Glossary

Accreditation Canada is a not-for-profit organization that works with patients, policy makers, and the public to improve the quality of health and social services for all.

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Adult Day Services are usually run by local health authorities. A senior will travel to a location in their community, usually 1-2 days per week. There, they may receive a variety of services; including personal assistance, health care services, organized programming and recreation, or help with things like bathing.

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Assisted living homes are for seniors who can still live independently and make decisions for themselves but require additional support due to physical or health challenges. Assisted living services provide housing, hospitality services (such as meals, laundry, and housekeeping), and personal care assistance.

For those who qualify, this seniors living option is available through your local health authority as a publicly subsidized service. Eligible seniors pay 70 per cent of their after-tax income toward the monthly cost. The minimum monthly rate in 2025 is $1,219.40 for individuals and $1,857.30 for couples. Assisted living is also available on a private pay basis. In 2025, private pay assisted living typically ranges between approximately $2,750–$8,000 per month, depending on one’s geographic location as well as the specific services required by an individual. Costs may vary higher or lower depending on the provider.

Developed by BC Care Providers Association, Assurity® is B.C.’s quality assurance certification designed to make it easier for seniors and their families to choose a home health or independent living provider that upholds industry quality standards. Certification indicates that a provider has demonstrated policies, practices, and procedures in key areas, including privacy, safety, client or resident onboarding, emergency preparedness, and client satisfaction.

Route65.ca proudly features Assurity® Approved operators, who will have the certification mark displayed on their Route65.ca profile.

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Campuses of care offer different levels of care (e.g., independent living, assisted living, and long-term care) at the same location. This can be a good option for couples who need different levels of care, or for seniors who want to stay in one place as they age.

CARF International is an accreditor of health and human services. CARF assists service providers in improving the quality of their services, demonstrating value, and meeting internationally recognized organizational and program standards.

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The Partners Program, also known as the certificate of recognition (COR), encourages employers to create an occupational health and safety management system that goes beyond the current legal requirements. The voluntary program recognizes employers that are proactive about improving workplace safety, and dedicated to continual improvement.

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Home care and home support (home health) options enable seniors to get the help they need while continuing to live at home. Services can include assistance with daily activities, personal care, nursing support, and more.

Publicly subsidized home health services are provided through local health authorities and are means-tested based on a senior’s income (and spousal income, if applicable). In 2025, the maximum monthly charge for publicly subsidized home care services is $300. Some clients may be eligible for a temporary rate reduction. Certain groups are exempt from fees, including clients discharged from hospital with short-term support needs, clients eligible for palliative supplies and equipment, and those receiving specific government income benefits.

For private pay home health services in British Columbia, average hourly rates in 2025 are approximately $44 for companionship, $47 for personal care, and $86 for nursing care. These rates can vary higher or lower depending on the provider, region, and level of care required. Private pay services offer greater flexibility and access to a wider range of supports, including non-medical home support and specialized care.

Independent living is a good option for seniors who are confident in their ability to live alone safely but who don’t want to worry about things like home maintenance, housekeeping, or cooking.

Seniors who choose independent living enjoy amenities and activities available in their retirement community and can feel confident knowing that help is there if they need it. Residents can often bring in home support or purchase additional services should the need arise.

Seniors pay for independent living privately. Independent living is usually accessed privately and based on local housing and hospitality market rates. In 2025, the average cost range for independent living in B.C. is $3,643–$6,301 per month, depending on the size of unit (ranging from studio apartments to multi-room suites). Costs may vary depending on region of the province. Some services may cost extra.

See the Supportive Housing section below for more information about options for low-income seniors.

More information on the benefits of accessing independent living services is highlighted in EngAge BC’s Aging in Place, But Better publication. Click here to download a printable copy of the report.

Route65.ca allows participating operators to self-identify as LGBTQ2+-inclusive* organizations with an indicator tag on Route65.ca. The LGBTQ2+-inclusive tag indicates that an organization considers itself to be LGBTQ2+-inclusive and commits to having organizational policies, procedures and practices in place that foster LGBTQ2+-inclusivity.

You can find a list of operators that identify as LGBTQ2+-inclusive on Route65.ca by clicking here.

*LGBTQ2+ is an acronym for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Two-Spirit, Queer and Questioning”

Life leases are a unique seniors living model whereby a pre-paid lease payment is provided by a tenant in exchange for a life-time right to occupy a unit. Some independent living operators may offer life lease options.

Long-term care homes are sometimes called seniors care homes, residential care homes, or nursing homes.

Care homes are an option for seniors who need 24-hour professional support and care because of their physical or health needs, or because they have advanced Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. For many seniors, this is the best option when the person can no longer be cared for in their own home or in an assisted living home.

To access publicly subsidized long-term care, you must first contact your local Home and Community Care Office. They will perform an assessment to ensure this type of care is the right fit. Eligible residents will pay 80 per cent of their after-tax income.

Private pay long-term care ranges between approximately $7,000–$18,000+ per month, depending on the region of the province.

Memory care is a type of long-term care that provides services specifically designed to assist people living with a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or another memory impairment.

Palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life of people who are experiencing a life-limiting illness. Services may be received at home or in another setting such as a hospice and may be accessed through the senior’s local health authority or as a private-pay service.

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The senior or their family pays for services directly.

The government pays some or all costs for eligible seniors needing access to home health care, assisted living, long-term care, respite care, or palliative care. All publicly subsidized care must be accessed through the senior’s local health authority.

Respite care is a good option when a caregiver needs a break, or when a senior is waiting to transition into another care environment but is no longer safe to be at home, even with support.

Respite care can take several forms including adult day programs, at home respite, or residential respite, where a senior will receive temporary accommodation or assistance on day-to-day needs at a care home for a specific period.

Respite care is available as a private pay service or may be publicly subsidized for eligible seniors.

Supportive housing is like independent living, but services are geared toward low-income seniors and are available through the Seniors’ Supportive Housing Program by BC Housing. The program provides housing and support services to older adults, seniors and people with disabilities.

Seniors supportive housing tenants generally pay 50 per cent of their gross income as rent. If you receive income assistance, have a very low income or have another agreement with your housing provider, you may be asked to pay a fixed amount instead.

Wait times for this program can vary and it’s difficult to predict when a suitable unit will become available. Interested applicants must apply through BC Housing.