Assisted living residences: COVID-19 information
Effective April 6, 2023, the Provincial Health Officer provided an update on the official end of the respiratory season and many of the remaining COVID-19 Provincial Health Orders have been lifted.
The following are no longer required of visitors to Northern Health facilities:
- Mandatory masking
- Screening for signs and symptoms of illness
- Proof of vaccination
- Rapid point-of-care testing for COVID-19
If visitors are feeling unwell, they are encouraged to not visit until they are feeling better. Medical masks will be available at NH facilities for those who choose to continue to wear them.
We understand that visitor restrictions because of COVID-19 have been difficult for families and friends. To learn more about these changes, please see: Acute care and hospital visitor information.
Assisted living emphasizes the principles of individuality, choice, dignity, privacy, and independence for individuals.
Assisted living residences provide housing, hospitality and personalized assistance services for adults who can live independently but require regular assistance with daily activities, usually because of age, illness or disabilities. Support services promote occupants’ independence, while involving family and friends in their care.
When does a person move into an assisted living unit?
When health care needs become more complex, moving to a facility that provides a higher level of care than is possible to provide in the home. Home Health professionals are responsible for determining whether the individual requires, and is eligible to move to, either a publicly subsidized assisted living residence or a long-term care facility.
Moving to assisted living
Assisted living services are for adults who can no longer live safely in their homes, but meet the criteria for care. They will have the ability to make decisions on their own behalf and are able to live independently, but require assistance with personal care.
If eligible they will be offered placement in an assisted living residence in their community when a vacancy is available. If a unit is not immediately available, they will be placed on a wait list. Eligibility does not guarantee occupancy. Vacancies at each site vary and predicting an occupancy date is often not possible. Please see your family doctor for supports available to you while you wait.
There are costs associated with assisted living. Your monthly assisted living payment provides you with rental accommodation, hospitality services, and personal care services. For more information on these, see the costs page.
- Rental accommodation – your unit is a private, lockable, unfurnished studio or one-bedroom suite that you furnish with your own belongings. Each suite has its own bathroom and kitchenette with a small refrigerator and usually a stove or microwave.
- Hospitality services – consist of lunch, dinner, housekeeping, laundry for bedding and towels, social and recreational opportunities, and a 24-hour response system.
- Personal assistance services – may include assistance with tasks like bathing, grooming, dressing and mobility.
Contact your local Home Health / Community Services office to ask for an assessment if you feel the assisted living option is right for you or your family member.
Resident handbook
Assisted living resident's handbook
More information
- Find an assisted living facility near you
- Bringing food to family: A visitors guide (PDF)
- Information on eligibility, referral and applications for services can be found at accessing services
- Information on associated costs for services can be found at costs
- For more information on Home Health Services, contact your local Home Health / Community Services office (PDF)
- For more information about Home and Community Care services in BC, visit the BC Ministry of Healthhome and community care
- Visit the Office of the Assisted Living Registrar for additional valuable information