Spectrum Care had its roots in Mangere Hospital. The focus then was to provide for people whose intellectual disability was sufficiently severe that care at home with relatives was not a viable option. In these instances, parents were encouraged to allow Mangere Hospital to assume responsibility for the care of the person.

Without exposure to the community the people at Mangere Hospital generally did not have the opportunity to develop and learn the social skills and tools of everyday living which you and I take for granted, i.e. they became institutionalised which meant that they were very dependant for care and support in everyday living.

A major reform swept through Europe, the USA and Canada and in 1990 came to New Zealand. Mangere Hospital was the first institution in New Zealand to convert to community living. The change was completed by 1994 and now all people supported by Spectrum Care have had at least ten years in the community, some longer.

Spectrum Care now supports almost 400 people living in 80 residential houses in the greater Auckland and Waikato regions. The majority of people live in an urban environment averaging 5 people per home. Staffing levels vary depending on the requirements of the people in each house. In the adult residential service there are generally a minimum of two people providing support at any given time. Support is available around the clock on a 3-shift basis usually with one person "sleeping over" with the people overnight just in case they are needed during the night.

In houses where children and young people live the staffing levels are usually higher and are planned around what is required to provide a safe and satisfying home life.

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