2020 Caregiver Resource Booklet - Coastal Region Chapter 1.800.268.7582 | - MS Society of Canada
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2020 Caregiver Resource
Booklet
Coastal Region Chapter
1.800.268.7582 | info.bc@mssociety.ca
www.mssociety.ca
OUR MISSION To connect and empower the MS Community to create positive change. We will have achieved our mission when: 1. The cause and cure for multiple sclerosis are identified in the shortest possible time. 2. People with MS have the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of life. 3. The Canadian public is fully aware of MS, the MS Society and what it does. 4. All necessary activities of the MS Society are adequately funded. 5. The volunteers and staff of the chapters, division and national organization are working together effectively towards our common mission. Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 2
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 3
CONTENTS
FOREWORD ......................................................................................................... 6
The Needs Assessment ........................................................................................................ 6
Talk To Your Case Manager ............................................................................................... 7
Accessing Private Home Care Services .............................................................................. 8
Additional Resources .......................................................................................................... 8
How To Read This Guide .................................................................................................... 9
Disclaimer ......................................................................................................................... 11
A PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SERVICES ......................................................... 12
A-1 Background ............................................................................................................. 12
A-2 Eligibility ................................................................................................................ 13
A-3 Accessing Services.................................................................................................. 14
A-4 Costs........................................................................................................................ 16
A-5 Descriptions of Publicly Subsidized Home Health Services .................................. 17
A-6 Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) ............................................... 27
B PRIVATE HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICES .......................................... 30
B-1 ABC Home Support Service Ltd. ........................................................................... 31
B-2 Access Health Services ........................................................................................... 31
B-3 Angels There For You ............................................................................................ 32
B-4 Aviva Home Health ................................................................................................ 32
B-5 Bayshore Home Health ........................................................................................... 33
B-6 Caring Touch Home Health Services ..................................................................... 34
B-7 Classic LifeCare ...................................................................................................... 35
B-8 Cloverdale At Home Care....................................................................................... 36
B-9 Comfort Keepers ..................................................................................................... 35
B-10 Cornerstone Care Society Home Support Services ................................................ 37
B-11 Driving Miss Daisy ................................................................................................. 37
B-12 Evergreen Nursing Services .................................................................................... 38
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 4B-13 Fraser Valley Seniors Companion Care .................................................................. 39
B-14 Greater Vancouver Community Services Society .................................................. 39
B-15 Harmony Health Care ............................................................................................. 40
B-16 Helping Hands & Heart .......................................................................................... 42
B-17 Helping Hands Home Support and Nursing ........................................................... 42
B-18 Home Care Assistance ............................................................................................ 42
B-19 Heart to Heart Care ................................................................................................. 44
B-20 Home Instead Senior Care ...................................................................................... 44
B-21 Independence Matters ............................................................................................. 44
B-22 Independent Quality Home Care ............................................................................ 44
B-23 Karp Home Care ..................................................................................................... 45
B-24 Living Well Home Care Services ........................................................................... 46
B-25 Loving Home Care Services ................................................................................... 47
B-26 Melody’s House Calls ............................................................................................. 47
B-27 Nurse Next Door Home Care Services ................................................................... 48
B-28 Ocean Breeze Home Care ....................................................................................... 49
B-29 PacifiCare Services ................................................................................................. 49
B-30 Paragon Home Care ................................................................................................ 50
B-31 Premier Homecare Services .................................................................................... 50
B-32 ProGroup-ProCare Health Services ........................................................................ 51
B-33 Revera – Long Term Care....................................................................................... 52
B-34 Royalty Home Care................................................................................................. 52
B-35 Safe Care Home Support ........................................................................................ 53
B-36 Shylo Nursing and Home Healthcare ..................................................................... 54
