William SmithWhen I placed my elderly father in a nursing home years ago, it initially seemed like a well-maintained facility with friendly staff. But what I discovered was far from the rosy picture painted in the brochures.
From unresponsive carers to terrible meals and a disheartening absence of personal care, my father ended up being more like a number than a cherished resident.
That experience is the reason why I couldn’t just sit back and let something similar happen to others. So, I recruited the rest of the Auckland Magazine team, and we spoke candidly with residents and their families.
Here are the top nursing homes in Auckland that made it onto our list.
How much does it cost to stay in a nursing home in Auckland?
It costs at least 1,200 NZD per week to stay in a nursing home in Auckland.
This price is just an estimate. The final cost will depend on the level of care you need, the type of room you choose, and the location.
1. Claire House Rest Home
Address: 91 Prospect Terrace, Mount Eden
Contact details: +64 9 630 6236
Claire House Rest Home is a charming boutique-style aged care facility that’s been around since 1985.
During our visit, we spoke to a few family members of residents, and the consensus was clear: they love the personal touch that Claire House brings.
Several people shared how heartfelt and dedicated the supported living staff are to providing quality, advanced medical care.
Moreover, with 57 rest home-level beds and 8 to 10 residents per wing, it’s cosy and intimate.
Each wing has its own lounge and dining area. It contributed to the homey vibe we experienced during our tour of the place.
Plus, all the bedrooms at Claire House are clean and beautiful. This allows residents to personalise their space with their choice of colours.
While there are lovely communal areas, they could enhance the experience by adding varied entertainment options or outings for those who are not bedridden.
It is a home away from home
“I am so grateful to the staff and management of Claire Home. It is a home away from home. Warm, loving and caring. Absolutely the best for my mum.”
–Linley Porter, Google Reviews
Very friendly, helpful staff and a wonderful level of care
“Just beautiful. Lovely rooms. Stunning gardens. Very friendly, helpful staff and a wonderful level of care.”
–Sheree Foster, Google Reviews
2. Edmund Hillary Retirement Village
Address: 221 Abbotts Way, Remuera
Contact details: +64 9 570 0070
Operating hours: Open 24 Hours
Edmund Hillary is a retirement village and nursing home in one.
We loved their immaculate gardens. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers made us feel like we were at a park.
As we toured the place, the staff greeted us with warm smiles. Plus, we saw firsthand how helpful they are to seniors.
They assist with walks, read books with them, and more.
In addition, those we interviewed couldn’t stop raving about how the community is tight-knit. This makes it easy for residents here to form friendships.
Furthermore, their assisted living serviced apartments come with a state-of-the-art care centre that offers everything from rest homes to specialist dementia care.
Notably, many people brought to our attention their use of the myRyman Care app. This innovative tool is designed to customise care plans and ensure that each resident gets the attention they need.
Additionally, it’s modern and user-friendly. It makes it easier for families to stay involved in their loved one’s care.
However, we did notice one downside: limited visitor parking.
They felt safe and became part of a community
“My parents moved here a few years ago. Before he died my dad said it was like being on a perpetual vacation. The worries of home maintenance as they aged were negated, they felt safe and became part of a community with like minded neighbours. They remained active and independant in a self contained apartment. My mum still lives a full and active life there.”
–Jayne Thyme, Google Reviews
Always a function or other happening in the village
“A lovely community of people, if you want to break down the typical image of a retirement home, come here. The only exception being the respite care wing, however in a sense, when loved ones are in conditions where their bodies can’t function as necessary it’s understandable that they will be limited. Always a function or other happening in the village, personal garden patches available.”
–Kayin Hey, Google Review
3. Concord House Rest Home
Address: 42 Matai Road, Greenlane
Contact details: +64 9 523 1605
Concord House Rest Home is a cosy little facility that prides itself on providing personalised, supported living care. From the moment we walked through the door, we sensed that this place was all about making residents feel at home.
During our visit, family members of seniors raved about the 24-hour carer availability. For many, it’s a relief to have that round-the-clock support.
Moreover, their staff members are specifically trained to assist those with a range of challenges, from dementia to mobility issues.
We witnessed firsthand as several nurses worked closely with residents who struggled with eating, swallowing, and communication. It was truly heartening to see the dedication and care they put into their work.
Families echoed this sentiment and shared stories of how the staff went above and beyond.
Additionally, there are staff members who can speak languages like Tongan, Mandarin, and Cantonese. It’s a plus if your loved one is more comfortable with speaking these languages.
They also have a variety of daily activities and outings to local parks or shops every few weeks.
However, some we spoke to felt that it can sometimes feel a bit too quiet or isolated with a smaller number of residents.
