Understanding Home Care in BC

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Home Care in BC is important. We have compiled questions and answer which are most commonly asked and hope they can assist in helping you decide and plan for the future. If there are additional questions not covered below, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (604) 904-2397

I need assistance in my home, who do I call?

There are many private agencies that provide home care services. To see if you may qualify for government assistance, ask your family doctor for a referral to North Shore Community Care, a division of Vancouver Coastal Health or call 604-986-7111 and ask to speak to the intake coordinator (see “Links” page). Lions Gate Hospital Social Work Department as well as the Seniors’ One Stop provides a list of private agencies operating on the North Shore.

Do I have to pay for home support services?

Home support services offered by government agencies and community groups are normally either partially or fully subsidized, depending on your income level. If you hire a private agency directly you will be expected to pay the full cost yourself. Living Well makes every effort to ensure that clients receive any assistance to which they are entitled. Payments for home support services by insurance companies to be negotiated as part of your insurance claim.

Do I have to hire a home support worker through an agency

Is home support services tax deductible?

Do you send workers to facilities such as community care homes and hospitals?

Do I have to sign a long-term contract when I hire Living Well?

Do you offer casual on-call services when I need extra help?

My mother/father can no longer manage their affairs. What should I do?

You should consider asking your parent to sign a Representation Agreement and/ or a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney only gives you the authority to manage their financial affairs, while a Representation Agreement will include a Living Will, which will allow you to also manage their health and personal care. As this area is complex, you should always obtain qualified legal advice before entering into one of these agreements.

How do I evaluate a home support agency?

We suggest that you use the same level of care in evaluating a home support agency as you would with any other service professional. Look for agencies with strong ties to the local health-care community. Ask community groups and local agencies for referrals, or check with friends and family. Senior Centres can often provide additional guidance. A reputable agency will always do an assessment prior to providing services, and check back with clients and family members on a regular basis to monitor care issues. Interview more than one agency and compare their services and fees.

Do I need to provide meals and a private bedroom for a Live-in Caregiver?