My Place to Call Home

If your health changes, you may need to think about whether your current home meets your needs and how those needs may change in the future. When choosing a suitable place to live, consider your needs and wants for  comfort, safety, accessibility and affordability.

Identifying Your Home & Living Requirements

Reflect on the following questions:

• What is your ideal living arrangement such as living independently, with a family or a roommate, or in supportive housing?
• What do you need to consider in terms of accessibility including limited stairs and/or elevator access, wheelchair ramps, and closeness to public transportation? Think about ease of exiting in case of a fire or a building evacuation.
• Do you need home modifications such as installing ramps, widening doors, or adding grab bars?
• Consider the need for private spaces that allow for rest, relaxation, sleep, and personal time.
• Is it important to have easy access to medical care (physician & specialist), hospitals, and walk-in clinics?
• Do you want to be close to family, friends, or caregivers for emotional and practical support?
• Do you need easy access to employment or educational facilities that offer necessary accommodations?
• Do you want access to local community groups, programs, and recreational spaces such as parks and community centers?
• What are your choices for home hygiene and a clean-living environment, especially for those with compromised immune systems?
• What are your budget, income sources, and financial plan to meet your monthly expenses and living requirements?

After identifying what you need and want in terms of your living arrangements and requirements, the next step is to explore suitable locations and secure the financial means to support your choice. Housing has become a difficult issue for many in BC, even more difficult for people with special care needs and limited incomes.

Exploring Your Home & Living Options

Here are a few options and suggestions for discussion. Visit the BC Housing website for more information and the resource kit for the highlighted terms in this section.

Family Support and Inheritance

In many areas of BC, real estate and wealth are common. Families can offer financial assistance and housing to family members who need support. Do you have the option of living with family or being supported by them? Given the choice, would you prefer to live with family or to be supported by them to live independently?

Community and Care Partner Support

People or seniors who need in-home practical or safety support have found success in providing rental accommodations in exchange for the care they need. Some local health authorities and non-profit organizations have navigators or social workers who can assist in finding appropriate housing for individuals with health needs. These professionals can provide personalized guidance on applications, eligibility, and finding the right fit.

Rental Assistance & Housing Support

Rental assistance programs provide monthly subsidies to help lower-income individuals, including seniors and people with complex health issues and disabilities, afford rental housing. Supportive housing offers access to housing combined with medical or personal support services such as assistance with daily living, health care services, and social support.

Housing Programs and Funding

Consider exploring the variety of housing programs and supportive housing options designed to assist people with unique challenges due to health conditions or disabilities. Visit the resource kit for information about services for affordable housing.

If you are experiencing significant changes in your personal needs for safety and care, you can request a free home care or home safety assessment in BC. Understand that a home safety assessment is to offer advice and solutions to improve your safety in the home whereas, a home care assessment is completed to determine the level of care required and the number of publicly funded hours available to you.

Learning About Home Safety & Care Assessments

• Know that if your health needs change significantly, free assessments are provided by your health authority.
• A referral can be made by your physician, nurse practitioner, family member, or neighbour. You can also request an assessment on your own behalf.
• Understand the difference between a home safety assessment and a home care assessment.

1. A home safety assessment is usually done by ay an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist to provide suggestions to ensure your health and safety, possibly including home modifications.
2. A home care assessment is usually completed by a case worker (a nurse or social worker) to determine the type and amount of personal care you need and the number of publicly funded care hours available to you.

Preparing for Your Home Assessments

• Ask a family member or health advocate to be present. Remember, the purpose of this assessment is not to judge, but to assess your needs and offer support so you can stay in your home if you choose.
• Before booking a visit, talk to your family, care partners and those you trust about your concerns and your feelings.
• It is helpful to have up-to-date records of your health information and personal needs included in:
  • MyHealth Profile (in My Health Information)
  • MyCare Partners List (in My People)
  • Changes in My Personal Needs (in My Day to Day)

• Be prepared to answer questions about your daily activities (ADLs). The assessor may also ask you to complete certain tasks including walking, getting in or out of bed or a chair, toileting, dressing, bathing, eating (swallowing), drinking, meal preparation, and taking medications.
• Be ready to answer questions about who else lives in your home, what their personal needs are (if any), and if they are able to assist you.
• Have your care partner, health advocate or a trusted person with you to take notes during the visit. Include in your notes, the date of the visit, who was present, name of assessor (title/role, phone and email), discussion points and suggestions, and the list of items for follow-up.

Home Assessment Checklist – What to Bring?

1. BC Services Card or Driver’s License (includes your personal health number (PHN)
2. Social Insurance Number (SIN)
3. Previous year’s Income Tax Return
4. Spouse/Partners Social Insurance Number
5. Spouse/Partners previous year’s Income Tax Return or Notice of Assessment

If you have a debilitating health condition, at some time, you may require support from family members, neighbours, care partners and/or both private and public home care services. There are several issues to consider when coordinating home care. It is valuable to discuss these topics with those you trust before committing to home care services.

Coordinating Home Care Services

Consider downloading the Coordinating-Home Care Services discussion PDF tool to guide you through the discussion topics listed below:

1. Steps to organizing home care.
2. Calculating your home support hours.
3. Publicly supported care hours.
4. Care you can expect from your care partners.
5. Exploring options for private services.
6. Choosing private home care services.
7. Monitoring and checking.
8. Purchasing home equipment and making home modifications.
9. Creating a budget for private home care and modifications.