Long-Term Care and Assisted Living

As health needs change, living at home may become harder to manage safely. You may need daily personal care, more consistent support, or the reassurance of trained staff nearby.

Assisted Living supports independence. It is for people who can manage most of their day but want meals, housekeeping, and some personal care in a private, home-like setting with staff on-site.

Long-Term Care provides 24-hour nursing. It is for people who need ongoing medical supervision, daily personal care, and continuous support due to more complex health or safety needs.

Assisted Living (supports independence)

Assisted living provides a private home-like space with meals, housekeeping and some personal care, while supporting independence and community connection.

When it's the right choice
  • You need some help each day but not 24-hour nursing care.
  • You can make your own decisions and manage safety instructions.
  • You want a private suite and a community with access to support.
What to expect

If you qualify for services, you may get some of the following support:

  • Your own suite or room
  • Daily meals, housekeeping, and laundry
  • Help with some personal care tasks
  • Opportunities for social, cultural, or recreational activities
  • Staff available onsite for scheduled support and safety
Cost and fees (2025)

Fees are income-based

If you qualify for publicly funded assisted living:

  • You pay 70% of your after-tax income each month. This covers your room, meals, housekeeping, and personal care support.
  • There is a minimum and maximum monthly amount.
  • You will be told your exact monthly cost during your assessment.
  • If you receive disability or income assistance, you may pay a set monthly rate instead.
  • Some optional services (like cable, phone, or personal items) may cost extra.
     

If Paying Is Difficult
If the monthly cost would make it hard to afford basic needs (like food or medications), you can ask about financial hardship support.

Long-Term Care (offers 24 hour care)

Long-term care offers 24-hour nursing, daily personal care, meals, and support for people who need ongoing medical or safety supervision.

When it's the right choice
  • You need nursing care and supervision day and night.
  • You have complex medical needs, disabilities, or advanced dementia.
  • You can no longer be safely cared for at home or in assisted living.
What to expect

If you qualify for services, you may get some of the following support: 

  • 24-hour nursing and health monitoring
  • Help with bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, and medications
  • Meals, laundry, housekeeping, and recreational activities
  • A secure home-like environment with staff support at all times
Costs and fees

If you qualify for publicly funded long-term care:

  • You pay 80% of your after-tax income each month.
  • There is a minimum and maximum monthly amount set by the Province.
  • This fee covers:
    • Your room and meals
    • Nursing care and personal care
    • Laundry and housekeeping
    • Basic medical supplies
  • You will be told your exact monthly cost during your assessment.
  • If you receive disability or income assistance, you may pay a set monthly rate instead.
  • Some optional services (like cable, phone, hairdressing, or private room upgrades) may cost extra.

If Paying Is Difficult

  • If the monthly cost would make it hard to afford personal needs (like clothing or medications not covered), you can ask about financial hardship support.

How to begin

Get ready to ask about care

Have the following details and documents 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. We ask a few question sto learn what support you need day-to-day. 

How it works

  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.