Not too long ago, my great-uncle, a man with a collection of outrageous Hawaiian shirts and a penchant for singing loudly in public, started showing signs of dementia. And at first it was fine.

But one day, while attempting to make a sandwich, he began buttering the cat instead of the bread. That, my friends, was a wake-up call.

He needed professional care that went beyond what our well-meaning but bewildered family could provide. So if you’ve been in a similar situation, you’re in the right place.

The rest of the Top Reviews team helped me sort through recommended dementia care providers, interview families, and tour the places ourselves. Two months later, here’s who made it onto our list for the best dementia care in New Zealand.

How much does it cost to move into a dementia care facility in New Zealand?

Expect to spend at least 1,000 NZD per week if moving a loved one into a dementia care facility in New Zealand. This price is just an estimate and will increase depending on the level of care required, the facility you choose, and more.

How We Chose

Quality of Care: We examined the quality of care provided. We considered staff qualifications, the ratio of carers to residents or clients, and the overall approach to dementia care. 

Reputation: We interviewed families, residents, and healthcare professionals. Feedback from those with first-hand experience was invaluable.

Environment: For home care, we looked at how carers could adapt the client’s home environment to maximise comfort and security. For facilities, we visited locations to see if they felt welcoming and homely.

Cost and Funding Options: The cost of dementia care can vary widely, so we considered the value provided relative to the price. Providers offering clear, transparent pricing and various funding options, including government subsidies and payment plans, earned higher marks. We also took into account any additional services included in the cost, such as medical care, meals, and therapy sessions.

1. Dovida

Dovida is a reliable choice for what we’d call compassionate and customised dementia care in a place they already know: their own home.

They keep seniors, especially those with dementia, comfy and happy at their (the seniors’) own houses. Their specially trained in-home dementia carers offer friendly companionship and help with everyday tasks, from personal care to housework.

Families who’ve used Dovida raved to us about the huge boost in quality of life and independence, plus the relief from the pressures of caregiving. We’ve gleaned that Dovida does a great job at keeping family members in the loop with regular updates and addressing any questions or worries.

However, they don’t handle medical care, and costs add up, so that’s something to plan for, especially if your budget’s tight.

Customer Reviews

The carers were always obliging and respectful of Mum’s needs

“Home Instead was originally called in to care for my Mum, across some special events. However, because of the ease of booking, and professionalism and empathy the caregivers showed Mum we enlisted it on a more permanent basis. Home Instead cared for Mum every work day from 0730 – 1700. The carers took Mum for walks, bathed Mum, fed her, and did light duties which was more than I’d expected them to do. The carers were always obliging and respectful of Mum’s needs. It has been a pleasure to have them care for Mum and they come highly recommended. Thanks Karen, Mana, Daphne, Margaret and Catarina.”

• Veena Soma-Barron Google Review 

The carers were very caring and respectful

“Would highly recommend Home Instead. Excellent communication from the time we first called to arrange assistance for our mum. Also very quick to respond to her changing needs. We had several carers who helped to care for our mother in her home, while it was only for a short time it was evident that the carers were very caring and respectful.” 

• Alli Turner Google Review 

2. Briargate Dementia Care

Briargate Dementia Care looks after up to 40 residents with different stages of dementia, and yes, they handle therapy and medicinal care too. That said, residents can choose to continue seeing their personal doctor even while here. 

But what do people love most about Briargate? The staff. Everyone we spoke with mentioned they’re genuinely compassionate and attentive.

Families said they feel at ease knowing their loved ones are in good hands here, receiving care that’s tailored just for them. Many of the residents we interviewed also described Briargate as a “warm” and “welcoming” home. 

Sure, some family members we talked to did think the individual attention could improve a bit, but they do have a bunch of fun activities like Zumba, live music, balloon therapy, and quizzes, and friends and family can join in too! They even have a 10-seater mini-bus for group outings.

Customer Reviews

Everyone is so friendly and caring

“My mother has only been part of the Briargate community for a few months but she has settled well and attends happily twice a week at this stage.  Everyone is so friendly and caring.  She feels understood and they make every day a happy day.  I am so pleased we found Briargate.”

• Linda and Peter Padoa, Google Reviews

They offer the best care

“They offer the best care to residents. All residents are treated with respect. Staff are very welcoming.”

• All PDM, Google Reviews

3. Avonlea Dementia & Rest Home

Avonlea Dementia & Rest Home is designed to feel just like a typical Kiwi home. Think open-plan kitchens, cosy dining rooms, and comfy lounges—all to make the residents feel right at home.

We think what’s best about Avonlea is how they focus on each person’s unique needs and preferences. They seem to do a lot to keep residents doing the things they love and stick to their familiar routines, which helps them feel independent and happy.

Sure, a few family members did mention that communication could be better, especially when it comes to updates on their loved ones’ care plans. And yes, Avonlea might be a bit pricier than some other places.

Even with those caveats, though, the residents and family members we talked to here said the quality of life and level of care are top-notch.

Customer Reviews

They treated my mother with such dignity, and respect

“I can not recommend enough of the fantastic staff and facilities at Avonlea. They treated my mother with such dignity, respect and loved her like she was their own even though she was there for a short period of time. They are amazing people and the facilities are fantastic. Thank you Avonlea and you wonderful staff.”

• Mark Google Review

They’ve been unfailingly polite and professional

“There’s always been plenty of staff around when I’ve visited; they’ve been unfailingly polite and professional, and have always treated the residents really nicely. The premises have always been clean, tidy and comfortable.”

• Peter L Google Review 

4. Addington Gardens Care Centre

Addington Gardens has both rest home and hospital care, so there’s no need to stress about moving if your loved one’s needs change.

Many residents we spoke with liked that they could personalise their living spaces, fostering a sense of home. And we’ve heard tonnes of good comments about the food, like their Sunday roasts and homemade puddings (this actually made us a bit envious).

Activity-wise, they have plenty of fun outings like shopping sprees or picnics in the park. However, we were warned by several family members of residents that there are slow updates and trouble reaching staff sometimes. 

Customer Reviews

 Food, activities, facilities and staff are all fantastic

“Both parents have enjoyed their time here. Dad has now passed however his care up until that point was wonderful. Mum is exceptionally happy here – the food, activities, facilities and staff are all fantastic.”

• Jayne Pescini Google Review 

The staff gave such love and care to my dear dad

“My dear dad ended up in the dementia part of the hospital, the staff gave such love and care to my dear dad until he passed away sadly”

• Felicity Ludecke Google Review

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