care they need without leaving the community they love. Our purpose-built centre provides professional nursing and specialised dementia support, all designed to promote wellbeing, connection, and peace of mind.
Understanding the different levels of care
Understanding the levels of residential care helps families choose the right support for their loved ones:
- Respite Care – For those needing help returning to independent daily living.
- Hospital Care – For residents requiring ongoing nursing and medical support.
- Dementia Care – Secure, calming spaces for people living with memory loss or cognitive change.
By offering multiple levels of care under one roof, Aspiring Care allows residents to stay in familiar surroundings even as their needs change. Before moving into care, an individual must have a Needs Assessment through Te Whatu Ora or a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) agency. This determines whether residential care is appropriate, and what level of care best meets the person’s ongoing health and lifestyle needs. To qualify for publicly funded long-term residential care, a person must:
- Be assessed as having high or very high ongoing needs that can’t be managed safely at home.
- Be aged 65 or over, or aged 50–64 and single with no dependent children.
- Be eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand.
Those who don’t meet these criteria can still move into residential care privately. Aspiring Care is more than a care centre, it’s part of a thriving Wānaka retirement community at Aspiring Village, where lifestyle and wellbeing come first. Residents enjoy:
- Private rooms with garden or mountain views
- Freshly prepared meals each day
- 24-hour nursing and care support
- Social and recreational programmes
- Access to the wider Aspiring Village community
Our integrated approach ensures a smooth transition from independent living to higher care, should it ever be needed.
FAQs
- What are the different levels of care available at Aspiring Care? We offer hospital-level and dementia-level care, along with short-term respite options.
- Do I need an assessment before moving into care? Yes. A Needs Assessment (NASC) determines the most suitable level of care and whether you qualify for government funding.
- Is government funding available? You may be eligible for a Residential Care Subsidy based on your income and assets. Our team can guide you through the process.
- Can couples stay together if their care needs are different? Yes! Our location within Aspiring Village allows couples to remain close, even if one partner needs a higher level of care.
- What makes Aspiring Care unique? Our strong sense of community, personalised approach, and scenic Wānaka setting make Aspiring Care a trusted choice for families across Otago.
Hāwea Wing Suite
Inside the Aspiring Care Kitchen
