My Home & Living Wishes
Finding a Home
Planning for Where & What You Want in Your Home
There comes a time when you yourself, your partner, family members and even friends, start to ask you – where do you want to live as you age? Consider having this discussion with family members and those closest to you. Here are some questions to consider.
- Where do you feel most comfortable and emotionally secure?
- Where are your closest family members, friends, and support networks located?
- Where can you have the easiest access to health care professionals, pharmacies, and hospitals?
- Where can you safely move around if my mobility changes?
- Where can you have opportunities for social connections and community?
- Where can you feel least isolated and have access to transportation if you can no longer drive?
What are Your Needs and Preferences
- What level of daily support do you currently need (meals, bathing, medication support, housekeeping)?
- What are your health conditions that might require more assistance in the near future?
- What does your physician recommend about your current and future care needs?
- What home modifications would be necessary to stay safely in your current home?
- What activities and social interactions are important to your quality of life?
- What are your financial resources. What can you realistically afford to pay for in-home, assisted, or residential living?
- What fears do you have about moving and what concerns do you have about staying in your current home?
Considering When & How to Make a Change
- When would be the right time to make a change?
- When do you feel your current living situation may become unsafe?
- When might your health needs exceed what can reasonably be provided at home?
- Do your family members express concern about your safety or well-being?
- When might you qualify for certain financial benefits or programs?
How – Planning & Next Steps
- How can you pay for home care services or assisted living?
- How can you modify your home if you choose to age in place (ramps, grab bars, stair lifts)?
- How can you access transportation if you no longer drive?
- How can you maintain social connections and avoid loneliness?
- How can you manage emergencies (falls, medical events) if living alone?
- How can you visit and evaluate assisted living communities before making a choice?
Asking for Help & Support from Those You Trust
- Who do you trust most to help you think through these decisions?
- Who would you want involved in conversations about your future living arrangements?
- Who currently checks in on you regularly—and is that enough?
- Who would notice first if your health or safety declined?
- Who could realistically provide hands-on help if you needed it?
- Who is your health advocate and power of attorney?
- Who have you asked to advocate fand make decisions on your behalf, if you couldn’t speak for yourself?
- Who would be able to help you coordinate services if you choose to age in place?
- Who would manage the sale of your home if you chose to move?
- Who can you talk to that has already made these types of transitions?
“Ideally, it is a good idea to start talking about your home and living wishes long before there is an immediate need. Changing your living situation can bring up many emotions and challenging conversations. Set aside a time for a relaxed conversation with those you trust.”
“Have you thought about whether you are truly happy in your current living situation, and what specifically makes you feel that way? If your health were to change, would you be open to receiving help at home, such as meal support, personal care, housekeeping, or garbage removal? Could family members and your care partners provide some assistance to help reduce costs before hiring outside support? If loved ones have expressed concerns about your safety — such as memory changes or risk of falls — would you consider arranging a home safety assessment? At what point might you consider moving to assisted living or residential care? Have you discussed how you would finance aging in place or a potential move? Finally, what additional information do you need to make an informed decision that meets your needs and wishes?”
Tip
When choosing a suitable place to live, think about your needs and wants for connection to others, comfort, affordability, and access to health care services.
Senior Toolbox
Using Your Phone or iPad
Notes app to liat your findings and to journal your thoughts.
Google Search to explore types of housing. Remember to always check your findings.
Contacts app to record the services in your area.
Exploring My Home & Living Options
Exploring Options for Aging in Place
- Start a conversation with your family about your current living situation, future care needs, finances, and how much support they can realistically provide.
- Discuss your health and care needs with your family physician or nurse practitioner to understand what level of support you may require now or in the near future.
- Request a safety and home care assessment through your local health authority to determine your current safety needs and possible eligibility for funding of home care services.
- Complete the Mywell tool ‘Changes in My Health Care Needs’ with your health advocate and family members to discuss areas you might be needing some support.
- Explore your feelings about having care providers, other than family members in your home. Make a list of your issues and concerns.
- Investigate respite services or caregiver supports if family members are helping with your care.
- Learn about publicly funded or private home support services that can help with care intermittently with family members.
- Consider home modifications for your home for safety and accessibility by installing grab bars, ramps, stair lifts, or improved lighting.
- Learn how to apply for financial assistance such as the BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) or other federal/provincial home modification programs.