Listened and cooperated our needs very carefully
“The rest home owner Jenni is one of the best person that I ever met. She is caring, friendly and very responsible. Last year, we were looking for a rest home and one of our friends recommended Concord House, Jenni was the first person I met and she’s super patient to answer all my questions and concerns about the rest home, and she also listened and cooperated our needs very carefully so we all have peaceful mind. Talking to her always make me warm, it’s just like talking to your old friend! My grandma was living in Concord House for a few months and now she’s moving back home living with her family. During the time she stayed, she always said she’s well treated. All the staff are very helpful and treat her like one of the family members. The meals are also very delicious and my grandma just loved it so much! Fruits and tea are also provided on daily basis. ”
–Niki Li, Google Reviews
Family contacted with all concerns regarding health issues quickly
“Excellent clean internal and external dwelling. Client care high standard has improved with each new owner. Family contacted with all concerns regarding health issues quickly. Nominate them as the best caring home we have personally experienced. Access is so freely allowed
Elaine and David Porter Resident Ruth Martin family”
–Elain Porter, Google Reviews
4. Terence Kennedy House
Address: 267 Glengarry Road, Glen Eden
Contact details: +64 9 818 2207
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Terence Kennedy House is all about supporting the independence, privacy, and dignity of its residents. The staff is nurturing and experienced, which definitely puts you at ease when thinking about a loved one living here.
As we walked through the facility, we observed the nursing staff’s warm and attentive actions; they ensured that the seniors in their care felt genuinely cared for.
In addition to attentive care, the activities coordinator also keeps residents active and engaged. From van outings to parks and cafes, as well as creative activities throughout the week, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When it comes to dining, the chef collaborates with a registered dietitian to ensure the meals are both healthy and delicious. Family members raved about the home-cooked style meals. They expressed their appreciation for the thoughtful approach to nutrition.
Moreover, all the rooms are single-occupancy with private en-suites. They offer great views along with access to balconies or garden courtyards.
Residents can also personalise their space to make it feel like home.
However, sometimes the staffing is stretched during night hours. It can lead to longer waits for assistance.
Great communication with staff
“Mum only stayed for a short time but settled in extremely quickly. All the staff are amazing it was just like a great big family. When mum had to move into a dementia unit mum had hugs all round. Mum is not normally a huggy person. All the staff lined up as she left and all said their farewells. I love the atmosphere I would highly recommend it. Great communication with staff keeping you up to date with everything happening with your family member.”
–Andrea Tansey, Google Review
Friendly, caring and treated mum with kindness and respect
“What an Amazing Place! From Emmy and the Nurses, kitchen staff, cleaning staff, caregivers to Renee at reception and Lisa and Debbie in management even the residents were all so welcoming. They are so friendly, caring and treated mum with kindness and respect. They always greeted us with a smile. Lisa the Hospital Manager always kept me updated with mum and always answered emails and phone calls and answered all my questions. I live in Sydney so to get emails and phones calls answered in a timely manner was so great and kept me at ease.
I highly recommend Terrence Kennedy House to any family who is looking for care for their loved ones. Thank you Lisa and Team for EVERYTHING! Mum misses you all dearly.”
–Nellie Ngan-Woo, Google Reviews
5. Bupa Hugh Green Retirement Village and Care Home
Address: 105 Apollo Drive, Albany
Contact details: +64 9 558 5510
Operating hours: Open 24 Hours
Bupa Hugh Green Retirement Village and Care Home has 71 modern apartments. It really gives residents a sense of home while also offering the support they need.
As we walked through the place, we were immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere. The indoor swimming pool looked particularly inviting.
Plus, the library and community garden added a nice touch of relaxation and nature to the environment. What’s more, it was clear that the community here is active and engaged.
When it comes to personalised support, they specialise in dementia care.
Many families we interviewed expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding shown by the staff. It really made a difference when it came to managing the day-to-day challenges associated with dementia.
However, while most we spoke with praised the care here, there was one common complaint that popped up: the food. A few told us the food lacked flavour and variety.
They never failed to reassure and make him feel safe
“Hugh Green care home was a very short chapter in my fathers life (8 months) but during Dad’s time in Shannon the staff were amazing. The team always showed empathy and dignity to my father and I know there was some very trying times but they never failed to reassure and make him feel safe. When we despaired they reasured, when we were sad they made us smile. The team accepted and welcomed my mother on her daily visits, they never made her feel in the way – thank you. ”
–Angela Stevens, Google Review
Warm, friendly staff
“Don’t let the location fool you, this is a hidden gem! Its 5-star style inside and warm, friendly staff are what sets Bupa apart as a Health and Care company.”
–Tamz Taumalolo, Google Reviews
