Caring for someone with a health condition, injury or illness

Support is available for carers — from respite care and financial help to practical advice and wellbeing guides. Explore resources and advice for taking care of yourself and avoiding burnout.

Urgent help

Call 111 for emergencies

If there is immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else — call 111.

Talk to someone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, talk to your family, friends, neighbours or call a helpline to talk to someone anonymously.

Table 1: Helplines
Helpline Freephone
Lifeline 0800 543 354
Youthline 0800 376 633
Healthline 0800 611 116
Depression Helpline 0800 111 757
Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797
Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655

Financial support for carers

If you’re caring for someone in your home, you may be able to get some financial help. The help you can get will depend on your situation.

Financial help for people with a disability or illness — if you’re a caregiver or partner

Taking care of yourself

When you spend time caring for someone else it’s important to take care of yourself too. Looking after your physical and emotional health will help improve your wellbeing and reduce the chance of becoming stressed and isolated.

Taking care of yourself: A Guide for Carers — Ministry of Social Development (MSD)

Being aware of your own needs and wellbeing can help you recognise the signs of burnout. Carers NZ has information about the signs of burnout and how to get help.

Take a break — respite

Respite gives you a break from caring responsibilities and time for yourself. Find out about taking time out for yourself in the Time Out guide for carers.

Time Out guide — Carers NZ (PDF 1.34MB)

Government-funded respite care

Getting government-funded respite care depends on your situation.

Talk to the GP or healthcare provider for the person you support or contact your local Needs Assessment Service Centre (NASC) to see if you qualify.

Find your local NASC — Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination Association (NASCA)

Injury prevention

ACC has practical advice and techniques to help you protect yourself from lifting injuries.

Supporting people to move at home — ACC (PDF 6.48MB)

Support and advice

Carers NZ

Carers NZ is a network of carers around the country who can offer support and practical advice.

Support and advice — Carers NZ

Care Matters

Care Matters runs workshops around the country and provides online information and resources to help improve the health and wellbeing of carers.

Workshops and resources for carers — Care Matters

Yellow Brick Road

Yellow Brick Road provide support for families who have a loved one experiencing mental health challenges.

Supporting families towards mental wellbeing — Yellow Brick Road

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Utility links and page information

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