Welcome to 'BCRO'

1) Active Adult Living:

Who is it for? Older couples and singles. People in their fifties and older who have emptied the nest find active adult an ideal lifestyle choice. These purpose-built houses or apartments, sometimes in planned or gated communities, are not necessarily 55 plus only, but they are built with a suite of services and features that appeal to a peer group of people this age. Many include golf courses, art studios and similar hobbies. Aging people in these types of communities may hire off-site home care and other support. People may end up living here for several years or even decades, possibly moving onto a retirement home from here.

To find out more about Active Adult Living in BC you can visit the 'Comfort Life' web site by clicking here.

2) Independent Living:

Independent living is designed for seniors 55 and older who wish to live in a residential community while maintaining their privacy and independence. Independent senior living communities commonly provide apartments, but some also offer cottages, condominiums, and single-family homes. Generally independent living means that you need only minimal assistance with day-to-day activities such as getting dressed, bathing, eating or taking medications etc..

Independent Living BC Program:
The Independent Living BC (ILBC) is a subsidized, assisted-living program that provides housing with support services to seniors and people with disabilities. If you qualify, you could live in your own unit in an assisted living residence. The residences are located in communities across B.C. Each residence has private units, shared dining and social areas, housekeeping services, personal care services and emergency response. The programs assisted living units provide a middle option between home care and residential care, so individuals can continue to live independently.

For more information about the Independent Living BC Program click here.

Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL):
CSIL is a BC Government sponsored independent living service that may be suitable for seniors who have a significant physical disability and desire more control and flexibility in managing their own home support services. CSIL services receive funds directly from their local health authority to purchase their own home support services. CSIL services are ideal for seniors who want to live in a community of people their age with similar interests, and have all of their daily tasks taken care of.

For more information about the BC Government CSIL services click here.

3) Independent Supportive Living:

Independent Supportive living may combine all of the benefits of an independent lifestyle in a retirement residence, housekeeping and laundry, leisure and social opportunities and 24-hour security with delicious daily meals and the ability to take advantage of personal support services like medication administration or assistance with your daily routine. Personal support services may be offered through government-funded home care agencies or private pay services, depending on your province of residence and the services in the retirement community you are interested in.

For more detailed information about the Independent Supportive Living option, you can visit the BC 'Communitas Supportive Care Society' web site by clicking here.

4) Retirement Home (private pay):

A retirement home is a living space that accommodates seniors looking to live an active lifestyle without the daily hassles of chores, tasks, and home maintenance. And since retirement communities focus on independence and flexibility, residents can enjoy a fully independent lifestyle and personalized services. Residents can range in age from 70's, 80's and 90's to centenarians.

In most provinces, a private-pay Retirement Residence may also be known as:
            - Retirement Community
            - Retirement Living
            - Senior Living Residence
            - Senior Living Community
            - Seniors Residence
            - Seniors Community
            - Seniors Home

Privately owned Retirement Homes for seniors do not receive government funding. Seniors pay monthly rent for accommodation and services such as meals, housekeeping, some laundry, recreation, activities, amenities, social events etc. In a Retirement Home, you have your own suite, create your own schedule, and can come and go as you please. You choose your own meals and how you like to spend your time, whether it's on your own or with the people who live in the community, taking part in social activities, exercise classes, or outings. The flexibility offered in these residences is just one reason they come highly recommended among older adults and their families. Individuals can choose their meals, plan how to spend their time, attend exercise classes, socialize with others who live in the community and go out to their favourite places.

Living in a retirement home means the resident can choose their suite, services and care options. All of these choices help determine how much is paid; for most seniors living in a retirement home, it works out to about $3,000 - $5,500 per month. Some retirement residences cost more per month, for those looking for a luxury experience. Be sure to shop around to find the best option within your budget.

For a more detailed information about Retirement Homes you can visit the 'Seasons Retirement' web site by clicking here.

Also a good introduction and overview as to why and what seniors might be considering as alternative accommodation during retirement is provided by the 'COGIR Senior Living' web site click here: here.

5) Supportive Housing:

Seniors Supportive Housing provides specially modified rental homes for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who need some assistance to live on their own. Support services include 24-hour response, light housekeeping, meals, and social and recreational activities.

For a more information about 'Seniors Supportive Housing' you can visit the 'BCHousing' web site by clicking here.

To return to the BC Retirement Options web page click here