Residential care costs and subsidy eligibility are often overlooked in
traditional retirement planning, yet they can have a profound impact on
a client’s financial security later in life. Navigating Residential Care
Subsidy applications addresses a critical gap by highlighting how asset
and income testing rules can significantly affect retirement outcomes if
not considered early. For advisers, understanding these rules enables
more holistic, future-proof planning, helping clients avoid unexpected
depletion of assets, reduce stress during health-related transitions, and
make informed decisions well before care is required. This topic
reinforces the importance of integrating aged care considerations into
retirement advice to better protect client outcomes and strengthen
long-term adviser relationships.
Learning Outcomes
- Enhancing adviser capability in the Residential Care Subsidy
application process and its requirements.
- Building adviser understanding of how clients’ wealth and asset
ownership structures may be affected when engaging with MSD.
- Recognising the importance of maintaining accurate and
thorough client records for those who may need to apply for the
Residential Care Subsidy.
Speaker Bios
Kay Helms – Managing Director, Help4U
For more than 21 years, Kay has been guiding Kiwis through the
often-complex New Zealand health system. Kay brings a practical,
down-to-earth and caring approach to her work, helping clients access
the right information quickly, reduce stress, and feel genuinely
supported at every stage.
Brad McDonald - Director & Notary Public, Godfreys Law
Brad has been with Godfreys since graduating from the University of
Canterbury in 2000, supporting the firm through multiple phases of
growth and change over more than two decades. During this time, he
has built broad experience across most areas of the firm’s practice,
including conveyancing, debt collection, commercial and employment
law, enduring powers of attorney, estates, leasing, relationship property,
trusts, and wills.
Hosted By: David Gumbley
Member: No charge| Non-member: No charge
Additional Information: Member arrival from 8.30am, presentation from 9.00am. Please enter by Terry's café, walk through the Atrium towards lifts up to L3. We recommend members grabbing a
coffee at Terry’s on arrival.