- Review local zoning rules to determine whether adding a secondary suite, garden suite, or laneway home is possible.
- Explore shared living or co-housing with family members to reduce isolation and share caregiving responsibilities.
- Develop a written family agreement outlining caregiving roles, shared expenses, privacy expectations, and back-up plans.
Choosing Assisted Living or Residential Care
Seek out support from family members, friends, and trusted professionals to help you learn about and determine the right fit for you. As your needs change, so might your choice for aging in place or seeking a change in your living situation. Consider starting with this list of questions and writing out your answers.
- At what stage of your life or health might you consider assisted living or residential care?
- What location/neighbourhood is important to you? What distance can you be from your current home, family, or friends?
- Are you looking to go into assisted living and or residential care on your own or with a partner?
- What are your choices for food preparation or sharing of meals?
- What are your concerns about privacy?
- Would you want your own room, furniture, and decorations?
- What type of socializing is important to you?
- What type of group activities, if any, would interest you?
- What are the policies around family visiting? Times of day? Overnight?
- What type of in-house services are available if you become unwell?
- What cultural and spiritual considerations are important to you?
- Is the facility pet-friendly?
- Would you be interested in a temporary or trial stay?
- Have you budgeted for a private care facility? Are you aware of the costs per month?
- Would you be looking at publicly funded care facilities? Do you know if you are eligible?
Exploring Servies & Websites for Seniors’ Housing
Explore the many services and websites that help outline the available housing options for seniors in BC. Also, you can learn more about the terms listed in the resource kit.
Learn about Types of Senior Housing
When exploring seniors’ housing options, it’s important to think carefully about your current and future care needs, including mobility, medication management, memory changes, and personal care support. Consider whether you qualify for publicly funded programs or subsidies. Learn about any eligibility requirements are for assisted living, supportive housing or long-term, residential care. Think about location, proximity to family and health care services, social opportunities, safety features, and how easily the housing can adapt if your health changes. Taking time to assess these factors with the people you trust.
Assisted living in BC provides housing with hospitality services (meals, housekeeping) and personal care support for seniors who can live somewhat independently but need help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, or medication management.
Supportive housing offers affordable rental units with access to on-site or nearby support services for seniors who are mostly independent but may need some assistance to maintain stable housing.
Subsidized housing provides below-market rental homes for low- to moderate-income seniors, where rent is typically based on a percentage of income.
Long-term or Residential Care Facilities
Long-term care provides 24-hour professional nursing and personal care in a licensed facility for seniors with complex health needs who can no longer live safely at home or in assisted living.
Key resources to explore
Supportive Housing Registry provides housing and support services to older adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. The program assists person’s 55+ years with low-income who have a disability or reduced abilities.
Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) program, which allows eligible individuals to manage their own home support services. Clients become employers who manage all aspects of their home support, from hiring and supervising staff to managing CSIL funds.
The Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program helps make rents affordable for B.C. seniors 60+ years with low to moderate incomes.
The Seniors Services Society offers a directory of non-profit senior housing in various BC cities.
Route65.ca is an online directory for available independent living, assisted living, long-term care, and home health options in BC, developed by the BC Care Provider’s Association.
Tip
Take time to explore senior living options in your community. Learn about funding, eligibility, and services offered. Talk to friends and family about their experiences, and visit in person for a tour and meal. Consider your current and future needs.
Senior Toolbox
“I really respect our dad for choosing assisted living for himself and my mom. A retired RCMP officer and Canada Customs manager, he valued the importance of planning ahead. His goal was to find a place to live where he and mom could continue to be active, enjoy social connection, and to feel comfortable and safe. He especially wanted a large private dining room for family to gather for special occassions. Dad made these decisions thoughtfully, in anticipation of their needs changing. Throughout the process of gradual downsizing my Dad reminisced with all of us, shared stories, and divided up the family treasures – each came with an important story. Dad passed away knowing mom was safe and cared for as her health changed. Having had the discussions beforehand and knowing what options were available to them was really helpful. My hope is that people find some suggestions in Mywell Health to help them talk about and plan for their health and future.”
Talking about My Changing Needs
Talking about Your Safety & Personal Needs
Have you or your partner had a health change, new diagnosis, or recent hospitalization? Are others concerned about your health and safety? Start by identifying where you need help, then decide when, how, and from whom to get the help you need. Take some time on your own or with your health advocate to discuss if you are having difficulty meeting any of your personal daily needs. Then, explore how these needs can be met in your current living situation.
