How to access home and community care

Frequently asked questions

• What care is available for home and community care?

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  When you arrange for care by calling your local access line, we will help you determine which care options are right for you. 

  Types of home and community care include: 

  • Home Health (i.e. Community Care Clinician, Community Health Nurse, Ambulatory Care Nursing, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Speech Language Therapist, Spiritual Health Practitioner.
  • Adult Day Programs
  • Home Support
  • Choice in Support for Independent Living (CSIL)
  • Caregiver Support (including respite)
  • Convalescent Care
  • Palliative and End-of Life Care in your home, long-term care homes, through outpatient clinics, hospital or hospice.
  • Assisted Living
  • Long-Term Care

• Who is eligible for home and community care services?

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  To be eligible for home and community care services, you must: 

  • be a resident of British Columbia; 
  • be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status. You must be a landed immigrant or be on a Minister’s permit approved by the Ministry of Health Services; 
  • be 19 years of age or older 
  • and need care at home after you have been released from the hospital to prevent you from going back or for a life-limiting illness. 
  • be unable to function independently because of health-related problems or a life-limiting illness, or have health care conditions that require care to prevent or reduce the need for hospital or emergency department services or admission to long term care. 

  For more information on eligibility, see Are You Eligible? - Province of British Columbia . When you call the access line, our team will walk you through the eligibility and considerations and help you and your family decide what type(s) of care is appropriate. 

• How much do home and community care services cost?

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  Some home and community care services are provided free of charge. Other services include a fee, which is determined by your income.   

  It is important to work with your health-care professional to get an accurate assessment of your unique situation. For example, you may be entitled to benefits through other sources (e.g. extended health benefits, Veterans Affairs Canada) or you may have unusual expenses and be eligible for a temporary rate reduction.  

  Call the home and community care access line in your community for current costs. 

  Services that are free 

  These services are provided for free: 

  • Home care nursing 
  • Caregiver support 
  • Case management 
  • Occupational and physical therapy 
  • Community nutrition 
  • Health services for community living (for adults with developmental disabilities) 
  • Home Support for eligible palliative  clients 
  • End of Life care in your own home 

  Services that may have costs 

  These services may charge a fee: 

  • Acquired Brain Injury services 
  • Home Support: There may be a daily charge, depending on your income 

  Services with costs 

  These services charge a fee:  

  • Adult Day Programs: Centres usually charge a daily fee to assist with the cost of craft supplies, transportation and meals. 
  • Assisted Living 
  • Convalescent Care: There is a daily rate for convalescent care. If you are unable to afford this fee, your financial situation can be assessed to see if you qualify for a temporary rate reduction.  
  • Hospice  Care
  • Long-Term Care