B-37 Simplified HomeCare Ltd ....................................................................................... 54
B-38 Verity Home Care ................................................................................................... 55
B-39 We Care Home Health Services ............................................................................. 55
B-40 Westside Nursing Services Ltd ............................................................................... 56
C CAREGIVER PUBLICATIONS .................................................................. 58
C-1 A Guide for Caregivers by the MS Society of Canada ........................................... 58
C-2 A Guide for Caregivers by the National MS Society (USA) .................................. 58
C-3 Caring for Loved Ones with Advanced MS: A Guide for Families by the
National MS Society (USA) ................................................................................... 59
C-4 Caring for Someone with MS: A Handbook for Family and Friends by the MS
Society UK .............................................................................................................. 59
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 5C-5 Caring for the Caregiver Newsletter by the MS Society of Canada ....................... 59
C-6 Family and Friend Caregivers Information and Resource Handbook .................... 60
C-7 Getting Started: So Now You Are a Caregiver by Net of Care .............................. 60
C-8 Hiring Help at Home: The Basic Facts by the National MS Society (USA) ............. 60
C-9 Home and Community Care: A Guide to Your Care by the BC Ministry of Health . 61
C-10 MS Carers: The Man’s Guide to Caring Someone with Multiple Scelorsis by the
MS Society UK ....................................................................................................... 61
C-11 MS In Focus: Caregiving and MS by the MS International Federation ................... 61
C-12 You Have Needs, Too by Net of Care...................................................................... 62
D CAREGIVER RESOURCES ........................................................................ 63
D-1 Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – Lower Mainland Chapter ........................ 63
D-2 Can Do MS ............................................................................................................. 63
D-3 Canadian Caregiver Coalition ................................................................................. 64
D-4 Canadian Home Care Association .......................................................................... 64
D-5 The Caregiver Network........................................................................................... 64
D-6 Caregiver Media Group .......................................................................................... 64
D-7 Caregiver Tax Credits ............................................................................................. 65
D-8 Caring for the Caregiver by the Ministry of Health’s SeniorsBC .......................... 65
D-9 The Family Caregiver ................................................................................................ 66
D-10 Family Caregiver Alliance ....................................................................................... 66
D-11 Family Caregivers of British Columbia ................................................................... 66
D-12 Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.............................................................. 66
D-13 Multiple Sclerosis International Federation ............................................................. 67
D-14 The Caregiver Action Network (USA) .................................................................... 67
D-15 National Multiple Sclerosis Society (USA) ............................................................. 67
D-16 Persons with Disabilities Online by Service Canada ............................................... 68
D-17 Well Spouse Association.......................................................................................... 68
D-18 Your Caregiving Planner by the Royal Bank of Canada ......................................... 68
E MS Society Resources .................................................................................. 69
E-1 Programs & Services .............................................................................................. 69
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 6FOREWORD
Sometimes a little bit of help is all that we need. Individuals with MS are affected
by MS in a variety of ways and at times may require help to remain independent
and safe at home, or to simply improve their quality of life. Caregiving needs vary
by individual and can vary at different points in time – some people may only need
help with shopping, others may need 24/7 nursing support. In addition, individual
situations differ – you may live alone and have limited support from friends and
family or you may have a close network of friends and family to meet most, if not
all, of your care needs. Financial situations also differ and can affect the caregiver
options available to an individual with MS.
Realizing you need help can be emotional, whether you are the caregiver or person
needing care. Figuring out how to find this help can be overwhelming as you may
have many questions:
• What kind of help do I need?
• What kind of help is available?
• Is there funding available?
• How do I select the right person?
• Where do I start?
This guide will provide information to help you address these questions. This guide
starts with providing some tips to help you determine what kind of help you need
and introduces you to the types of services available. We discuss the programs
provided by provincial health regions and the steps to take to access these services
and funding provided by the Ministry of Health.
Help! Where do I start?
The Needs Assessment
Once you have a clearer picture of what you need, finding the appropriate support
is easier. Needs usually fall into the following categories:
• Personal care – bathing, dressing, shaving, meal preparation,
transportation, bathroom routines, medication management
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 7• Companionship – conversation, entertainment, outings and adventures
• Home management – shopping, errands, house cleaning, laundry, light
gardening, bill paying, home safety
• Medical – occupational and physical therapy, pain and symptom
management
• Live-in care – 24/7 support based on individual needs
Assessing your needs will help you determine the best type and level support for
you. Creating a worksheet to assess your needs can be helpful in this process. See
the National MS Society’s guide “Hiring Help at Home: The Basic Facts” for a
needs assessment worksheet:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Br
ochures/Brochure-HiringHelpAtHome-BasicFacts-FINAL.pdf
- Additional resources can be found at C-5 or page 70
Evaluating and organizing your needs will be valuable when discussing your needs
with service providers, or your case manager from your local Health Authority (i.e.