- Personal hygiene such as bathing or showering, grooming (including hair care, shaving, and oral hygiene), toileting, skin care, and dressing.
- Meal support including preparing meals, grocery shopping, and kitchen cleaning.
- Moving around, any mobility concerns in your home, such as walking, transferring from sitting to standing, climbing stairs, walking to and from a car and using mobility aids/devices.
- Medication management including filling prescriptions, taking the right dosage of medications at the right times, re-ordering from the physician, and communicating with the pharmacist.
- Managing treatments for your health conditions, including using specialized equipment and medical devices, infusions or injecting medications, ordering medical supplies and equipment, and more.
- Home hygiene chores such as cleaning, laundry, washing dishes, washing bathrooms, and vacuuming.
- Organizing a schedule for caregivers and care partners as needed.
Getting Assistance with Your Personal Care Needs
- Be aware that your personal care needs may change due to worsening symptoms, new side effects, an accident, surgery, or hospitalization.
- Have an agreement in place with your health advocate or care partners on a plan for getting assistance if your needs change.
- Create a personal care plan for your caregivers outlining the care tasks required to meet your needs while considering your privacy and confidentiality expectations and personal boundaries.
- Know that a written plan should help you communicate with multiple caregivers and care partners and give you more control over how and when you want assistance and support.
- Download the Mywell Changes in My Personal Needs fillable PDF tool. Complete the checklist with your health advocate or a care partner.
- Learn about home care services that may be available in your community in the resource kit.
“Months after their mother’s death, Emily sits at the kitchen table with her 84-year-old father, the house quieter than it has ever been. She gently asks whether he is truly happy living alone in the family home. He admits he feels comforted by familiar surroundings, yet sometimes the silence feels heavy. Emily shares her concerns about his safety, especially after a recent fall, and asks whether he has noticed any health changes that could affect his ability to live independently. He acknowledges he is slower and less steady than he once was but still values his independence.
They talk about aging in place and what that might realistically mean like meal support, cleaning help, garbage removal, or even personal care if needed. He would consider it if necessary. Emily carefully raises the question of assisted living, asking at what point he might consider moving. He says only if he could no longer care for himself safely. By the end of the conversation, no decisions are made, but they commit to gathering information and revisiting the topic again soon.”
Tip
Complete the checklist with someone you trust. View it as a tool for getting the help you need, not a list of limitations. Share the completed list with your physician, nurse practitioner, and those conducting your home assessments.
Senior Toolbox
Using Your Phone or iPad
Contact app to list your health care professionals – who to call for what.
Calendar app for reminders for appointments and social activities.
Alert/ Reminders app to get up and out for movement.
Getting a Home Safety and/or Care Assessment
Learning About Home Safety & Home 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.
- 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.
- 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 your 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.
Providing Documents During Your Home Assessments
- 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’s Income Tax Return or Notice of Assessment
“Know that if you, the person you live with, or someone you are caring for is experiencing significant changes in safety, mobility, memory, or personal care needs, you can request a free assessment through your local health authority in BC. A home safety assessment focuses on identifying risks in the home environment and provides practical recommendations — such as grab bars, improved lighting, or mobility aids — to help you remain safe and independent. A home care assessment, on the other hand, evaluates your health status and daily living needs to determine the level of care required and the number of publicly funded home support hours you may be eligible to receive. These assessments can help you understand what changes can be made in your home to make it more functional and safe. It can also help you understand what support services are available in your community. With this information, you and your care partners can make informed decisions about whether aging in place is realistic for you or if other housing options should be considered.”
Tip
Be prepared for the visit. Have a family member or health advocate present. Remember, this is not an assessment to judge, but to offer support so you can stay in your home if you choose. Bring your updated Mywell Health planning binder with you.
Senior Toolbox
“As an adult daughter of a senior living with a life-long mental illness, I really want to share some thoughts to those of you starting your Mywell Health planning. Your emotional health and mental well-being is an important part of your health journey. My suggestion is to be open and honest when looking into or choosing where you want to live as you age. If mental illness is part of your health history – you need to share those experiences with your family, care partners, health care professionals, and the care coordinators in the facilities you are looking into. If you require medications and/or 24-hour care or supervision – you need to find a place to live that is a good fit for you. As a retired nurse, I see the value of prevention. It is important to think about that if you are living with a mental illness – you want to be able to prevent and anticipate problems before they occur.”
