How much does long-term care cost?

About long-term care

Long-term care homes are an option for seniors who need 24-hour professional support and care because of their physical 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.

Publicly subsidized care

In B.C., eligible seniors can access publicly-subsidized long-term care services (sometimes called memory care, nursing homes or residential care homes). Eligibility is determined by the person’s local health authority (see below). How much a person will pay towards their care depends on the service and the senior’s income. If eligible a senior will pay 80 per cent of their after-tax income toward long-term care, up to a maximum of $3,377.10 per month (this rate is adjusted annually).

To access this type of support, you will first need to find out if you are eligible. Once eligibility is determined, you will need to contact your local Home and Community Care Office and arrange for an assessment.

Private-pay care

In some cases, a senior may be eligible for publicly subsidized care, but may also have the resources to access private pay services. If this is the case for you, it is important that you explore your options. Start by determining what your needs are, what you can afford, and what your co-pay amount would be, should you access care through the health authority. Knowing this, along with speaking to Route 65 operators in your community, will give you a sense of what the best option is for you.

The rates for private-pay long-term care vary greatly depending on the care home’s location, available amenities and care needs of the resident. Typically private-pay long-term care can run anywhere from about $4,500 to upwards of $12,000 per month. Costs between $6,000 – $8,000 are common.