Community Virtual Care offers virtual supportive care to clients with a life-limiting or palliative end-of-life diagnosis. Clients are supported by registered nurses from the comfort of their home, creating an additional connection between you and your local care team, using telephone calls, virtual visits and/or interviews for you to complete on a computer tablet (loaned to you at no cost).
The Virtual Supportive Care program helps you to manage your changing health needs before emergencies happen. Your nurse will provide education and coaching so that you and your caregiver (if applicable) feel more confident to manage at home.
Inclusion in this program can be in addition to other Community Health Services that you already have in place.
Participation in this program only takes a few minutes each day.
Virtual Supportive Care provides eligible clients and caregivers nursing support from the comfort of their home. Information can be shared with the Nurse by using either your own device (iPad, tablet or computer) or a tablet loaned to you at no cost.
A technician will deliver and install the equipment and will show you how to use it. There is no cost to participate.
Every day you will tap your tablet and follow some simple onscreen instructions. After you answer a short set of questions at a scheduled time, all of the information you provide will be sent directly to your nurse.
No, you do not need an internet connection to participate in this program. The tablet uses a cellular connection to send your information securely to the nurse.
You and your nurse will connect regularly by phone and secure face-to-face video conferencing (optional). The nurse will support and educate you on how to best manage changes in your condition and recognize emergencies. If you have a doctor or nurse practitioner, your nurse will be in contact with them throughout your enrolment.
You don’t need to have a doctor or nurse practitioner to enroll in the program.
This free program is available to anyone living in an Island Health region who is diagnosed with a life-limiting or palliative condition. Clients do not need to have B.C. Palliative Benefits or a primary care provider to participate.
If you or your family member have a life-limiting or palliative diagnosis, speak with your physician or nurse practitioner, or call your Regional Community Access office to find out if this program is a fit for you.
Virtual Palliative Care is being rolled out to Island Health communities beginning in the spring of 2022. To find out when VPSC is coming to your area, email communityvirtualcare@islandhealth.ca.
If you or a family member has a life-limiting or palliative diagnosis, speak with your physician or nurse practitioner, or call your Regional Community Access office to find out if this program is a fit for you.