Coordinating My Home Care Services
Identifying Your Changing Personal Needs
- Be aware that your personal care needs may change due to worsening symptoms, new side effects, an accident, surgery, or hospitalization.
- Have an agreement in place with your health advocate or care partners on a plan for getting assistance if your needs change.
- Always continue to voice your need for privacy and confidentiality.
- Identify what you need help with daily or when feeling unwell. Check out this list to help identify your needs.
A list to consider
- Personal hygiene such as bathing or showering, grooming (including hair care, shaving, and oral hygiene), toileting, skin care, and dressing.
- Meal support including preparing meals, grocery shopping, and kitchen cleaning.
- Moving around, any mobility concerns in your home, such as walking, transferring from sitting to standing, climbing stairs, walking to and from a car and using mobility aids/devices.
- Medication management including filling prescriptions, taking the right dosage of medications at the right times, re-ordering from the physician, and communicating with the pharmacist.
- Managing treatments for your health conditions, including using specialized equipment and medical devices, infusions or injecting medications, ordering medical supplies and equipment, and more.
- Home hygiene chores such as cleaning, laundry, washing dishes, washing bathrooms, and vacuuming.
- Organizing a schedule for caregivers and care partners as needed.
Looking To Your Care Partners for Assistance
Consider looking not only to family but also to friends and neighbours for assistance. Revisit “Identifying My Care Partners” in the My People section. Think about the people close to you who may be able to offer support or assistance in different ways, at no cost. Think of this as a two-way opportunity. Many people in their retirement years are looking for meaningful ways to contribute and help others. Small gestures—such as adding your groceries to their shopping list, mowing your lawn when they do their own, or stopping by for a cup of tea—can provide helpful support and connection. Before deciding to hire home care services, consider making a list of people in your circle and the ways they might be able to help.
- Consider the people who can support you personally, as well as those who might offer you professional support.
- Talk to family, friends, neighbours, or community members about how they can help with tasks, errands, transportation, advice, and professional services – any of the items on your list.
- Choose people who offer emotional support, validate your feelings, and show respect and understanding.
- Express your need for independence and choose people who bring skills you are currently unable to achieve.
- Discuss your personal boundaries, when and how you want help, and your need for privacy and confidentiality.
- Explore ways care partners can offer comfort and assistance from ideas in the resource kit.
- Download the Mywell My Care Partners fillable PDF tool to record their contact information as well as how and when each person can provide assistance.
Coordinating Home Care Services
Based on feedback and interviews with seniors and caregivers, MyWell developed Coordinating Home Care Services, a practical discussion and planning tool. It was originally created to help seniors who want to age in place and remain in their own homes. However, it can be helpful for anyone whose health changes and who may need support at home. The tool helps individuals and families think through the steps involved in organizing home care and coordinating support from different sources.
Key learning steps include:
- Learning how to get started with home care services in your community.
- Understanding the types of help available, such as personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, or medical care.
- Deciding how much help you may need and how many hours of support would be helpful each week.
- Finding out what publicly funded home care services may be available to you and how to apply for them.
- Understanding how many hours of support you can expect from family members, friends, or other care partners.
- Exploring private home care services if additional help is needed beyond publicly funded care.
- Comparing and choosing private home care providers that match your needs, values, and budget.
- Coordinating schedules so that care partners, family members, and service providers work well together.
- Purchasing helpful home equipment such as walkers, grab bars, shower seats, or raised toilet seats.
- Making home modifications to improve safety and mobility, if needed.
- Exploring funding options or financial support for private care services and home modifications.
- Keeping a record of services and contacts so you know who is providing help and when.
- Checking in regularly with everyone involved to see what is working well and what may need to change.
Supporting Your Home Caregivers
It can be difficult to have support and personal care services in your home. Inviting someone into your personal space may feel uncomfortable at first, especially when help involves private activities such as bathing, dressing, or managing medications.
Over time, building trust, communicating your preferences, and establishing clear routines can help make the experience feel more respectful, comfortable, and supportive. Taking an active role in planning and communicating your needs can also help you feel more in control of your care.
Communicating with Caregivers & Care Partners
- Recognize that having a written plan can help you communicate clearly with multiple caregivers and care partners. It can also give you more control over how and when you receive assistance.
