Access to Services

The Ministry of Health funds health authorities across British Columbia to provide home and community care services. Health authorities may provide these services directly or through contracts with not for profit and for profit service providers.

How to Obtain Services

A client, or someone representing them, can apply for services by contacting the home and community care office of the local health authority. A staff member will determine the urgency of the client's situation and if a care assessment is required. If an assessment is not required or the client is not eligible, they may be referred to other, appropriate resources.

If an assessment is required, a case manager or other health care professional will visit with the client to discuss their situation and determine their health care needs and eligibility. If the client is eligible for services, their case manager will work with them to develop a care plan. Their family, physician and other health care professionals will participate in preparing the care plan to ensure it best meets their needs.

Health care professionals, such as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or social worker, can also make enquiries on a client's behalf. Clients who are in hospital and feel they will need assistance when they return home, can ask the hospital social worker to contact the home and community care office of the local health authority to arrange for a case manager to visit them.