Welcome to 'BCRO'

1) Assisted Living:

Assisted living communities are designed for residents with disabilities and require on-site assistance with meals, personal care, mobility, medication management and support. It is also for adults who cannot, or, who choose not to live independently. Criteria for entry requires that you can live in the residence safely, given their needs and capabilities.

An assisted living residence provides housing accommodation, hospitality services and assisted living services. Classes of assisted living residences include:
        - seniors with disabilities
        - mental health
        - supportive recovery

For more detailed information about government Assisted-Living services visit the 'BC Government' web site by clicking here.

2) Care Home:

Care homes provide accommodation and care for people who need substantial help and support with their personal care. Trained staff care for residents 24 hours a day. People usually move into a care home when it is no longer feasible for them to live more independently, even with care provided at home. In BC care and support are available from both publicly subsidized and private pay providers for people having difficulty coping with activities of daily living because of health-related problems or a life-threatening illness.

For more information on Care Homes you can visit the 'BC Government' web site by clicking here.

3) Complex Care

Specifically designed for seniors who need more attention and care. This style of living includes 24-hour staffing, a continuum of care by health care professionals. Complex Care for Seniors includes:
        - Nursing Homes
        - Rehabilitation Care

For more detailed information about government Complex Care services visit the 'BC Government' web site by clicking here.

4) Convalescent Care:

This is ideal for those still recovering from surgeries (notably knee or hip surgery), who are done with hospitalization, but not quite ready to be independent. It's a unique service offered by some retirement homes and is also available through home care services. Retirement homes offer a clean, safe medical environment that may include an on-site doctor or nurses, as well as spa services and other amenities. It's an ideal way to fully recover. Round the clock attention is available, should an emergency arise. Personal care for various ADLs if needed. Administration of any medicines. Routine doctor check-ups may also be included. Spa services, physiotherapy and other options are available from some residences or providers.

For more detailed information about Convalescent Care you can visit the 'Fraserhealth' web site by clicking here.

5) Long Term Care:

Long-term care services provide 24-hour professional supervision and care in a protective, supportive environment for people who have complex care needs and can no longer be cared for in their own homes or in an assisted living residence. People who require the specialized environment that a long term care home provides, often have complex multiple chronic health conditions, frequently including dementia.

In long term care, highly skilled care teams focus on the person developing an individualized care plan that supports their comfort, dignity and safety. It is not just physical well-being but social, intellectual and spiritual wellness are also important. That is why many long term care homes offer a variety of recreation activities, including fitness classes, art and creative pursuits such as music therapy and horticultural programs, and access to computers and libraries. There are also outings, cultural and community celebrations, multi-faith spiritual services and volunteer programs. Here, meals are made with both taste and nutrition in mind.

Long term care homes have different room options:
        - some older homes have only semi-private (shared) rooms
        - while others offer a mix of semi-private and private rooms

Because long term care is government funded and regulated, the care costs often differ from province to province. Typically, accommodation is shared by an individual and the government (these rates are set by the provincial government, not the operator, and are the same for all residents in a given province), while the government covers the cost of things like care, food, programming and certain medications.

To get into a long term care facility, there is a provincial health assessment, which determines if someone qualifies for the care. There are often waiting lists through the regional or provincial agency, so it is very important to get your name onto the list as quickly as possible.

For more detailed information about Long Term Care visit the 'BC Government' web site by clicking here.

6) Memory Care:

Memory care services are offered to seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer's. Caring staff are trained on how to support individuals living with cognitive impairment. Residences offering memory care services may have dedicated, secure neighborhoods or floors with their own dining rooms and activity lounges for added security and peace of mind.

For a more detailed example of Memory Care retirement services you can visit the 'Amica Edgemont Village' seniors care home web site by clicking here.

7) Nursing Home:

Also known as Residential/Long-term care. Unlike retirement residences, nursing homes are funded by the province. They offer accommodation, meals and 24/7 personal and nursing care for seniors who are unable to care for themselves due to serious and complex medical issues. Since most seniors in nursing homes live with mobility challenges, these homes have fewer amenities and activities. Seniors pay room and board; provinces fund the medical and support services provided; seniors who are unable to afford nursing may qualify for a subsidy to cover the monthly fee. Nursing homes may be operated by private organizations, provinces or municipalities, or nonprofits/charitable organizations.

For a more detailed information about Seniors' Nursing Homes you can visit the 'Storypoint' web site by clicking here.

8) Palliative Care:

This type of care focuses on helping seniors who face serious illness that may be terminal. Home care service providers offer palliative and hospice care in the home. Many retirement residences offer this service to clients in their care who develop serious illness, while some accept new residents facing a terminal diagnosis.

For a more detailed example of Palliative Care retirement services you can visit the 'Lynn Valley Care' seniors care home web site by clicking here.

9) Residential/Long-term care/Nursing Home:

Residential or Long-term care is also known as a Nursing Home. Unlike retirement residences, nursing homes are funded by the province. They offer accommodation, meals and 24/7 personal and nursing care for seniors who are unable to care for themselves due to serious and complex medical issues. Since most seniors in nursing homes live with mobility challenges, these homes have fewer amenities and activities. Seniors pay room and board; provinces fund the medical and support services provided; seniors who are unable to afford nursing may qualify for a subsidy to cover the monthly fee. Nursing homes may be operated by private organizations, provinces or municipalities, or nonprofits/charitable organizations.

For a more detailed information about Seniors' Nursing Homes you can visit the 'Storypoint' web site by clicking here.

10) Special Care Home:

Special Care Home are a place where you can live and have access to round the clock help. Special Care Homes have trained staff on site 24 hours a day. The staff can offer help with personal care such as getting dressed or bathroom activities like bathing and toileting. Meals, help with medication and housekeeping services are provided by the Special Care Home, as well as social and recreational programming.

For more information on 'Special Care Homes' you can visit the 'Social Support NB' web site by clicking here.

To return to the BC Retirement Options web page click here