Question 1

What's included in the Senior Home Help packages?

Accepted Answer

Our packages go beyond cleaning, including laundry, ironing, bed-making, pet care, plant watering, companionship, and small errands. The exact tasks depend on which package you choose (1-hour retirement village, or 2, 3, 4, or 5-hour home visits).

Question 2

Do you accept the SuperGold card?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cleaning Instyle is a registered SuperGold business and cardholders get 10% off home help, which brings the rate to $49.50 an hour plus GST. Three conditions are worth knowing up front. The discount applies to home help at the cardholder's own home, so booking a clean for your own house on a parent's card does not qualify. It does not apply to retirement village visits, which are already a flat reduced-scope rate of $65 an hour. It does not apply to gift vouchers, because the card cannot be checked at the point of purchase, though a cardholder still gets 10% off any hours booked beyond the voucher. We may ask to see the card on the first visit.

Question 3

How much does Senior Home Help cost?

Accepted Answer

Home help is a flat $55 an hour: $110 for 2 hours, $165 for 3 hours, $220 for 4 hours, and $275 for the 5-hour flagship package. Retirement Village Support is a separate flat rate of $65 for a 1-hour visit. All prices are +GST. SuperGold cardholders get 10% off home help at their own home, so the 5-hour package comes down to $247.50. We'll recommend the right package after understanding your specific needs.

Question 4

Will I get the same helper each visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Consistency is at the heart of our service. We match you with a personal helper who visits every time, never a rotating stranger. They'll get to know your routines, preferences, and what matters most to you.

Question 5

Is this a medical or nursing care service?

Accepted Answer

No. Our staff are not trained nurses, doctors, or qualified caregivers. They are friendly, vetted household helpers who assist with everyday tasks, including cleaning, laundry, light cooking, companionship, pet care, and general tidying. They can remind you to take medication, but they cannot administer medicine, provide medical advice, or perform any form of clinical or personal nursing care. If you or your loved one requires medical support, we recommend contacting a registered home care or nursing provider.

Question 6

Can a family member book on behalf of someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many of our bookings come from adult children arranging support for their parents. Just fill in the quote form or call us, and we'll arrange a friendly home visit to meet the person who'll be receiving support and understand their needs first-hand.

Question 7

How often should I schedule visits?

Accepted Answer

Most clients book weekly or fortnightly. Weekly visits work best for seniors who rely on regular support, while fortnightly suits families who need a maintenance boost. We also offer monthly and one-off visits if you'd like to try the service first.

Question 8

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We serve Whangaparaoa, Gulf Harbour, Orewa, Silverdale, and the wider Hibiscus Coast. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, just get in touch, we're happy to check.

Question 9

Are your helpers insured and vetted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every team member undergoes thorough background checks and is fully covered by our insurance policy. You can welcome our helpers into your home with complete confidence.

Question 10

Can I change my package later?

Accepted Answer

Of course. If you find you need more (or less) time, we can adjust your package at any point. Many clients start with a shorter package and upgrade once they see how much difference it makes.

Question 11

What cleaning products do you use?

Accepted Answer

We exclusively use Sutter Zero Natural Force, an Italian plant-based, biodegradable product line. It's free from hazardous classifications, making it safe for sensitive homes, children, pets, and anyone with allergies or respiratory concerns.

Question 12

Is home help for the elderly funded in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Some of it is. Publicly funded home support is arranged through a free needs assessment and delivered by large contracted providers. Cleaning Instyle is a private service and is not one of them, so we cannot arrange funded hours for you. What funded support usually covers well is personal care such as showering and dressing; housework is often a small allocation or not funded at all, which is the gap most families end up filling privately.

Question 13

What happens if my needs assessment did not cover the housework?

Accepted Answer

This is the most common reason people call us, and it is not a mistake on your part. Funded support is prioritised towards health and safety, so the cleaning, laundry and ironing are frequently left out. You can ask for a reassessment if circumstances have changed. Otherwise a small amount of private help usually closes the gap, often just one or two hours a week. We are a private provider, so you can book us alongside funded care without disturbing it.

Question 14

Do you take ACC clients after an injury or surgery?

Accepted Answer

We work with people recovering at home, but we are a private service and not a contracted ACC provider, so we cannot invoice ACC on your behalf. If you have an accepted claim, ask ACC or your case manager what home help you are entitled to first. Many people use us to bridge the tail of a recovery once that support ends, and because there is no minimum contract you can stop the moment you no longer need us.

Question 15

Can I use you alongside a government funded carer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and a good number of our clients do exactly that. Because we are a private service and separate from your funded provider, booking us does not affect the support you already have. The two do different jobs: the funded carer handles personal care, and we handle the house and the company. It works best if you agree who does what and write it down somewhere visible, and if you keep the visits on different days so support is spread through the week rather than clustered into one.

Question 16

How much does home help cost on the Hibiscus Coast?

Accepted Answer

Home help is a flat $55 an hour plus GST, and SuperGold cardholders pay $49.50 at their own home. Privately paid in-home care in New Zealand generally runs between about $49 and $60 an hour, so we sit in the middle of that band while offering rather more than a sole operator can: a vetted team with cover when your regular helper is away, full insurance, and fixed-price blocks rather than an hourly meter. There is no minimum contract and no charge for the first visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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