Assisted living and long-term care

Assisted living or long‑term care may be considered when living at home no longer seems possible, even with support. These care options are for people who need ongoing help that cannot be safely provided at home.

Before assisted living or long-term care

Before moving to assisted living or long‑term care, people receive support through home and community care services. These supports are designed to:

• Provide support with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and getting ready for bed
• Manage health conditions at home
• Coordinate your healthcare options
• Support caregivers 

For many people, these supports can delay or prevent the need to move out of their home.

When assisted living or long-term care may be considered

Assisted living or long‑term care may be considered if:

• Health needs are complex or ongoing and can no longer be managed safely at home
• Daily care needs increase beyond what Community Health Services  can provide
• You require ongoing supervision or 24‑hour care
• Living independently is no longer safe, even with support

A care assessment helps determine which type of care best meets your needs.

Assisted living supports independence.

It is for people who need some help with daily tasks. You live in a private, home‑like setting with staff on site.

When to explore this option:

• You need some help each day but can still direct your own care 
• You can make your own decisions and follow safety guidance 
• You need prepared meals, housekeeping, and some personal care 
• You can live in a private suite with access to support and a community setting

Long‑term care provides 24‑hour care and supervision.

It is for people who need ongoing nursing care, daily personal support, and continuous supervision when their needs can no longer be met at home or in assisted living.

When to explore this option:

• You need nursing care and supervision day and night
• You have complex medical needs, advanced dementia, or significant physical disabilities
• You need daily personal care and ongoing medical oversight
• It is no longer safe to live at home or in assisted living, even with support

For assisted living costs and fees, please see our How fees work webpage.

Have the following details ready for yourself or the person you’re calling for:

• A valid BC Services Card
• Full name
• Date of birth
• Home address

Call to ask about next steps

Speak with your Case Manager, or if you don't have one, call the Community Access Line. They will discuss what support you need day-to-day and what services may meet your needs.

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. 

1. Assessment
   After you speak with your Case Manager or the Community Access Line, you will complete an assessment. This helps determine whether Assisted Living or Long-Term Care is the right fit.
2. Choose preferred homes
   Review available residences and select the homes you would like to be considered for. (see Access Guide)
3. Wait for placement
   You may be placed on a waitlist based on your care needs, urgency, and availability.
4. Accept or decline a space
   When a space becomes available, you will be contacted. For Long-Term Care, you usually have about 72 hours to decide and move in. For Assisted Living, you usually have about 48 hours to decide.
5. Prepare to move
   Staff will explain what to bring, daily routines, meals, visiting guidelines, and costs. (see New to Long-Term Care Guide)
6. Ask questions at any time
   You or someone supporting you can ask questions throughout the process.