A subsidized, assisted-living program that provides housing with support services to seniors and people with disabilities.
About the program
Independent Living BC (ILBC) is a subsidized, assisted-living program that provides housing with support services to seniors and people with disabilities.
If you qualify, you could live in your own unit in an assisted living residence. The residences are located in communities across B.C. Each residence has private units, shared dining and social areas, housekeeping services, personal care services and emergency response.
Independent Living BC is a partnership between BC Housing, provincial health authorities, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and non-profit and private-market housing providers. The program’s assisted living units provide a middle option between home care and residential care, so individuals can continue to live independently.
Am I Eligible?
To apply, you must speak with a health care worker at a health authority to receive a referral. He or she will review your needs, complete an assessment and put you on a waiting list for a unit if you are eligible.
If you do not meet the health authority's criteria for assisted living but would like to access housing with meals and support services, see the Seniors' Supportive Housing program.
Cost
- Expect to pay 70 per cent of your after-tax income, plus a hydro surcharge.
- Your financial contribution includes accommodation, hospitality services and personal care services.
Services
Your contribution towards rent includes accommodation, hospitality services and personal care services. Residences vary in style, size and amenities.
Housing
Possible accommodations and amenities may include:
- A self-contained apartment unit
- Shared dining room, social areas, resource room, outdoor space or gardens
- Parking, wheelchair access, scooter access
- Smoking and pet policies
- Social and recreational activities
Hospitality services
All residences provide:
- Two meals a day, including lunch and supper
- Weekly housekeeping
- Laundered towels and linens
- Access to laundry for personal items
- 24-hour emergency response system
Personal care services
Each residence offers two of the following:
- Daily help with bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility or eating
- Reminders or help with taking medications
- Monitoring of food intake and therapeutic diets
- Help with paying bills, managing funds and making purchases
- Individualized physical, occupational or psycho-social therapy
- A structured, individual program to improve life skills
How to apply
To apply, contact your local health authority:
After you apply
A health care worker or case manager typically meets you in your home or at an office and assesses your health needs and current living situation. She or he develops a case plan with you.
When a unit becomes available, the worker may assess you again to ensure the residence still matches your needs. When it’s time to move in, staff at the residence will give you a tour and ask you to sign a Residency Agreement.
Residency Agreement
The Residency Agreement is a document that details the terms and conditions of your tenancy.
Note: The Residency Agreement is not part of the Residential Tenancy Act. It is exempt because the Independent Living BC Program is a part of a rehabilitative or therapeutic treatment or service.
Once you are in housing, be aware that health care workers may contact you. They will check with you that assisted living is still meeting your needs. If there are changes in your situation, they can assist with next steps.
More information
For individuals who do not meet the health authority's criteria for assisted living, but would like to access housing with meals and support services, units may be available through the Seniors' Supportive Housing Program.