How Interior Health helps seniors stay safe and supported at home

Sometimes the signs are subtle at first. An older adult may begin needing help with showering, getting dressed, managing medications or preparing meals.

In these situations, Jody says Home Support services can help bridge the gap while allowing individuals to maintain their independence and stay in familiar surroundings.

But care needs can change over time.

Jody notes that for older adults living with dementia, support may gradually need to increase as the condition progresses. Family caregivers may find themselves providing around-the-clock supervision, balancing caregiving with work, parenting and their own well-being.

“Family members can’t always be caring for their loved ones 24/7. Sometimes they just need a break.”

Respite care provides temporary care for older adults, often within a long-term care setting, while family caregivers take a short break.

“After some consultation with families, we’ll provide respite,” says Jody. “They participate as if they were in long-term care. They get their medications, eat with everyone else, and participate in activities.”

For some residents and families, respite care also serves as an opportunity to experience what long-term care might look like before making a permanent decision.

Beyond in-home care, IH also connects older adults and their families with community supports designed to reduce isolation and provide meaningful engagement.

One of those services is Adult Day Services (ADS), where older people can attend programs during the day while continuing to live at home. This might be once a week or several times a week.

The programs provide social interaction, activities, supervision, and support, while also giving caregivers time to rest or manage other responsibilities.

Interior Health also works closely with community organizations to help people stay connected.

“We don’t only use services that are offered through IH,” Jody explains. “We also look outside. There’s the Meals on Wheels program, senior centres, churches and other community connections that we can tap into to help people.”

As care needs grow, some older adults may benefit from supportive housing or private-pay home support services.

Jody says supportive housing allows older adults to maintain much of their independence while receiving assistance with services such as housekeeping, laundry, meals or personal care. People still have their own space and independence while gaining access to additional supports.

“They still get to decorate, do their own thing, and maintain that sense of independence,” says Jody.

These options can provide an important middle ground between living fully independently and moving into long-term care.

Every person’s journey is different. Some people continue to thrive at home with strong support systems, dedicated caregivers, and access to community resources.

But for others, there may be situations where long-term care may become the safest and most appropriate option.

Older adults and their caregivers are not left to navigate the process alone.

Interior Health continues regular check-ins and home visits with clients, including those on waitlists for admission to long-term care. Care teams reassess needs regularly and revisit support options as circumstances change.

A resident or family who previously declined Adult Day Services or respite care may accept these services several months later as demands evolve.

One of the biggest questions older adults often have is about qualifications for assisted living or long-term care through IH.

Jody says the process begins with an assessment completed by a Home and Community Care manager, who works with people and families to understand their needs.

For assisted living, people must be able to live somewhat independently while benefiting from additional support. Individuals must require hospitality services, such as meals, housekeeping or laundry.

They also need to be able to function safely in an assisted living environment and either make decisions independently or live with a spouse who can assist with decision-making.

Assisted living is designed for people who need support, but not continuous nursing care. Residents typically live in private suites or apartments while receiving assistance with daily living tasks.

Long-term care eligibility is different since it is intended for older adults with much more complex care needs, requiring 24-hour nursing and personal care.

Before someone can be approved for long-term care, IH explores all available options that could safely support the individual at home or in the community.

To access home and community care services, call 1-800-707-8550.