Vancouver Coastal Health or Fraser Health).
Talk to Your Case Manager
Through the provincial health regions, the Ministry of Health provides a range of
health care and support services to people who have acute, chronic, palliative or
rehabilitative health care needs, and who meet certain eligibility and residency
requirements. These services include caregiver support, home support, nursing,
and occupational and physical therapy. Having a case manager is important to
ensure you are accessing the services and funding to which you are entitled
under your provincial health plan. They can also be a valuable source of
information on resources in your community. If you do not have a case manager,
contact your local Health Authority (see section A-3: Accessing Services on page
15).
Your case manager is there to assist you and your family meet your health care
needs. They will work with you, your family and care team to help determine:
• Your needs and services to best meet your needs
• Your eligibility for services
• Fees and funding eligibility
Your case manager will work with you to help develop a care plan and arrange for
services. Some of the services are provided free of charge and others may include
a fee based on your income.
People with high support needs who want more control over managing their home
support may be eligible for direct funding through “Choices for Support in
Independent Living (CSIL)” program. Under the CSIL program, you hire your
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 8own home support workers. This provides you with more autonomy and
responsibility in managing your home care. Your case manager will determine
your eligibility for this program and help you decide if CSIL is best for you. For
more information on CSIL, go to page 20 under A-5.
Home care services provided by the Ministry of Health are explained in greater
detail in Section A: Public Healthcare Services, or page 13.
Accessing Private Home Care Services
If you require support that is not available to you through your regional health
authority, or have qualified for the CISL program and are managing your home
care, there are a wide variety and number of home care service providers throughout
the Lower Mainland. 1 Some home care businesses provide a range of care from
companionship to nursing to palliative care. Some are very specialized, focusing
on a single type of service, such as transportation. Others may employ staff with a
range of qualifications, including therapists and registered nurses. Many businesses
offer services on a temporary as well as on an ongoing basis. Understanding your
needs will help to ensure that you hire the service appropriate for you.
Your relationship with your home support worker is extremely important and,
therefore, it is important that not only are they qualified and competent, but they
are someone that you actually like and trust. Having the opportunity to interview
the home care worker is critical as is the opportunity to request a different worker.
Fees vary based on your needs and the level of care to be provided. Certainly, fees
for someone to provide companionship will be less costly than for someone to
provide nursing services. In Section B: Private Home Healthcare Services we
have provided a list of a number of businesses providing varying levels of support
services. This list is not an endorsement of these businesses, nor is it a complete
list of all Lower Mainland businesses that offer home care support services
appropriate for individuals with MS. To find more home care service providers:
• Search “Home Care” on the internet
• Go to the Better Business Bureau website (Home Support Services)
(http://www.bbb.org/mbc/accredited-business-directory/home-support-
services )
• Look under “Home Care” in your Yellow Pages directory
Additional Resources
1
Some home care businesses focus on providing support to seniors. Older people with MS may find that these
services are more appropriate for their needs.
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 9In addition to family and friends, the Ministry of Health, and private businesses,
you may also want to consider the use of volunteers or a live-in care provider.
Volunteers
Volunteers may be suitable for providing some basic home care services or
companionship. Your case manager can refer you to a volunteer service agency in
your community that can help you find a suitable volunteer.
Live-in Care Provider
Some people require a live-in caregiver or a caregiver that can meet the needs of
person with MS as well as the needs of the family. When you cannot find a live-in
care provider locally, hiring a foreign domestic worker may be a viable and
economical option. There are businesses that provide support in hiring qualified
workers from abroad: Foreign Worker Program:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-
workers/caregiver.html
How to Read This Guide
The Caregiver Resource Guide comprises a wide variety of businesses that provide
services to make it easier for people with disabilities to live independently and to
ease the burden for caregivers. This guide strives to make caregiving and finding
care easier. The last sections of this guide include a list of caregiver resources and
publications that address specific topics and support. Making the decision to get
help is tough enough; getting help should not be. View the Table of Contents for
a full overview of the listings in this publication.
The organization of this guide is as follows:
• Each section is designated a letter. For example, “Public Healthcare Services”
is letter A, and “Caregiver Resources” is letter D.
