Embrace Life’s Next Chapter at the Best Aged Care Facilities in Christchurch
David Sims
| Last Updated: October 2024 Who says the fun has to stop when the wrinkles start showing? Certainly not us! If you’re a Christchurch resident with a zest for life and a hankering for hassle-free living, aged care might just be the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Forget everything you thought you knew about “retirement homes.” We’re talking about communities where bingo night is a thing, the cocktail hour is never cancelled, and your biggest decision is whether to join the morning yoga class or sleep in.
We’ve done the legwork (or should we say, walker-work?) to uncover the Christchurch aged care facilities that will make you feel like you’ve won the golden year lottery.
How much do aged care facilities in Christchurch charge?
How we chose
1. Bupa Parkstone Care Home
When we swung by Bupa Parkstone Care Home, we were really impressed by how many different types of care they offer. They’ve got everything from rest home care to specialised care for folks with dementia. Even if you just need care for a short time, they’ve got you covered.
They’ve got registered nurses on duty around the clock, which is a huge plus in our book. They even have a hairdresser, a podiatrist, and a chaplain on site. We like how they go the extra mile to ensure residents’ happiness and comfort.
Speaking of comfort, the rooms here are really nice. They’re spacious, and many of them have their own bathrooms. Residents can even bring their own furniture to customise the space.
And the activities they have going on? Top-notch. They’ve got two full-time coordinators who plan all sorts of fun stuff – everything from one-on-one activities to group sessions to day trips. You won’t get bored here, that’s for sure.
Now, what’s unique about them is that they also provide palliative and end-of-life care, dialysis, and diabetic care. They even cater to residents under 65 with disabilities, offering personalised care plans that address each individual’s unique needs.
Showcases exceptional kindness and care for residents
“A big huge thank you to all of the wonderful Team! for your kindness and care of our Dear Mum. We are very impressed with the facilities, service, and support shown not only to our Mum but to all of the residents. Thank you so very much from Dawn’s Daughter Sandra and family.”
Sandra Ritchie, Google Review
Delivers exceptional care and support
“World Class facility. Best I have seen in New Zealand so far. Awesome team of people who look after the residents including their families.”
LD Myers, Google Review
2. Wesley Care
Located in Papanui, Wesley Care caught our attention for all the right reasons. This modern 108-room facility offers a wide array of care options, from rest home care to hospital-level and palliative care.
When we visited, we noticed that each room has an ensuite, and residents can bring their own furniture to create a cosy, home-like environment. If you’re looking for a bit more space and privacy, their eight studio rooms come with a single bedroom, lounge, and kitchenette.
What we like most about Wesley Care is its extensive range of services and amenities. The residents are well taken care of, with a diversional therapist and full-time activities staff on site to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
Spiritual support is also readily accessible through an in-house chaplain, regular chapel services, and a monthly Catholic Mass.
One thing we’re just a bit iffy about is the additional $35.00 Premium Accommodation Charge (PAC) for all rooms at the rest home level. This is on top of the Daily Care Fee set by the District Health Board, so it’s worth noting for those budgeting their expenses.
Provides a homely atmosphere for residents
“This is the place that looked after my Nana until she past away. It always felt very homily. Her room felt her place her space not just another room in a facility. The staff are amazing quick with smile and funny wee interactions. I’m donating about 13 of my jigsaw puzzles so the residents have something new to do and staff who wander past and put a piece or two in. I would highly recommend this facility, for those need a family oriented environment for their loved ones.”
Helen Belworthy, Google Review
Welcomes families to stay with loved ones during their final days
“My husband spent nearly 6 weeks in the palliative care upstairs. In his last week of life myself and our adult kids were welcome to room in with him . The staff is amazing and very caring to him and ourself ad a family. We were fed, had access to showers etc. I was even invited to help with Evans care which was wonderful. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the high level of care and respect given to the whole Smith whanau. We are very grateful and I will always have nothing but positive to say about Wesley Care. Thankyou to staff for helping make this incredibly painful journey something beautiful. Much respect from the Smith family”
Julia (Joolz), Google Review
3. Anthony Wilding Retirement Village
Perched in the scenic beauty of Halswell, Anthony Wilding Retirement Village takes living to a whole new level with breathtaking views of the Port Hills and Southern Alps. It’s clear why it made our list of top retirement villages.
There are various living and care options to suit everyone’s needs. Whether you prefer independent living in spacious townhouses and serviced apartments or require more intensive services like hospital care and specialist dementia care, they have you covered.
One of the standout features here is the incredible range of amenities. Imagine having a café, bar, hair and beauty salon all at your fingertips. They even have a swimming pool, bowling green, library, and more.
When we visited, we couldn’t help but notice the vibrant atmosphere created by regular activities and events such as indoor bowls, pool table games, and weekly happy hours.
One of their biggest advantages is financial predictability, as the base weekly fee is fixed for the entire stay. Plus, the standard deferred management fee is capped at 20%, one of the lowest in the sector, which is a big win for residents.
