Subsidized Assisted Living

Subsidized Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities may be publicly funded (subsidized), private-pay, or a combination of the two. A case manager from Home and Community Care Services within the applicant’s regional health authority will assess a person’s eligibility for assisted living services and for subsidized rates. Financially eligible residents pay a calculated client fee.

There is a minimum and maximum client rate. If the client is between the minimum and maximum client rate, the person pays a monthly fee of 70% of their after-tax income for rent, hospitality services and assisted living services. The formula for calculating subsidized fees is set by the Ministry of Health and may be adjusted periodically. The fee paid by each resident is reviewed annually and adjusted based on the resident’s income tax return. Residents on income assistance or disability benefits pay a pre-determined set rate.

Residents may be required to pay for additional services that are not covered in the monthly rate such as telephone, hydro, cable tv, internet, medical and personal care supplies, and medications. Some facilities also require a damage deposit before the resident moves in.(1)

Fee amounts and services included must be clearly outlined in the residency agreement signed on admission. Assisted living fees are commonly seen as not being subject to the Residential Tenancy Act. However, the Office of the BC Seniors Advocate has recently released a report arguing that assisted living facilities are already subject to the Residential Tenancy Act.(2)

Private-pay services may be purchased as a fixed-rate package, on a fee-for-service basis, or through a combination of the two. Fees for private-pay facilities are not regulated. Read your residency agreement carefully and ask questions about what services are included or not included, and additional fees.

References

1. British Columbia, “About Assisted Living,” online: <http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/assisted-living-in-bc/about-assisted-living>; British Columbia, Ministry of Health, “ Home and Community Care Policy Manual,” (6 February 2023) at 5.D, 7.B, online: <http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/accountability/policy-and-standards/home-and-community-care-policy-manual>.
2. Office of the Seniors Advocate British Columbia, “It’s Time to Act: A Review of Assisted Living in B.C.” (posted 28 June 2023), online: <http://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/osa-reports/its-time-to-act-a-review-of-assisted-living-in-b-c/>.

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Seniors First BC, February 2024.