Are you wondering if you or someone you know is eligible for subsidized assisted living? Health authorities throughout the province aim to make determining eligibility criteria and submitting an application as simple as possible. The following steps are specific to Vancouver Coastal Health, but with a few variations, may be applicable to all communities in B.C.

Subsidized assisted living is intended primarily for individuals who are no longer able to stay in their own home with supports, but do not require 24-hour professional nursing care and supervision. Tenants of assisted living are relatively healthy and independent, but benefit from the additional supports and services available in the building. These include such things as having daily meals provided, regular housekeeping and social activities organized, personal care and the security of knowing there is emergency support available.

In order to be eligible for subsidized assisted living, individuals need to:

require both personal care and hospitality services;
be able to participate in decisions about their activities and needs, and be able to communicate these needs/preferences to others;
be capable of taking direction in an emergency and be able to use an emergency response system; and,
not exhibit behaviours that put the safety or well being of others at risk.

If you think assisted living is right for you or someone you know, please contact the health centre office nearest you (listed in blue pages of telephone book). Explain that you are interested in assisted living and ask to speak to a case manager.

A case manager will come to your home, or interview you in a clinic setting. She/he will talk with you about your care needs, and provide information about the services that are available.

If assisted living is considered an appropriate option for you, the case manager will forward your completed paperwork to a Priority Access Team. The Team will review your application and let your case manager know if you are eligible for an assisted living site. If eligible, your name will be placed on a list until a unit becomes available.