Health Care Help
Health Care Resources to Help You, Help Your Parents
The Elder Care Package
We aren’t health professionals so when it comes to health issues we try to connect people with the right health experts – the list below represents some of the key resources areas we have found so far. For the complete list with related links please request our complimentary Elder Care Package using the form on our Contact Us page.
Home and Community Care Services:
Home and community care services provide a range of health care and support services for eligible residents who have acute, chronic, palliative or rehabilitative health care needs. These services are designed to complement and supplement, but not replace, the efforts of individuals to care for themselves with the assistance of family, friends and community.
Office of the Assisted Living Registrar:
British Columbia is the first province in Canada to regulate assisted living residences. An Assisted Living Registrar protects the health and safety of seniors and people with disabilities who live in publicly subsidized and private-pay assisted living residences.
This website provides information on the mandate of the Office of the Assisted Living Registrar. It also explains how to contact the Registrar if you have a concern about health and safety in an assisted living residence.
Senior’s Guide
In supporting an older British Columbian, you are part of an ever growing group that is healthier, more active and engaged in your communities than ever before.
We envision – for decades to come – a province where older people continue to be an integral part of our social and economic life, where seniors are encouraged to use their talent and expertise; where they are invited to be involved in their community; and where they feel safe and supported in their physical environment.
We recognize that, as part of our commitment to building the best system of support for seniors in Canada, providing the information you need to connect with resources in your communities is key. Access to this information is equally important for caregivers and service providers.
Nurse Line
British Columbians have trusted health information at their fingertips with just a phone call or a click away with HealthLink BC.
Just three numbers – 8-1-1 – on the phone or online at www.HealthLinkBC.ca means easy access to non-emergency health information and services. Translation services are available in over 130 languages on request. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance (TTY), call 7-1-1.
Health Authorities:
Provincial Health Services Agency:
PHSA operates eight agencies that provide province-wide health care services, including the BC Cancer Agency, BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, BC Provincial Renal Agency, BC Transplant Society, BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre, the Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission and Riverview Hospital.
Regional Health Authorities:
• Vancouver Coastal Health
• Vancouver Island Health Authority
• Fraser Health Authority
Independent Living BC:
Created in 2002, Independent Living BC (ILBC) serves seniors and people with disabilities who require some support, but do not need 24-hour institutional care. ILBC offers a middle option to bridge the gap between home care and residential care.
Aids to Independent Living by the Red Cross – AIL
Many seniors coping with long-term illness and injury do not have the financial resources required to purchase or rent medical equipment. The Aids to Independent Living program loans medical equipment, free of charge
Medical Services Plan (MSP) and Fair PharmaCare:
Assistance with the payment of MSP premiums is available to Canadian citizens or holders of permanent resident status (landed immigrants) who have held that status and been resident in Canada for the past 12 consecutive months.
PharmaCare subsidizes eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies, protecting British Columbians from high drug costs. PharmaCare provides financial assistance to British Columbians under Fair PharmaCare and other specialty plans.
You must be enrolled in MSP before you can apply for Fair PharmaCare.
