To be eligible you need to:

• Be 19 years of age or older.

• Have lived in British Columbia for three months.

• Be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status (You must be a landed immigrant or are on a Minister's permit approved by the Ministry of Health Services)

• Be unable to function independently because of chronic, health-related problems or have been diagnosed by a doctor with an end-stage illness.
  

Learn more: Planning for your care needs: Help in selecting long-term care - BC Ministry of Health

Priority for long-term care is always given to those with the highest need and the greatest risk.

If you are at home, you can access this service by contacting your local Home Health and Community Care Office where a Case Manager will determine your needs and eligibility.

1. Contact your local Home Health and Community Care Office at the central intake number
   

2. A case manager will determine your needs and eligibility
   

3. We aim to locate a care home that you have identified as one of your prefered care homes
   

4. We will notify you when an interim or preferred care home becomes available
   

5. When offered a bed in your preferred care home, you will be expected to move with very short notice – often within 48 hours of a bed becoming available 
   

When choosing a long-term care home, it is important to think about what is important to you in selecting your new home and then check out the locations and average wait time as well as the features, amenities and programs available at each care home to find the best match.

Below are a variety of tools to help you with this important decision.

• Introduction to Long Term Care Handbook

• Accessing Publicly Subsidized Long-Term Care Homes – VCH booklet
  

• Long-term care home wait times
  

• Long-Term Care Quick Facts Directory - BC Senior’s Advocate

• Home and Community Care Policy Manual - BC Government

• Long Term Care Inspection Reports - Access reports by Licensing Officers who conduct inspections regularly

Details of each long-term care home

• Long-Term Care at a Glance Matrix - List of all care homes

• Access links to each long-term care home at the bottom of this page which include details and a virtual tour of each care home.

• Virtual Video Tours of Long-Term Care Facilities - YouTube playlist of 360 degree virtual tours highlighting key features and amenities at each care home

• Tour the facility - Once you have made a shortlist of facilities, contact the facility directly to arrange a tour. You may want to take a family member or trusted friend with you for the tour.

• Admissions contract/agreement - When you visit the facility, ask for a copy of the admissions contract that describes the care available and costs as well as any extra charges that may apply for special additional services (e.g., hairdressing, dental check up, podiatry).

• Information brochures - Many facilities have information brochures available with an overview of their services and approach to care.
  

What is the cost for long-term care?

Publicly-subsidized long-term care costs a monthly fee based on 80% of your after-tax income, with set minimum and maximum rates.

As long-term care is considered your home, you may be required to pay additional fees for services or items you would pay for living on your own. For example, there may be additional fees for things like equipment or aids, optional activities, and hairdressing services. You will be told about all fees before you move in.

How long does it take to move into my new home?

The search for a long-term care home that best meets your needs starts as soon as the case manager or care provider completes your assessment. You are welcome to wait at home for your preferred care home.

It is important to let the case manager know if you experience changes in your health while waiting for a bed. Your case manager is best able to help you plan what to do next if you find staying at home more challenging.

How should I prepare to move into a long-term care home?

BC's long-term care policy ensures people with the greatest assessed need have priority access to a long-term care home. When you are offered a bed in one of your preferred care homes, you will be expected to move with very short notice – often within 48 hours. Vancouver Coastal Health has the following suggestions to help you transition more smoothly to your new home:

• Contact the long-term care home and request a copy of their handbook for helpful tips and suggestions about what to bring with you

• Have friends and family ready to assist you with your move

• Pack a bag with some essentials so you can relocate quickly

• View theIntroduction to Long-Term Care Handbook - Preparing to Move on page 9 for more information 
  

What if I want to change care homes?

If you do not get into one of your preferred care homes initially, you will be offered an interim care home. If you accept the interim care home, you will keep your place on the waitlist for your preferred care home. When a new bed becomes available in one of your preferred locations, you will have the choice of accepting or declining it.

What language will they speak at the facility? 

At all of our care homes, the primary language spoken is English but our staff members make every effort to honour and support each elder's unique cultural, ethnic and language backgrounds.