How to Get Home Care in BC: Eligibility, Costs & How to Apply (2026)

Last Updated: June 2026

Health Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical decisions. For non-emergency health advice, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.

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When illness, injury, or aging makes daily activities difficult, many British Columbians assume they'll need to move into a care facility. But BC's publicly funded home care programs help thousands of residents each year remain safely in their own homes while receiving professional health services and personal support.

Understanding how to access these services—and what they actually cover—can be confusing. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting home care in British Columbia, from eligibility requirements to the application process and costs involved.

What Is Home Care in BC?

Home care (also called home health services or home support) refers to a range of health and personal care services delivered in your own home. In BC, these services are coordinated through the five regional health authorities and are designed to help people:

• Recover from surgery or illness at home
• Manage chronic health conditions
• Maintain independence while aging
• Receive end-of-life (palliative) care in familiar surroundings
• Transition safely from hospital to home

BC's home care system operates on a "client-centred" model, meaning services are tailored to individual needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all package.

Types of Home Care Services Available in BC

Home Support Services

Home support workers (also called community health workers) assist with daily living activities that have become difficult due to health conditions. Services typically include:

• Personal care: Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting assistance
• Mobility support: Transfers, positioning, walking assistance
• Nutrition support: Meal preparation, feeding assistance
• Light housekeeping: Directly related to health and safety
• Medication reminders: Prompting (not administering) scheduled medications

Home support does not include general housecleaning, yard work, or companionship-only visits.

Home Health Nursing

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses provide clinical care in your home, including:

• Wound care and dressing changes
• IV therapy and injections
• Catheter and ostomy care
• Pain management
• Health teaching and monitoring
• Palliative care nursing

Rehabilitation Services

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists may provide home-based therapy for:

• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Stroke recovery
• Fall prevention and mobility training
• Equipment assessments and recommendations
• Swallowing and communication therapy

Other Community Health Services

Depending on your health authority, additional services may include:

• Respiratory therapy
• Nutrition counselling from registered dietitians
• Social work support
• Adult day programs (for those needing supervision and social engagement)

Who Is Eligible for Home Care in BC?

Eligibility for publicly funded home care in BC is based on assessed need, not income. To qualify, you must:

1. Be a BC resident with valid BC Services Card (MSP coverage)
2. Have an assessed health need that requires professional support
3. Be able to safely remain at home with the services provided
4. Not require 24-hour supervision (unless receiving palliative care)

Common Situations That Qualify for Home Care

• Recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery
• Managing chronic conditions like COPD, heart failure, or diabetes
• Living with dementia (early to moderate stages)
• Recovering from stroke or serious illness
• Requiring wound care after hospital discharge
• Receiving palliative or end-of-life care

Who May Not Qualify

Home care isn't appropriate for everyone. You may be directed to other options if:

• Your needs require 24-hour care that can't be safely provided at home
• You need assistance only with housekeeping or social companionship
• Your condition requires facility-level nursing care
• You don't have a safe living environment for care delivery

How to Apply for Home Care in BC

Step 1: Request an Assessment

The first step is contacting your regional health authority to request a home care assessment. You can self-refer, or a referral can come from your family doctor, hospital discharge planner, or other healthcare provider.

Contact your health authority's home health intake:

If calling from hospital, speak with the discharge planning team—they will initiate the referral process.

Step 2: Complete a Needs Assessment

A case manager (usually a registered nurse or social worker) will conduct an in-home assessment. This comprehensive evaluation covers:

• Your medical conditions and health history
• Current medications and treatments
• Ability to perform daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating, mobility)
• Cognitive function and safety awareness
• Home environment safety
• Available family and caregiver support
• Your goals and preferences

Assessments typically take 1-2 hours. Having a family member present can be helpful.

Step 3: Develop a Care Plan

Based on the assessment, your case manager creates a personalized care plan outlining:

• Specific services you'll receive
• Frequency and duration of visits
• Goals and expected outcomes
• Your responsibilities and those of family caregivers
• Review timeline

You'll receive a copy of your care plan and should feel free to ask questions or request modifications.

Step 4: Begin Receiving Services

Once your care plan is approved, services typically begin within:

• Nursing care: 24-72 hours for urgent needs
• Home support: 1-2 weeks for routine cases
• Rehabilitation: 2-4 weeks depending on availability

Wait times vary significantly by region and demand. Hospital discharge cases are often prioritized.

