Care for serious illness and end-of-life that focuses on comfort, relieves symptoms, and helps you live as well as possible.
When this service may help
This service may help if you or a loved one:
- Have a serious illness and need specialized care
- Are nearing the end-of-life
- Are supporting someone who is nearing the end of life
- Want care that feels safe and culturally supportive
What to expect
- Care focused on comfort and quality of life
- Support managing pain and other symptoms
- Emotional and practical support for you and your family
- Care that respects your wishes and choices
- Support at home or in another care setting, depending on your needs
Care options
Palliative and end‑of‑life care includes a range of services to support people of all ages, including children, their families, and caregivers.
This care focuses on physical comfort, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and practical support before, during, and after death.
- Acute palliative care units
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In some communities there are specialized palliative care units located in acute care sites. These units support people and their families when your symptoms can't be managed safely at home or in hospice.
Your community health team or primary care provider will refer you to the Palliative Consult Team if you need this care.
- Care at home
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Community Health Services provides a range of services to support people receiving palliative and end-of-life care at home.
This includes nursing support and help with daily routines.
- Hospice care
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Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life, easing symptoms for those living with a life-limiting illness. Hospice care fosters compassion, comfort and dignity to give dying peple and their families the best quality of life.
You may be eligible for hospice care if you have a life-limiting illness and are in your last 3 months of life.
- Hospice societies
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Local hospice societies are in various communities throughout the region and provide a wide variety of supports alongside your community health services team.
These may include:
- Grief and bereavement support
- Counselling
- Vigil support
- Comfort, connection, and companionship
- Youth and child support
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for these services you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen (or have permanent resident status or have been issued a temporary resident permit by the federal minister for immigration);
- Be a resident of British Columbia for at least three months;
- Have a life-limiting illness and require palliative, hospice, or end-of-life care
How to begin
Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner
Speak with your provider about your illness and your goals of care. In sharing your wishes for your healthcare, you can be connected with care that aligns with your end-of-life goals.
End-of-life care can be supported at home, in a community hospice, or palliative care unit.
Call the Community Access Line
You can also begin by calling the Community Access Line.
Have these details ready for you or the person you're calling for:
- BC Services Card
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Home address
South Island: 250-388-2273 / 1-888-533-2273 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Centre Island: 250-739-5749 / 1-877-734-4101 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
North Island: 250-331-8570 / 1-866-928-4988
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For hospice society services, contact your local Hospice Society.
Costs and fees
There may be a cost for end-of-life care or palliative care services depending on the type of services you require.
If you wish to receive palliative care at home, the BC Palliative Care Benefits program may help cover the cost of home support and certain medications and supplies. There is no charge for home care nursing or rehabilitation services.
If you require hospice care, you will pay a fixed daily rate.
For more information on costs or eligibility for short-stay services (which includes hospice care), please see: Short-Stay Services.
Services and programs vary between communities. We will make every effort to meet your individual care needs with the local resources available.