Seniors in British Columbia wishing to relocate from their current home have
several options available to them depending on their care needs and available
monthly income.
Subsidized Housing – rent is based on income rather than on market rate.
An application is required and there are waiting lists for these units. Those
that are members of The Housing Registry (not for profits or housing
co-operatives) can be applied for through their application process, those that
are not listed with the Registry require separate applications. Visit the BC
Housing Registry at
https://apps.bchousing.org/bchc/wrapper.jsp or for information on applying
for subsidized housing in British Columbia visit
www.bchousing.org .
Supportive Housing – these settings are similar to Assisted Living
residences in that they do offer a living environment (housing) and services
referred to as “hospitality”. They may also offer “personal assistance” but only
as it pertains to support as opposed to “prescribed service level”. According to
the Policy and Bylaw Guide for “Supportive Housing for Seniors” in British
Columbia “Supportive housing combines building features and personal services to
enable people to remain living in the community as long as they are able and
choose to do so. It is housing with a combination of support services,
including, at a minimum:
- a private space with a lockable door
- a safe and barrier-free environment
- monitoring and emergency response
- at least one meal a day available, and
- housekeeping, laundry and recreational opportunities.
Nursing and other health-related services are delivered by the local health
authority by special arrangement or as they would be to any other individuals
living independently in the community." (quoted from:
http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/housing/SHSPBG/#what)
The key difference between Supportive Housing and Assisted Living is that
Supportive Housing has more to do with housing as opposed to care which is a
predominant characteristic of Assisted Living settings.
Independent Living BC is a provincial & federal government partnership that
since 2002 has worked with regional and community partners to create Independent
Living Units allowing low-income seniors an affordable option with a range of
support services including meals, laundry, housekeeping and recreational
programs along with care services to assist with medications, mobility and a
24-hour emergency response system. (information obtained from:
http://www.bchousing.org/news/Stories/affordable ). Eligible seniors would
pay 70% of their after-tax income toward the cost of this housing option. Your
local health authority can tell if you are eligible to apply.
Assisted Living – these residences are governed
by the Community Care and Assisted Living Act and are defined as the following:
“a premises or part of a premises in which housing, hospitality, and at least
one but not more than two prescribed services are provided by or through the
operator to three or more adults who are not related by blood or marriage to the
operator.” (quoted from:
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/assisted/pdf/guide.pdf, page1). Assisted Living
units can be for profit or not-for-profit and vary in size and accommodation.
Available services may include assistance with activities of daily living
(grooming, dressing etc.) and recreational/social activities. The Assisted
Living Registrar is responsible for following up with all concerns and
complaints. For further information see the article “Retirement Home Regulation
in British Columbia” on www.bc.senioropolis.com.
Residential Care – (nursing homes, long-term
care) are facilities for those that cannot be independent in their own homes and
require 24/7 care and support. Residents are provided with meals, medication
assistance, assistance with activities of daily living and social/recreational
programs. Eligibility for a government subsidized Residential Care facility is
determined by a case manager from the Regional Health Authority. Those assessed
as having the greatest need will be given priority for admission to the first
available and appropriate bed. Fees are determined by the person’s after-tax
income. There are also Private Nursing Homes where no subsidies are available.
The private homes set their own fees and manage their own waiting lists and
admission procedures.
