Welcome to 'BCRO'

There are three main types of senior retirement LIVING options offered in BC as follows:

1a) Home Living and Care Services:

Ideal for individuals who want to remain living in their own private property but also get daily assistance from a home care agency, to help them remain in their homes. Help may include housekeeping and companionship, bathing and getting dressed, or more involved care such as nursing, physiotherapy or rehab. It may also involve making some changes to the home if needed, maybe a lift for the stairs, a chair for the tub and some handrails throughout. Whatever it takes, home care helps seniors continue to live in their own homes more safely and comfortably. Agencies usually charge an hourly fee to provide a range of medical and non-medical services for personal care, homemaking, meal preparation, transportation and social support. Any type of home support (housekeeping, meal preparation), personal support (hygiene), companionship or medicine administration maybe available at various costs.

If you are ready to apply for home and community care services, you can begin to find your health authority's home and community care contact information by visiting the 'BC Goverment' web site by clicking here.

For more direct information you can visit the VCH Home and Community care access service web site by clicking here.

1b) Housing Co-ops:

Co-ops are community organizations providing at-cost or low-cost housing for people which also includes seniors. For more information about local co-ops visit the North Vancouver City Library web site by clicking here.

1c) Subsidized Housing/Seniors non-profit:

Subsidized housing is long-term housing for people who permanently reside in British Columbia. Rental fees are calculated on a rent geared to income basis (30% of household total gross income, subject to minimum rent based on number of people). You may be eligible for subsidized housing if you can live independently and meet the household, residency, income and assets criteria.

Subsidized Housing also means the government or an organization is helping to pay your rent. BC Housing and Co-Operative Housing Federation of BC are two main organizations. Seniors non-profit or subsidized housing is affordable rental housing for individuals over 55 years of age with low incomes. Rent is subsidized by the government or another source, and is normally set at 30% of income. Generally (though not always) there are no services provided and the apartment units are small bachelor suites. There are long waitlists for subsidized housing so it is important to apply early.

For more information on 'Subsidized Housing' you can visit the BC Housing web site by clicking here.

2a) Active Adult Living:

Who is it for? Older couples and singles. People in their 50's 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.

2b) Independent Living:

Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) is a self-directed option for eligible home support clients. CSIL clients receive funds directly from their local health authority to purchase their own home support services. Clients become employers who manage all aspects of their home support, from hiring and supervising staff to overseeing how CSIL funds are spent. Ideal for those who want to live in a community of people their age with similar interests, and have all of their daily tasks taken care of. These residents are in good physical and cognitive health and need only some light assistance with tasks such as laundry, transportation and meals.

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

2c) 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 Indpendent Supportive Living option, you can visit the 'Communitas Supportive Care Society' web site by clicking here.

2d) 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.

2e) 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 detailed information about Seniors Supportive Housing you can visit the 'BCHousing' web site by clicking here.

3a) 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.

3b) 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.

3c) 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.

3d) 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.

3e) 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. Its 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 its 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.

3f) 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.

3g) 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.

3h) 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.

3i)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.

3j) 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