For those needing private care rooms, the accommodation premiums range from $49 to $80 per day, depending on the room type. While this sounds steep, the quality of care and the extensive amenities make it worth considering.
Eases worries with supportive and fantastic staff
“I was in respite care for 6 weeks at the Anthony Wilding Rest Home after being sent there from Christchurch Public Hospital to help me in the healing process of recovering from a fractured ankle.While I was there it was difficult for me to except the fact I could no longer do any of the simple things I took for granted for myself anymore.I felt embarrassed but I needn’t have worried the Staff there put my mind at rest and were absolutely fantastic from the moment I arrived until the moment I left.The experience I had there was a most rewarding one indeed and I’ll be forever grateful to them for the part they played in the healing process that I went through and I wish them all the best for helping me out and if I could give them an efficiency rating of 11 out of 10 i would gladly do so.”
Gavin Ratima, Google Review
Has helpful staff
“I heard that they were opening a cafe there so I went to check it out and I ordered a bacon ham and cheese panini. I took a bite and it was crispy on the outside but soft on the inside and everything was perfectly cooked and the ingredients were evenly distributed. I highly recommend it. My great grandad also lives there and the staff were all incredibly nice and did whatever they did to help him when he needed it.”
Richard Xie, Google Review
4. The Bellevue Care Centre and Village
Nestled in the leafy suburb of Papanui, The Bellevue impressed us with its blend of luxury and comprehensive care tailored to meet the evolving needs of its residents.
When we went here, we were struck by the spacious and modern Care Suites, each equipped with ensuites and kitchenettes, making it truly feel like a home away from home.
But what we like most here is the vibrant community. Residents can enjoy barista coffee and tasty treats at the on-site café, indulge in pamper sessions at the hair and beauty salon, and join regular outings organised through the village’s van trips.
There’s also a communal BBQ area, a gym with fitness classes, and a lively community centre that hosts social events and activities.
Talking to some of the residents and staff, we learned that care here is highly personalised, thanks to the dedicated Guest Services Manager who ensures that everyone’s preferences and needs are met.
We were particularly impressed by the award-winning “I Love Music” program, which provides residents with personalised playlists that enhance their emotional well-being.
Just keep in mind that they do have premium accommodation charges that range from $85 to $110 per day, depending on the room type and amenities.
Supplies everything needed and wanted without compromises
“When I started to consider moving into a retirement village I worked out what I needed and what I wanted, The Bellvue has supplied everything. I thought I would have to make compromises but haven’t needed to make any!! From my initial meeting with Emma through to my completed move the wonderful staff have made my transition run so smoothly. All staff are so friendly, helpful, thoughtful, professional and caring. Everyone is on a first-name basis and their individuality shines. The ethos of Oceania is exemplary. I wanted central and so checked every retirement village in central Christchurch, I am so delighted I chose The Bellvue. I have been here for a month now and have met many residents, every single one is extremely happy to be living here and so pleased with their choice also. I thoroughly recommend you choose the same for yourself or for your loved ones. You will have no regrets.”
Donna Cap, Google Review
Features nice grounds with mature trees
“Nearly ready to occupy. Looking pretty flash and lots better than the old village. Nice grounds – they have kept mature trees and built courtyards around them.”
Charlie Loughnan, Google Review
5. Nazareth Care – Nazareth House Christchurch
We’ve had the pleasure of visiting quite a few senior living communities around town, and Nazareth House truly stands out.
What stood out most to us was how each resident receives an individualised care plan tailored to their clinical, social, and emotional needs. A dedicated team delivers this personalised approach to healthcare professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, and GPs.
Their 80 rooms are all private with their own bathrooms, which we think is a huge plus. It gives residents that sense of independence and privacy that can be so important in later years.
Plus, they have a ton of amenities to keep everyone entertained – a café, a cinema, even a hair salon! It’s honestly like a little village in itself.
Rest home care is priced at $154.32 per day, and hospital care at $244.29 per day, both excluding GST. They do, however, have an additional charge for their premium rooms which is $58 per day.
Makes saying goodbye easier for families
“Our mum was admitted to Nazareth House hospital for End of Life care. We cannot thank Mandy and her team of nurses enough for their care of mum and us over the two weeks we were there. Their support, kindness, empathy, compassion and professionalism made saying goodbye to our mum a little easier. We would also like to acknowledge the sisters that visited mum and gave her much comfort with their words and prayers. Can’t recommend highly enough.”
Terry Reid, Google Review
Showcases excellent facilities and options
“I visited Nazareth House to view the Home and get information for future respite care. I was impressed with the exceptional care taken at reception to protect the residents and staff. The lay staff member Caren who showed me the facilities and told me about the different options was very caring and informative. I have since recommended Nazareth House “End of life” care to friends caring for a terminally Ill relative.”
Toni Porter, Google Review