- Clearly explain your preferences, routines, and comfort levels with personal care tasks.
- Share important health information, such as your personal Health Profile including your medications, allergies, mobility limitations, and safety concerns, and more.
- Use a communication health planner/ binder, calendar, or digital tool so caregivers can leave updates or notes about your care.
- Set up a regular feedback system, such as daily notes or weekly check-ins, to discuss what is working well and what may need to change.
- Encourage caregivers to ask questions and clarify instructions if they are unsure about your needs.
- Make sure all involved are aware of your emergency health plan.
- Let caregivers know when you appreciate their help and share any concerns respectfully and early.
Creating a Written Personal Care Plan
- Create a personal care plan that outlines the type of help you need and how you prefer that care to be provided.
- Include details about daily routines, meal preferences, medications, mobility needs, and personal care activities.
- Identify who is responsible for different tasks, such as family members, care partners, or professional caregivers.
- Review the plan regularly and update it as your health or needs change.
- Keep a copy of your plan in your health planner/ binder so caregivers and family members can easily refer to it. Most often kept in the kitchen – near the fridge where First Responders can easily find it.
Setting Boundaries and Feeling Comfortable with Care in Your Home
Receiving care in your home can take some adjustment. It is important to remember that your home is your personal space, and you have the right to feel comfortable and respected.
- Share your preferences about how care is provided, including routines, schedules, and the level of assistance you want.
- Explain your boundaries around personal space, privacy, and conversations.
- Discuss what makes you feel comfortable during personal care activities such as bathing, dressing, or medication support.
- Let caregivers know your daily routines, such as preferred mealtimes, quiet times, or rest periods.
- Speak up if something does not feel right or if you would like something done differently.
- Ask questions if you are unsure about what caregivers are doing or why certain tasks are needed.
- Remember that building trust takes time, and communication can help create a positive and respectful relationship.
Finding Home Care Resources & Services
- Home and Community Care The Government of BC website outlines all the information on publicly subsidized home care services, who is eligible, and how to arrange for an assessment and care.
- Route 65: A free, online directory to find home care, home support, and assisted living providers and locations in BC. Developed by the BC Care Providers Association.
- Better at Home: A program of the United Way BC connecting seniors with non-medical services like light housekeeping, shopping, companionship, and transportation.
- 211 British Columbia:A free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects people to community resources, including home support.
- Community Living BC (CLBC): Provides resources for families, including caregiver support, for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- BC Seniors’ Guide: A comprehensive guide covering health, housing, and home care services.
- Alzheimer Society of B.C.: Provides education for caregivers on dementia-related home care.
- Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL): A self-managed home care program in BC that provides funding directly to eligible clients with high-intensity needs, enabling them to hire, manage, and pay their own staff for greater independence.
“When Mom decided she wanted to continue living in her own home, we knew she would need some extra support. At first, the idea of having caregivers come into her house felt uncomfortable for her. Her home had always been her private space, and accepting help with personal tasks like bathing, dressing, and managing medications was not easy.
To make things easier, we worked together to create a simple written care plan that outlined Mom’s daily routines, medications, and personal preferences. We created a Mywell Health binder that was kept on the kitchen counter. It includes a picture collage we created with mom of her younger years and family as well as a story about her career. It included her medication list and record and personal care plan. It had pages for caregivers to leave their daily notes about how the day went and share any concerns. For the caregivers, we also scheduled regular check-ins to talk about what was working well and what might need to change.
Over time, these small steps helped build trust. Mom became more comfortable with the caregivers, and they learned how she liked things done. By staying involved and communicating openly, Mom felt more in control of her care, and our family felt reassured that she was safe and supported at home.”
Tip
It is important to understand how home care services are funded in BC. Eligibility for publicly-funded services depends on your needs and income tax assessments. Starting with a home care assessment is key, even if you choose private services.
Senior Toolbox
“Getting home care services organized for dad was in the beginning almost a full time job. We had lots of conversations with Dad about his wishes and his changing needs and a home care assessment. Then we sought out and interviewed 2 agencies with dad in his home. We settled on a private agency and later on nursing aids we hired directly. It required schedules, care plans, insurance, payroll, not to mention, daily emotional support for dad. We used the Mywell Health planning activities to guide our discussions and our to do lists!”
