Assisted Living

Assisted Living is a housing plus health option for individuals who need a little extra help. It includes affordable rental accommodation, hospitality services, as well as personal care services to individuals in need. Subsidized Assisted Living (accessed through the health authority) is primarily intended for seniors and those with physical disabilities. If you are living alone, isolated, and need help with meals and personal care, this may be an option for you.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) currently has a number of  subsidized assisted living sites that are open throughout the Region, and is working with BC Housing to create a total of almost one thousand Assisted Living units to be available within the next few years. It is important to note that access to all subsidized Assisted Living is through the health units in Vancouver Coast Health. There are however other market units available. Information on private pay (ie non-subsidized) units is available by contacting the Service Provider directly.

What does VCH Subsidized Assisted Living Include ?

• Rental Accommodation: this means a private, lockable apartment or suite that you furnish with your own belongings. The building will also have common dining and socializing spaces.
• Hospitality Services: this includes two meals a day (lunch and supper), weekly housekeeping of your suite, weekly laundering of your linens (towels and sheets), social and recreational opportunities, and a 24-hour emergency response system.
• Personal Care Services: this may include such things as assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, and medication management appropriate to a person’s needs.

How do I find out more about VCH Assisted Living Units ?

Access into subsidized assisted living is through the Health Authority. Please contact the health centre/office nearest you and ask to speak with a case manager. If you are currently in hospital, please ask a hospital staff person for further information.

Read More

• Subsidized Assisted Living Handbook
• Subsidized Assisted Living Brochure
• Scheduled Openings of Subsidized Assisted Living Units
• Subsidized Assisted Living Sites

VCH resources

• Senior's Health
• Search for Home & Community Care Services

For information on other housing options

• Seniors Housing Information Program (SHIP)

Last Updated: May 7, 2009