Assisted Living

Subsidized Assisted Living is a housing plus health option primarily for seniors who can no longer remain in their own home but do not require residential (facility) care.

Assisted living includes:

• Rental accommodation (typically a self-enclosed apartment)
• Hospitality services (includes lunch and supper daily, weekly housekeeping and linen service; regular social/recreational activities, and emergency response system); and
• Personal care services, such as help with dressing, bathing, medication management, etc. 

AccessEligibility and appropriateness is determined by VCH staff using a standardized assessment process. The Housing operators also interview prospective clients prior to move in.

Cost

• Subsidized AL is affordable to all people. Residents pay 70% of after tax income for their package of services. Couples pay 70% of their combined after tax income.

• People on income assistance pay a flat rate, while those with higher incomes pay a maximum based on comparable private services.
  

Current capacityYear to date March 2010:

• Vancouver: 11 sites; 574 contracted units
  
• Richmond: 2 sites; 116 contracted units
  
• Coastal: 7 sites; 231 contracted units
  
• Total VCH: 20 sites; 921 contracted units

Facts and figures

• 866 tenants (74% female; 26% male)
• Average age of tenants: 82.9 years
• Average length of stay is 2.3 years (in sites open for more than two years)
• 541 people on the waitlist for subsidized AL

Learn moreFor more information, visit our Assisted Living page in the Your Health section.