Home Care Assessment

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A home care assessment involves a case manager – usually a nurse – coming to visit you in your home to determine your needs for home care support.

Tips & Links

A home care assessment can be requested through your health authority in BC to determine the level of care and support needed due to changes in your health, aging, or an existing chronic condition.

Learn More

• Learn that if your health needs change significantly, free assessments are provided by your health authority as outlined by the Government of BC.
• A referral can be made by your physician, nurse practitioner, family member, or neighbour. You can also request an assessment on your own behalf.
• Know that if you or someone you are caring for is in hospital, a referral can be made by a hospitalist, nurse, or social worker for an occupational therapist to complete a visit when you are discharged home. A family member can also make this request.
• Understand that 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.
• Know that the assessment helps to identify how many hours of home care services you need and the income information helps to determine how much of that care (hours per day/week) may be covered by the Government of BC.
• Learn about public vs private paid for care. Know that publicly funded home care is limited and priority is given to people with low income and few supports as outlined by the Government of BC.
• A home care assessment can usually be completed within a week of your request, depending on staffing, your location, and the urgency of your situation.

Things You Can Do

• Before booking a visit, talk to your family, care partners and those you trust about the reasons for the assessment and to share your feelings and concerns.
• 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)

• 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.
• Do these activities with a family member or care partners, preferably with the person who can be with you during the assessment – have the completed activities with you. This helps you participate in the assessment with a clear understanding of your wishes and wants.
• Write your questions and concerns down ahead of time and have someone with you to write down the answers and the suggestions provided.
• 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.
• Bring to the assessment.
  • BC Services Card or Driver’s License (includes your personal health number (PHN)
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Previous year’s Income Tax Return
  • Spouse/Partners Social Insurance Number
  • Spouse/Partners previous Year Income Tax Return or Notice of Assessment

• Ask for a copy of the completed home care assessment for your Mywell Health planner digital and print files.

Prepare for the assessment by completing the activities Getting a Home Care Assessment and completing the tools called Health Profile and Changes in My Personal Needs.

Tools & Videos

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