The Ministry of Health introduced a national aged residential contract from 1 June 2002. Responsibility for this contract was devolved to district health boards on 1 October 2003.

The contract covers rest home, dementia and geriatric hospital level care delivered in a residential care setting. The contract ensures that there is a national standard of services that are provided to residents in long-term residential care. It is important that residents, friends and families, are aware what services are covered in this contract.

Each year there is a national review of the Age Related Residential Care contracts between DHBs and providers for the provision of Age Related Residential Care Services. Any variations agreed are included in the Aged Related Residential Care agreements.