{"id":6872,"date":"2015-09-08T17:48:26","date_gmt":"2015-09-08T22:48:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senioradvisor.com\/blog\/?p=6872"},"modified":"2017-05-10T13:23:15","modified_gmt":"2017-05-10T18:23:15","slug":"british-columbia-health-care-services-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d30braiqprupoq.cloudfront.net\/blog\/2015\/09\/british-columbia-health-care-services-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"British Columbia Health Care Services for Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"

British Columbia\u00a0Health Care Services for Seniors\"British<\/span><\/h1>\n

Seniors living in British Columbia and their caregivers and relatives can get home-based and community-based help through the province\u2019s home and community care offices. Each of BC\u2019s 5 regional health authorities has offices<\/span> that arrange for needs assessments, verify eligibility, and determine whether you or your loved one may qualify for reduced rates for some client services based on income. The local Home Health office can also direct you to other healthcare services you may need that are provided by BC Health and by private-pay providers in your area. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who is eligible for Home and Community Care services?<\/h2>\n

Adult Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary resident permit holders who have lived for at least 3 months in BC may qualify for subsidized home and community care. In order to receive services, you or your loved one must have chronic or acute care needs that can be met at home or in the community. Examples include post-hospitalization care, care that reduces trips to the emergency department, care that eliminates the need for admission to a hospital or long-term care facility, and care to manage a life-limiting illness. <\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond those general guidelines, BC Health has particular needs criteria for a range of services such as adult day programs, assisted living placement, community nursing and rehabilitation, home support, and\u00a0respite care<\/a><\/strong>. You can find detailed assessment information for each type of care offered <\/span>here<\/a><\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

British Columbia Regional Health Authorities<\/h2>\n

Each of BC Health\u2019s 5 Regional Health Authorities has multiple local Home Health offices, which are the point of contact for Home and Community Care. <\/span><\/p>\n

Vancouver Coastal Health<\/a> <\/b>is the regional authority <\/span>serving<\/span> the City of Vancouver and the surrounding towns as well as Bella Bella, Bella Coola, and the surrounding communities. \u00a0VCH serves some 25% of all BC residents. The VCH Home and Community Care Access Line is available to residents at 604-263-7377. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fraser Health<\/a><\/b> serves more than 1.5 million <\/span>people<\/span> in Burnaby and other areas between Vancouver and the US border. Home Health offices in Burnaby, Fraser Valley, Langley, and 4 other cities serve seniors and caregivers who need help. The Fraser Health Home Health Service Line number is 855-412-2121.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vancouver Island Health<\/a><\/b> serves more than 750,000 residents on Vancouver Island and on the mainland between Rivers Inlet and Powell River. \u00a0Residents may visit or call one of the authority\u2019s 17 Home Health <\/span>offices, or contac<\/span>t<\/span> the South, Central, and North Island General Enquiries lines for Home and Community Care information.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interior Health<\/a><\/b> covers the BC\u2019s Southern Interior and operates 46 Home and Community Care offices in local communities across the region. \u00a0To begin the process or to learn more about what\u2019s available, you or your family member should contact the <\/span>nearest<\/span> Home and Community Care office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Northern Health<\/a><\/b> serves 300,000 people in the largest of the province\u2019s Regional Health Authorities. There are 27 Home and Community Care <\/span>offices<\/span> ready to help area residents. <\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to these 5 Regional Health Authorities, BC\u2019s <\/span>First Nations Health Authority<\/a><\/b> serves the province\u2019s Aboriginal and First Nations residents by coordinating its community care <\/span>services<\/span>, including chronic disease management, nursing care, and elder abuse prevention, with each regional authority\u2019s services. Within the Vancouver Coastal Health region, for example, culturally relevant adult day programs, wellness programs, and self-directed home care programs are provided for Aboriginal and First Nations clients.<\/span><\/p>\n

BC seniors can self-refer to their health authority\u2019s Home Health or Home and Community Care office to start the eligibility-verification and needs-assessment processes. Referrals can also come from relatives, friends, legal guardians, doctors, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists who see a need for care. <\/span><\/p>\n

What services are provided through Home and Community Care?<\/h2>\n

Each health authority offers a variety of home and community care programs, based on needs in the region. Some programs are found in all regions while others are unique to a particular region. For example, Vancouver Island Health home care programs for seniors include:<\/span><\/p>\n