Get help to live safely in your own home. This support helps you manage daily challenges and adjust when illness, injury, or disability affects what you can do each day.
When these services may help
You may get help if you:
- Are living with a chronic health condition that affects how you function at home
- Need help with strength, balance, and mobility
- Need help with changes to your health, including end-of-life care
- Would benefit from support to manage health at home, including by phone or video
What to expect
Care may be provided in your home, in the community, or virtually.
- Breathing and lung health
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Get help to manage breathing issues and lung conditions at home, including:
- Learning how to manage symptoms
- Using breathing medications and equipment
- Building strength for daily activities
- Knowing when symptoms are getting worse and what to do
- Planning for changes in lung health
- Food and nutrition support
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Get help with food and nutrition concerns such as:
- Eating enough
- Swallowing difficulties
- Tube feeding
- Nutrition needs related to dementia, mental health, recovery, or palliative care
- Managing care virtually (via phone or video)
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Get help managing health needs from home using phone or video support. Services are provided by Community Virtual Care and may help you:
- Monitor and manage health conditions from home
- Get support to recognize and respond to changes in symptoms
- Learn how to better manage your condition
- Build confidence in managing your health and knowing when to seek help
- Get follow‑up support after leaving the hospital or emergency department
- Rehabilitation and physical function
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Get help to:
- Improve balance and movement
- Improve strength
- Manage pain
- Practice daily activities to stay independent
- Understand what medical equipment you need
- Reduce your risk of falling
- Social work support
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Get help from a social worker when health or disability affects your life. This could include:
- Planning for future care (Advance Care Planning)
- Coping with illness or changes in what you can do
- Financial or housing concerns related to health
- Speaking up for your needs and finding community supports
- Support with palliative care and grief
- Adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect
You may be eligible depending on your health conditions, existing supports, and care needs. Call the Community Access Line to speak with someone who can guide you through your options.
How to begin
Have these details ready for you or the person you're calling for:
- A valid BC Services Card
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Home address
Call the Community Access Line. We’ll ask a few questions, learn what you need, and connect you with services.
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.
Costs and fees
These services are free, but you must pay for your medicines and any wound care supplies. You may also need to rent or buy medical equipment such as walkers, bath seats, and wheelchairs. Visit our medical equipment webpages for information on local equipment suppliers, funding, and financial support.
Services and programs vary between communities. We will make every effort to meet your individual care needs with the local resources available.