• Each service listing falls under the letter of their section, and is designated a
number. For example, the second listing in Public Healthcare Services is “A-2”.
• Each healthcare service listing is formatted using this template:
Letter - # Organization or Program Name
Address: Address
Phone: Number Fax: Number
Email: Email address
Web: Website URL
This section beneath the contact information contains a description on the
organization and the services it offers. If there are multiple components to
a listing, the components are put into an alphabetized list, and
immediately follow the principal listing.
Services:
Personal
Home
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 10
Medical
Respite
SpecializedDisclaimer Please note that the MS Society does not endorse any particular business or organization, and that the following listings are for reference only. In addition, while this guide aims to be comprehensive, it is not exhaustive and should not be considered as such. There may be other service providers in your community that may be more suitable for your needs. Some of the businesses and organizations identified in this document have approached the MS Society in order to share information and services in their area of professional practice. Some may have a past history and knowledge of working with individuals with MS, while others may not. The MS Society does not endorse the services any of these businesses or organizations, but wishes to pass along this information for your consideration. Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 11
A PUBLIC HEALTHCARE
SERVICES
This section contains information on publicly funded home support services
available to residents of British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. Home support
services are provided by the BC Ministry of Health, and administered by the
two health authorities of the Lower Mainland: Vancouver Coastal Health and
Fraser Health.
While there are many user-pay private service providers throughout the
Lower Mainland that offer similar home support services, it is recommended
that all individuals go through the Public Home Support assessment process
by their local Health Authority as they may qualify for some level of
funding/support through the BC Ministry of Health.
A-1 Background
Information for A-1 was taken from the “Home and Community Care” section of
the Vancouver Coastal Health website (http://www.vch.ca/your-health/health-
topics/home-support/home-support). Please be advised that while this information
was taken from Vancouver Coastal Health, both Vancouver Coastal Health and
Fraser Health – the two health authorities of the Lower Mainland – provide the
same information on their respective websites and offer the same services (unless
otherwise stated).
What Is Publicly Funded Home Support?
The goal of publicly funded home support services is to help your loved one remain
independent and safe in their own home as long as possible. As with all home and
community care services, the services each person receives are based on their
personal care needs and situation. Home support services provide assistance with:
• Daily living activities at home such as bathing, dressing and grooming
• Special exercises, medication administration and other care needs
• Support and relief for the primary caregiver
Your BC Health Authority
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 12BC’s Ministry of Health administers services through BC’s individual health
authorities. Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health support the communities
represented by the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley Chapters. Specifically:
• Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH): serves Vancouver, Richmond, and the
North Shore
• Fraser Health (FH): serves Abbotsford, Agassiz-Harrison, Boston Bar,
Burnaby, Chilliwack, Delta, Hope, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, New
Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Surrey, and the Tri Cities.
Core community and home care services provided are the same throughout the
province and amongst health authorities in terms of services provided, eligibility
requirements, and fees. However, some additional services may be provided within
a region, or even a specific community based on community funding that may be
provided outside of the Ministry of Health. For example, VCH provides a caregiver
support program that is supported by community funding within the City of
Vancouver. Priority to access the services provided by this program is given to
individuals living or working within the City, and secondarily to individuals within
the VCH region.
A-2 Eligibility
In order to be eligible for publicly funded home support provided by either
Vancouver Coastal Health or Fraser Health, you must meet citizenship and residency
requirements, as well as the following requirements:
Eligibility requirements for all home and community services
• Be a resident of British Columbia
• Be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status*
• Require care:
⋅ after you have been released from the hospital,
⋅ at home to prevent you from going to the hospital, or
⋅ for a life limiting illness
Additional eligibility requirements for some of services
You must meet the following additional eligibility requirements for certain publicly
funded services, including home support, assisted living, adult day services, and
residential care:
• Be 19 years of age or older
• Have lived in British Columbia for three months
• Be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status*
• Be unable to function independently because of chronic, health-related
problems or have been diagnosed by a doctor with an end-stage illness
• Meet specific criteria as may be in place for particular programs
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 13*Be a landed immigrant or are on a Minister’s permit approved by the Ministry of Health
Services
A-3 Accessing Services
You can access publicly subsidized Home and Community Care services for
yourself or a family member by following the three steps below. Check eligibility
requirements (section A-2: Eligibility or page 14) to make sure you meet all the
requirements for publicly subsidized Home and Community Care.
