Are you or a loved one considering long-term care in British Columbia? Like many families, you may find navigating the system seems daunting at first. Understanding how waitlists work, what care options are available, and how to plan for the future can make this important transition more manageable. Let’s explore the key aspects of BC’s long-term care system together, with a focus on practical information you can use to make informed decisions.

Understanding BC’s Care Landscape

Current Structure and What It Means for You

Long-term care services in British Columbia provide 24-hour professional supervision and care in a protective, supportive environment for people who have complex care needs and can no longer be cared for in their own homes or in an assisted living residence (Ministry of Health, 2025).  

As of 2024, British Columbia offers a diverse range of care options through 327 long-term care homes providing 29,194 beds (BC Care Providers Association, 2024). The ownership structure presents a balanced mix: 31% (8,925 beds) are owned and operated by health authorities, 32% (9,377 beds) are operated by for-profit organizations, and 37% (10,392 beds) are operated by not-for-profit societies. Of these beds, 1,492 are private pay (full cost covered by clients), while 18,777 are publicly subsidized (BC Care Providers Association, 2024). This mix means you’ll have various options to consider, each with its own approach to care delivery.  This article is focused on the government-subsidized option but readers can contact us to learn more about the private-pay residences and how they differ in waiting times and costs.

The demand for care continues to grow significantly. According to the Conference Board of Canada, BC will need over 30,000 new long-term care beds by 2035. Currently, 3,430 seniors are waiting for a publicly funded long-term care bed, with the waitlist more than doubling in the past five years and increasing by 40% in 2022 alone.

Navigating Waitlists and Access

Wondering how long you might need to wait for placement? 

According to the BC Care Providers Association (2024), 3,430 seniors are currently waiting for publicly funded long-term care beds. The waitlist has more than doubled in the past five years, with a significant 40% increase in 2022 alone. Additionally, 785 individuals are waiting for subsidized assisted living, representing an 11% increase from the previous year. The reality is that wait times vary, depending on where you live and what type of care you need. Factors also include local capacity and specialized care requirements.

Here’s something important to know: BC operates under a First Available Bed Policy, which means you’ll need to accept the first appropriate bed offered within your chosen geographic area. However, you can select up to three preferred care homes and maintain your position on waitlists based on your original application date. This gives you some choice while ensuring you’ll have access to care when you need it.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for placement into long-term care through the health authority, you must:

• Have 24-hour professional nursing supervision and care needs
• Be at significant risk in your current living environment
• Have an urgent need for long-term care services
• Have been assessed and treated for medical causes of disability
• Agree to pay the assessed rate (Ministry of Health, 2025)

Planning for the Financial Aspect

Understanding the Costs

Let’s talk about the practical side of financing long-term care. In 2025, if you’re accessing publicly subsidized care, here’s what you can expect:

• You’ll pay between $1,466.20 (minimum) and $4,073.40 (maximum) monthly
• Your exact rate will be based on 80% of your after-tax income
• You’ll always keep at least $325 monthly for personal expenses

For couples sharing a room who both receive GIS benefits, the rate is $1,039.17 per person – a consideration that might help make care more affordable for families.

Private Care Considerations

If you’re considering private long-term care, it’s important to prepare for higher costs. Monthly fees can go from $8,000 to $16,000 or more for high end private residences in certain parts of Greater Vancouver, especially if your loved one’s needs are complex. Conversely, costs outside of Vancouver can be significantly less. Understanding these costs and how they differ within your municipality can help you plan effectively for the future.

Making Your Decision: What to Consider

Cultural and Personal Needs

Finding culturally appropriate care can present unique considerations.Recent research shows tha recent immigrants often experience longer wait times – about 165 days compared to 126 days for long-term residents (Ontario’s Long-Term Care Commission, 2021) – largely because many choose to wait for placement in culturally-specific facilities that align with their language, customs, dietary requirements, and religious practices. These specialized facilities, while providing important cultural continuity, often have limited capacity and therefore longer waitlists. When considering your options, think about what aspects of care are most important to you: Are there specific cultural or religious practices you want to maintain? Do you prefer a facility where your primary language is spoken?  

Family Connections

If you’re part of a couple, you’ll be glad to know that BC’s system recognizes the importance of keeping families together if both individuals within the couple require long-term care. Recent changes have put more priority on keeping couples together within the subsidized system, and some cases allow for adjusted rates for shared rooms.  Things can get tricky however if only one spouse needs long-term care and the other spouse is still living independently and not in need of assistance.  Only the spouse requiring care will be considered for long-term care and so in these types of cases, it is important to talk to a care advisor or a healthcare navigator to plan for how to best keep both spouses together.  

Taking the Next Steps

Start Planning Early

Just as with any major life transition, planning ahead for long-term care can make the process smoother. Consider starting your research while you’re still in good health – this gives you time to:

• Visit different facilities and get a feel for their environments
• Understand the financial aspects and plan accordingly
• Discuss options with family members
• Consider locations that will work best for you and your loved ones
  

Resources at Your Disposal

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Support is available through:

• Your local health authority’s home and community care office
• Healthcare navigators and care advisors
• Various advocacy organizations, resource centres and online informational sites
• Peer support groups

Looking to the Future

British Columbia’s long-term care system continues to evolve to meet changing needs. Recent data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information shows increasing demand for specialized care services, particularly in urban areas. Understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions about timing your move to long-term care.

While the process of accessing long-term care may seem complex, breaking it down into manageable steps makes it more approachable. Whether you’re just starting to explore options or ready to make a move, remember that there are resources and professionals available to help you navigate each step of the journey.

The best time to start thinking about long-term care options is before you need them. Taking time to understand the system, consider your preferences, and plan for the future can help ensure you find the right care setting when the time comes.

Sources

• Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2021). Long-term care homes in Canada: How many and who owns them? Retrieved January 21, 2025.
• Ministry of Health, British Columbia. (2025). Long-Term Care Services Publication.
• Ontario’s Long-Term Care Commission. (2021). Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission: Final Report.
• Protecteur du citoyen. (2021). The Québec Ombudsman’s Final Report on COVID-19 and Long-Term Care.
• Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2021). The Impact of COVID-19 on Long-Term Care in Canada: Focus on the First 6 Months.
• Ministry of Long-Term Care. (2020). Long-Term Care Staffing Study. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario.
• Financial Accountability Office of Ontario. (2021). Ministry of Long-Term Care: Spending Plan Review.
• Qureshi, D., Schumacher, C., Talarico, R., Lapenskie, J., Tanuseputro, P., Scott, M., & Hsu, A. (2021). Describing Differences Among Recent Immigrants and Long-Standing Residents Waiting for Long-Term Care: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 22(3), 648-655.
• BC Care Providers Association. (2024). 2024 Budget Submission.
• Understanding Residential Care: Public & Private — Patient Pathways Healthcare Navigation, Advocacy + Education