Seniors First BC’s legal programs have released “Navigating Home Care and Senior Housing: An Advocacy Guide” on Clicklaw Wikibooks. This guide explains the types of personal care and health care that are available to older adults in British Columbia. Many of these services are subsidized by community services or the BC Ministry of Health to make them affordable for most British Columbians. Some services are also available privately to people who can afford them.
It outlines some key laws that govern home and residential care services, including what people have a right to expect and what service providers must do and provide. While some of the laws discussed here apply to services for a variety of people with chronic conditions (such as mental health conditions, addictions, brain injury, or developmental disabilities), the focus of this guide is on older adults and how the laws and policies apply to them.
This guide is primarily for older adults seeking or receiving personal and health care services either at home or in residential care. It may also be of use for family members, designated decision-makers, and advocates who are supporting and assisting older adults.
Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, advocacy, and support to seniors across BC who are dealing with issues affecting their well-being.
