Some of the home and community care services are provided free of charge. Others include a fee, which is determined by your after-tax income.
Services provided free of charge
- Case management
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Community nutrition
- Health services for community living
- Home care nursing (excluding cost of supplies)
- Caregiver support (excluding cost of supplies)
Services where charges may apply
- Acquired brain injury program
- Home support services (may be a daily charge depending on your income)
Services where charges do apply
Assisted living
There is a monthly charge based on 70 per cent of your after-tax income. Visit the assisted living page for more information about this service.
Convalescent care
There is a flat minimum monthly rate. If your stay is less than a month, you will be assessed for a prorated charge, which is the minimum monthly rate divided by number of days in the month times your length of stay.
If the charge represents a financial hardship, low income clients can request a financial assessment to get a temporary rate reduction. Visit the convalescent care page for more information about this service.
Home support services
- People receiving home support services for personal care on a short-term basis, a few days up to two weeks after discharge from a hospital, will not be charged for services.
- People who are receiving ongoing services, you may be assessed a daily charge depending on your income.
- People who are palliative and who are in the last six months of life are not charged for home support services. We will assess your care needs monthly to determine your ongoing eligibility.
Visit the home support services page for more information about this service.
Palliative care
Support by the Palliative Care Consultation Team is covered by the B.C. Medical Services Plan. The B.C. Palliative Care Benefits program covers the cost of some basic equipment and supplies.
There is a daily rate (called a ‘per diem’) for care at a hospice. That rate is set by the provincial government and is the lowest long-term care rate.
If paying the per diem might cause financial hardship, individuals can speak with a palliative care social worker and request a financial assessment to be considered for a temporary rate reduction. Visit the palliative care page for more information about this service.
Long term care
There is a monthly fee based on 80 per cent of your after-tax income, with set minimum and maximum rates. Visit the long term care page for more information about this service.
How do I get exact costs?
Costs will vary depending on individual circumstances. It's important to work with your case manager to get an accurate assessment of your unique situation.
Resources
- Veterans Affairs Canada: Services and benefits
There is a wide variety of services for Veterans and their families—programs to assist you after an injury or during the transition from military to civilian life, and many other services to help you and your family throughout your life. - ICBC: Injuries and treatment
ICBC provides rehabilitation support and work with you, your doctor and other professionals on your road to recovery. - Government of British Columbia: Care options and costs
Information about the types of publicly subsidized home and community care services offered through B.C.’s health authorities.
A guide to your care
The guide includes general information about services available to help British Columbians live as independently as possible and information about end-of-life care. It also provides useful information for family and friends.