Government

Quick access to information based on government's structure

Ministry of Health

Community Care Services
Residential Care

Facility Care

Residential care facilities provide 24-hour professional nursing care and supervision in a protective, supportive environment for people who have complex care needs and can no longer be cared for in their own homes.

Residential care services include:

  • an assisted meal service;
  • medication supervision;
  • personal assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing or grooming; and
  • a planned program of social and recreational activities.

Moving to a Care Facility

British Columbia's residential access policy ensures seniors and people with disabilities with the highest need and urgency have priority for the first available, appropriate care facility bed.

Clients who have been assessed as needing facility care are expected to take the first room that becomes available. Once in residential care, clients may request a transfer to a preferred care facility when there is an opening.

It is wise to plan ahead for a move to residential care. Clients are encouraged to ask their family and friends to help them prepare for their move. When a room does become available, they will be asked to move in fairly quickly - usually within 48 hours.

What Clients Should Know Before They Move

Moving to a residential care facility may not be easy, especially for seniors or people with disabilities who are moving from their own home. Taking the time to learn about the services that are offered in the facility, the costs and policies will ease the transition and make the move less stressful. Here are some questions clients may want to ask their case manager before they move:

  • Can they take their own furniture into the care facility?
  • What are the visiting times?
  • What are the facilities' practices regarding belongings, pets and mail?
  • What kind of clothing should they bring?
  • Can outings and overnight stays be arranged?

For frequently asked questions about residential care, see B.C.'s New Residential Care Access Policy (PDF 35K).

The Guidelines for the Development of Resident or Family Council provide information to assist in the development and implementation of resident/family councils (PDF 146K).