Seniors’ housing is changing in British Columbia to reflect the needs of seniors and their families, both now and for the future. Seniors are asking for affordable housing that gives them greater independence, choice and quality of life while addressing their increasing care needs. Seniors want to live in an atmosphere that fosters community and friendships.

That’s why the province, through BC Housing, launched the Independent Living BC program in 2002, a partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, regional health authorities and the non-profit and private sectors.

Independent Living BC is a housing-for-health program – an affordable middle option between home support and residential care for lower-income seniors and people with disabilities. Up until recently, assisted living was out of reach financially for many lower-income seniors and their families. The province subsidizes rents through the ILBC program so lower-income seniors have access to the benefits of assisted living, and regional health authorities fund a range of support and care services.

“The vast majority of seniors do not want or need 24-hour care in an institutional setting,” said Murray Coell, Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services. “Assisted living is not a substitute for residential care, but rather adds to the range of housing and care options currently available, and better suits a growing population of seniors who are living longer, healthier lives.”

Designed for affordability and independence
New developments are more home-like, offering tenants an affordable independent lifestyle complete with private apartments, nutritious meals in a common dining room, laundry and housekeeping and an array of recreational opportunities with families and friends. Tenants also have access to personal care services such as help with medications and mobility, as well as a 24-hour response system.

Assisted living has become increasingly popular with today’s seniors and as the seniors’ population in British Columbia grows over the coming years, the need for a range of housing and care options will increase.

Through the Independent Living BC program, 3,500 independent living apartments with support services will be created across the province. To date, close to 2,600 of these units, nearly 75 per cent of the target, have been allocated. Nearly 600 of the units have been completed, and about 2,000 are in development or under construction.

About 2,500 units are being developed with non-profit societies through the construction of new developments or the conversion of existing facilities. The Government of Canada, through its housing agency Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is supporting the capital costs of developing the 2,500 non-profit units with a $51-million contribution under the Canada – BC Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

“Initiatives such as these demonstrate the important role that partnerships with the public and private sectors play in addressing BC’s housing needs,” said Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. “Our goal is to create safe, affordable housing for all Canadians, and the Independent Living BC program provides an excellent way to help meet this goal for seniors in British Columbia. The Government of Canada is proud to be a partner in providing this program.”

About 1,000 of the units will be provided through rent supplements by the provincial government to people living in privately-operated assisted living developments. Lower-income seniors rent these units and receive appropriate support services for 70 per cent of their after-tax income.

In 2004, groundbreakings for new developments have been held in communities across the province, including Summerland, Gibsons, Victoria, Kamloops, Qualicum Beach, Langford, and Surrey. New developments have also opened in communities such as Kelowna, Armstrong, Williams Lake, Fernie, and Trail. And many more will be opening over the next two years as the Independent Living BC partners work toward creating the 3,500 units.