What is Publicly Funded Assisted Living?
The Vancouver Island Health Authority's Assisted Living program provides affordable rental accommodation with hospitality services and personal care assistance for seniors and those with physical disabilities.
Assisted Living supports independence and continued community living for individuals who need a safe environment and help to manage daily living tasks.
Publicly funded Assisted Living is provided by the Vancouver Island Health Authority, often in conjunction with BC Housing through the provincial Independent Living BC program and in partnership with private and non-profit operators.
What does VIHA's Assisted Living include?
- A private, lockable unit that you furnish with your own belongings. The building will also have common dining and socializing spaces.
- Two meals a day (lunch and dinner) in a common dining room, weekly light housekeeping of your unit, weekly laundering of linens (sheets and towels), social and recreational opportunities, and a 24-hour emergency response system.
- Personal Care Assistance, which may include help with bathing, grooming, dressing, and medication management as appropriate to your needs following a needs assessment by a Home and Community Care nurse.
Who is eligible?
A Home and Community Care Case Manager determines eligibility.
A person may be eligible for publicly funded Assisted Living if they:
- are eligible for Home and Community Care Case Management;
- are receiving personal care assistance in the community;
- require hospitality services (meals, housekeeping, recreation supports, emergency response);
- are able to make decisions on their own behalf, or live with a spouse who is willing and able to make decisions on their behalf;
- may be at significant risk in their current living environment (e.g. falls, isolation, poor nutrition);
- are able to communicate and be understood by others;
- have stable health conditions.
VIHA is currently developing dementia housing resources for those who are unable to direct their own care yet you do not require the full services of residential care.
How much does it cost?
The monthly charge for publicly funded Assisted Living is based on income. Residents pay 70% of their monthly after-tax income, up to a maximum amount. Persons receiving disability benefits from the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance pay a fixed rate.
This charge is paid monthly to the assisted living operator along with a small monthly BC Hydro surcharge and usually includes all services, with the exception of specific items such as TV and telephone.
What if my health changes?
Individuals may continue to reside in Assisted Living as long as:
- their health conditions remain stable;
- they can make decisions on their own behalf (or live with a spouse who is willing and able to make decisions on their behalf); and
- their care needs do not exceed what can be provided in Assisted Living.
In the event that an individual experiences a permanent decline in their health condition, a significant increase in care needs, or an inability to make decisions on their own behalf that cannot be reversed, a move from Assisted Living to a more appropriate setting will be necessary. A VIHA Home and Community Care Case Manager will assist with this process, as required.
How is Assisted Living regulated in British Columbia?
The Community Care and Assisted Living Act (2004) protects seniors and people with disabilities by providing health and safety standards for Assisted Living residences.
The Assisted Living Registrar oversees the administration of the Act and investigates complaints about assisted living residences where there is a concern about the health or safety of a resident. More information is available from the Office of the Assisted Living Registrar at 1-866-714-3378.
How do I choose an Assisted Living site?
View details about assisted living sites using the links below:
The services and details differ at each site. Your case manager may be able to assist you in selecting the most appropriate site for your needs.
How can I find out more or apply to Publicly Funded Assisted Living?
To find out if you are eligible for publicly funded Assisted Living or to apply, contact the Home and Community Care office in your community. Or, if you already have a Home and Community Care Case Manager, call him/her to request an assessment.
Eligibility does not guarantee occupancy. Vacancies at each site vary and predicting an occupancy date is often not possible.
It is important to note that access to all publicly funded Assisted Living units is through VIHA Home and Community Care. However the same operators and buildings that have publicly funded assisted living available may also offer market units for private, non-subsidized rental. Information about private, non-subsidized accommodation is available directly from the operator.