Where to get care: Getting extra help at home

It’s not always easy to know when you may need extra help at home. Our Home Health clinicians will explain what supports and services are available to you based on your current situation. 

You can find a general overview of services in the  Guide to Home and Community Care. This guide covers eligibility, how to access services, and care beyond Home Health should you require a different living environment, such as assisted-living or long-term care. 

You can also call 1-800-707-8550 directly to inquire about what services may meet your needs and, should you choose, make a self-referral to initiate an assessment by one of our clinicians. 

If you’re calling on someone’s behalf, for example as a concerned neighbour, you can also make a referral. In this example, you’ll be asked if the person is aware of the referral. We must also receive consent from them to do an assessment. 

When you contact us, you’ll be connected with a Home Health clinician. This person will guide you through a few questions to assess your needs and situation. “Our aim is to support your goals of care, and your independence to live safely at home without being intrusive,” says Wendy Barber, regional knowledge coordinator with the regional Home Health team.

A wide range of services are available to people with acute, chronic, palliative or rehabilitative health-care needs such as:*

• Adult day services
• Caregiver support
• Care management
• Community care clinics
• Nursing services
• Home safety assessments and equipment needs
• Home support services for your activities of daily living
• Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL)
• Health services for community living
• Palliative care (hospice)
• Allied health professional services (ex. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, respiratory therapy, nutrition services, speech language pathology, etc.)

*Availability of services vary by location.

For people with certain health issues, age-related limitations or other disabilities, managing everyday tasks can be challenging. 

“The care you will receive will depend on your assessed needs and may be provided by a variety of health-care professionals, such as nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers or others,” explains Melanie Rydings, regional manager for Home Health. “Home support, such as assistance with medications and daily hygiene can be authorized by a Home Health professional. and will be provided by our community health workers, if you agree to this service."  

Olivia Loseth is a clinical specialist with the Home Health Transformation team. “Support from health-care professionals for those with more complex care needs, for example wound care or falls prevention, are also available,” says Olivia. “Either way, you’ll work with a care manager on a plan that will meet your goals and capabilities. They will become your main contact person and will get to know and understand your situation in order to support you through your changing health needs.”

Those who wish to maintain their independence in a social and recreational environment, or to receive respite for their caregivers, may benefit from participating in programs offered through adult day services.

Professional Home & Community Care services are provided at no cost. Some services, such as home support, and adult day services for example are publicly subsidized and have a fee based on your assessed income. 

To access subsidized services, a financial assessment is completed with your permission, which will help determine whether a fee is charged. Those that are experiencing serious financial hardship, can apply for a temporary fee reduction.

The Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) is a safe, confidential place for older adults and those who care about them to talk to someone about situations where they feel they are being abused or mistreated, or to receive information about elder abuse prevention.

• Toll-free: 1-866-437-1940 or 604-437-1940 in the Lower Mainland

The service is B.C.-wide and funded by the Ministry of Health.

• Advance Care Planning
• Guide to Home & Community Care
• Adult Abuse & Neglect
• Better at Home – Non-medical services for older adults (United Way)

Other non-medical services—for example transportation, light housekeeping and yard work, grocery shopping etc.—may be available in your area through community agencies. Call 211 to learn more.

This is the third story in our three-part series on Where to Get Care. Other stories in this series:

Where to get care: Mental Health and Substance Use services

Where to get care: Emergencies and urgent medical needs

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