Assisted living is intended primarily for individuals who are no longer able to stay in their own home with supports, but who 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 service available in the building. These include such things as daily meals, regular housekeeping and social activities, personal care and the security of knowing there is 24-hour response available.

To be eligible for subsidized assisted living (the Independent Living BC program), you need to:

Require both personal care (e.g. assistance with meals, mobility, medication management, dressing, bathing) and hospitality services (e.g. laundry and housekeeping);
Be able to participate in decisions about your activities and needs and be able to communicate these 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.

How do I apply for subsidized assisted living?
Health authorities throughout the province are responsible for Independent Living BC resident selection and they assess applicants to determine if assisted living is their best option. Contact your nearest health authority (see Resource Contacts on page 6) and explain that you are interested in assisted living and ask to speak with a case manager.

A case manager will come to your home or interview you in a clinic setting. They 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 which will review your application and let your case manager know if you are eligible for an assisted living apartment. If eligible, you will be contacted when a suite becomes available.

You would pay about 70 per cent of your after-tax income for a suite, including all the services (meals, housekeeping, etc.). For example, if your after-tax income is $12,240 dollars a year, or $1,020 per month, the monthly payment would be about $714.