Riverbend Rest Home
06 345 0000 · admissions@riverbendcare.co.nz · 24 Somme Parade, Whanganui
"Mum has been at Riverbend for three years now. She knows every staff member by name, and they know exactly how she likes her cup of tea."
— Helen Te Huia, daughter of resident Mary Te Huia

Riverbend Rest Home — Residential Aged Care in Whanganui

Family-owned rest home and hospital-level care on the banks of the Whanganui River. Rest home, dementia and hospital beds with daily activities, a garden courtyard and whānau-centred care planning.

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Three levels of care, one home.

Riverbend offers rest home, dementia (secure) and hospital-level beds — all under one roof, so residents do not have to move to a new facility when their needs change. Every resident has a named primary caregiver and a care plan reviewed quarterly with whānau.

  • Rest home

    For residents who need daily support with meals, medication and personal care but do not require nursing.

    18 beds · shared or single rooms

  • Dementia (secure)

    Purpose-built wing with secure garden access, familiar routines and sensory activities. Staff trained in dementia care and de-escalation.

    8 beds · single rooms

  • Hospital

    24-hour registered nurse on site. For residents with complex medical needs, palliative care or post-surgical recovery.

    6 beds · single rooms

A day at Riverbend.

We believe boredom is the enemy. Every day includes at least two structured activities — but they are always optional. Some residents prefer the garden courtyard, the library corner or a quiet cup of tea.

  • Morning exerciseMon, Wed, Fri · 9:30am
  • Arts & craftsTuesdays · 10am
  • Garden clubThursdays · 10am
  • Music afternoonWednesdays · 2pm
  • BingoFridays · 2pm
  • Sunday chapel10:30am (optional)
  • Library vanFirst Monday of month
  • HairdresserEvery second Thursday
Garden courtyard

Rooms & facilities.

Every room has an ensuite, a nurse-call bell and enough space for personal furniture. The building was purpose-built in 2003 and refurbished in 2022 — single-level, wheelchair-accessible throughout.

  • Single rooms22 available · ensuite
  • Shared rooms5 pairs · lower daily rate
  • Dining roomSeats 30 · meals cooked on-site
  • Garden courtyardSecure, planted, river view
  • LoungeLarge-screen TV, library corner
  • Whānau roomPrivate space for family visits
  • LaundryOn-site, all linen provided
  • Parking10 visitor spaces on Somme Parade

Fees & government funding.

Most residents qualify for a Residential Care Subsidy from the Ministry of Health. We can help you through the application — it typically takes four to six weeks.

Daily and weekly rates (GST inclusive)
LevelDailyWeeklyFunded?
Rest home — single$215$1,505Yes, if eligible
Rest home — shared$195$1,365Yes, if eligible
Dementia — secure wing$260$1,820Yes, if eligible
Hospital$310$2,170Yes, if eligible

Rates effective 1 July 2026. Ministry of Health sets a maximum daily contribution for funded residents — currently $73.47/week. Unfunded residents pay the full rate. Please contact us for a personalised quote.

What families say.

We encourage every family to visit at least two facilities before choosing. Here is what some of ours have said.

  • The staff noticed Dad was not eating on Wednesdays — turned out he missed Mum's shepherd's pie. They got the recipe from us and now it is on the Wednesday menu.
    — Grant Olsen, son of resident Arthur Olsen
  • When Nan moved to the secure wing, we were worried she would be upset. She told us on day three that she liked it better because the garden has more flowers.
    — Tina Pehi, granddaughter of resident Kuini Pehi
  • The hospital team managed Dad's pain beautifully in his last weeks. We could just be family.
    — Sarah Jenkins, daughter of the late Raymond Jenkins

How admission works.

From first contact to moving in, the process typically takes two to four weeks. We walk alongside you through every step.

  1. Phone or visit

    Call us or book a visit to see the rooms, meet staff and ask questions.

  2. Needs assessment

    Your GP or hospital team arranges a needs assessment through the Whanganui DHB. This determines the care level.

  3. Funding application

    We help you apply for the Residential Care Subsidy. Most families are eligible.

  4. Care plan

    We meet with whānau to build a care plan covering medical, dietary, cultural and personal preferences.

  5. Moving in

    Bring personal furniture, photos and bedding. We handle the rest — linen, laundry, meals and medication.

Frequently asked questions

Search or browse. If your question is not here, call us on 06 345 0000.

Showing 10 questions
What are visiting hours?
Family and friends are welcome between 9am and 8pm, seven days. If you need to visit outside these hours — for example for palliative care — please speak with the charge nurse.
Can residents bring their own furniture?
Yes. Single rooms are large enough for a single bed (we provide one), a chair, a small table and a chest of drawers. Many residents bring photos, a bedside lamp and a favourite blanket.
Are pets allowed to visit?
Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome in the garden courtyard and lounge. We have a resident cat called Mabel. No birds or rodents, please.
What meals do you provide?
Three cooked meals a day plus morning tea, afternoon tea and supper. All meals are prepared on-site by our cook. We accommodate dietary requirements including diabetic, soft, puréed and cultural preferences.
How do I apply for the Residential Care Subsidy?
We can help you complete the application. You need a financial means assessment through Work and Income and a clinical needs assessment through the DHB. We will guide you through both.
What happens if my parent's needs increase?
We offer rest home, dementia and hospital-level care under one roof. If a resident's needs change, they move within the same building — no new facility, no new faces.
Do you offer respite care?
Yes. Short-stay respite beds are available for one to four weeks, subject to availability. This is a good way to try Riverbend before committing to a permanent move.
What about end-of-life care?
Our hospital wing provides palliative care with a registered nurse on site 24 hours. We work closely with the Whanganui Hospice team. Whānau are welcome at any hour during this time.
Is the building earthquake-strengthened?
Yes. The building was purpose-built in 2003 to current seismic standards and is 100% NBS. It is single-level and fully wheelchair-accessible.
How many staff are on at night?
Two caregivers and one registered nurse are on site overnight. Every room has a nurse-call bell that sounds at the nurses' station. Response time target is under two minutes.

Book a visit.

We encourage families to visit in person — see the rooms, meet the staff, stay for a cup of tea. Visits run Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, or by arrangement.

Request a visit

Find us

Map showing Riverbend Rest Home on Somme Parade beside the Whanganui River Whanganui River Somme Parade Riverbend CBD Hospital
Address
24 Somme Parade, Whanganui 4500
Phone
06 345 0000 (24 hours)
Email
admissions@riverbendcare.co.nz
Parking
10 visitor spaces on Somme Parade, directly in front of the entrance. The car park is flat and wheelchair-accessible.