Home Care Costs in BC

What's Covered by MSP

BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) fully covers:

• Home health nursing visits
• Rehabilitation therapy (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)
• Case management and care coordination
• Palliative care services

You pay nothing out-of-pocket for these professional health services.

Home Support Client Rates

Home support services (personal care and daily living assistance) are subsidized but not free. You'll pay a daily rate based on your adjusted income:

2026 Home Support Daily Client Rates:

Rates are per day of service, regardless of hours received that day. Couples' income is assessed jointly.

For example, if you receive home support three days per week and your income is $40,000, you'd pay approximately $160.80 per month ($13.40 × 12 days).

Financial Hardship

If the daily rate creates financial hardship, speak with your case manager about reassessment. Additional factors like high medical expenses or unusual circumstances may be considered.

Private vs. Public Home Care Options

When to Consider Private Services

Some BC residents choose private home care agencies to:

• Supplement publicly funded hours
• Access services not covered (companionship, housecleaning, errands)
• Receive more flexible scheduling
• Avoid wait times for non-urgent needs

Private Home Care Costs in BC

Private agencies in BC typically charge:

• Home support workers: $28-$40 per hour
• Licensed practical nurses: $45-$65 per hour
• Registered nurses: $55-$85 per hour
• Live-in caregivers: $280-$400 per day

Many families combine public services (nursing, therapy) with privately purchased home support hours to create a comprehensive care arrangement.

Choosing a Private Agency

If hiring privately, look for agencies that are:

• Licensed by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry
• Insured and bonded
• Willing to coordinate with your public care team
• Transparent about costs and contracts

Tips for Getting the Most from Home Care Services

Before Your Assessment

• Make a list of all your medications and medical conditions
• Note specific tasks that have become difficult
• Consider what times of day you need the most help
• Have recent hospital discharge summaries available
• Think about your goals (returning to activities, staying independent, etc.)

During Care

• Communicate openly with your care team about what's working
• Report any changes in your condition promptly
• Keep a notebook to track questions between visits
• Request care plan reviews if your needs change
• Ask about community resources and programs that might help

Advocating for Adequate Services

If you feel your allocated hours don't meet your needs:

1. Request a reassessment from your case manager
2. Ask for a detailed explanation of how hours were determined
3. Contact the Patient Care Quality Office if concerns aren't addressed
4. Reach out to your local seniors' advocate or patient advocacy organization

Special Programs to Know About

Better at Home

This non-medical program helps seniors with practical supports like housekeeping, transportation, and friendly visiting. Services are provided by local non-profit organizations and are income-tested. Visit betterathome.ca to find programs in your community.

BC Palliative Care Benefits

Patients approved for palliative care may access enhanced benefits including:

• Expanded home nursing hours
• Medical supplies and equipment at no cost
• Prescription drug coverage (PharmaCare Plan P)
• Respite care for family caregivers

First Nations Health Authority

Indigenous peoples in BC can access culturally appropriate home and community care through the First Nations Health Authority. Call 1-866-913-0033 or visit fnha.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for home care in BC?

The assessment process typically takes 1-3 weeks from initial contact, though urgent cases (hospital discharges, palliative care) may be expedited within days. Once approved, nursing services can often start within 24-72 hours, while home support may take 1-2 weeks to arrange depending on your region and caregiver availability.

Can I choose my own home care worker?

With public home care, you cannot typically select specific workers, though you can request consistency (having the same workers visit regularly). If you have concerns about a particular worker, discuss this with your case manager. Private agencies generally offer more flexibility in caregiver selection.

What if I need more hours than the health authority provides?

You can supplement public home care with privately purchased services. Discuss your needs with your case manager, who may also know of community programs, volunteer services, or non-profit organizations that could help fill gaps.

Does home care cover overnight stays or 24-hour care?

Public home care does not typically provide overnight or 24-hour continuous care except in specific palliative situations. If you need round-the-clock support, your case manager will discuss residential care options or help you arrange private services to supplement public hours.

Can family members be paid to provide home care?

Family members cannot typically be paid through the public home care system. However, some families access respite care funding or explore the Self-Directed Care pilot program (available in limited areas) that provides more flexibility. Private arrangements between family members are a personal decision outside the public system.

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Navigating home care services can feel overwhelming, especially during health crises. Remember that case managers are there to help coordinate your care and answer questions. Don't hesitate to advocate for services that meet your needs, and explore community resources that can complement formal home care support.

For immediate health concerns, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7.