Step 1: Contact your Health Authority
Contact your local Health Authority for more information on the publicly
subsidized healthcare you or your loved one can receive. To do this, speak with a
hospital social worker or transitional service team member if you or your loved one
are in the hospital. If you or a family member are at home, call your local Home
and Community Care Access Line:
Fraser Health:
New Client Inquiries: 1-855-412-2121
Note: Fraser Health is transitioning into one central in-take line.
Community Phone Community Phone
Number Number
Abbotsford 604-556-5000 Mission 604-814-5520
Agassiz/Harrison 604-793-7160 New Westminster 604-777-6700
Burnaby 604-918-7447 Newton 604-572-5340
Chilliwack 604-702-4800 South Delta 604-952-3552
Hope 604-860-7747 Surrey/North Delta 604-953-4950
Langley 604-532-6500 TriCities 604-777-7300
Maple Ridge 604-476-7100 White Rock 604-541-6800
Vancouver Coastal Health:
Community Phone Community Phone
Number Number
North Shore 604-986-7111 Vancouver 604-263-7377
Richmond 604-278-3361
Or visit the “Accessing Services” section of your local Health Authority’s website:
Fraser Health:
http://www.fraserhealth.ca/patients-and-visitors/amenities-and-services/
Vancouver Coastal Health:
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 14http://www.vch.ca/your-health/health-topics/home-and-community-
care/accessing-services/accessing-services
Step 2: Conduct an Assessment
The health care professionals will work with you, your family, doctor and other
health care professionals to assess:
• Your eligibility for home and community care services
• What services best meet your needs and situation
• How long you need these services for
• The costs, if any, for these services
Remember that you have the right to consent to care that is offered to you. Before
you make a decision, it is important that you feel everything has been explained to
your satisfaction. If you are unsure or do not understand something, ask for an
explanation.
If you have documented your wishes about the health care you want to receive, at
the moment or in the future, in an advanced care plan such as a representation
agreement (sometimes referred to as a living will), or a similar document, bring this
to the attention of your family and health care providers and bring a copy with you,
if possible.
What do I need to bring to my assessment?
• BC Care Card
• Medication prescriptions
• War veteran and pension cheque stubs or regiment number
• Most recent income tax return or notice of assessment (some services charge
a fee based on your income)
• Name and telephone number of your doctors
• Name and address of a close relative or friend
It is important that our health care professionals fully understand your health care
situation and needs. Please ask questions if you are not sure about what services are
available to you.
Step 3: Develop a Care Plan
If you are eligible for services, a health care professional will work with you to
develop a care plan that meets your needs. The care plan will be updated as your
care situation changes.
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 15If there is a waiting list for the services that best meet your needs, the health care
professional will work with you to ensure that the best services are in place to
address your health needs while you are waiting.
A-4 Costs
Some public Home Health services are provided at no cost and others may have an
associated cost that is based on your after-tax income. The Province of BC sets the
service charges for Home Health clients.
For those viewing this document online, each of the following services (when
underlined in blue) directly links you to Fraser Health’s description of that service.
All services are also described in section A-5: Descriptions of Publicly
Subsidized Home Health Services.
The following services were included only if they apply or might apply to people
with MS. All information was taken from the Home and Community Care section
of the Fraser Health website and the Home and Community Care section of the
Vancouver Coastal Health website.
Free Services offered by Fraser Health:
• Case Management
• Occupational and Physical Therapy
• Community Nutrition
• Health Services for Community Living
Free Services offered by Vancouver Coastal Health:
• Home Care Nursing
• Caregiver Support
• Case management
• Occupational and Physical Therapy
• Community Nutrition
• Health Services for Community Living
• Hospice Palliative Care
Free Services Excluding Supplies for Fraser Health:
You will not be charged for the following services, but you may have to cover the
associated cost of supplies:
• Home Care Nursing (though most Home Care Nursing supplies are
provided free of charge for the first two weeks)
• Caregiver Support
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 16Service Charges May Apply:
Services charges may apply to Home Support Services in both Fraser Health and
Vancouver Coastal Health, where there may be a daily charge depending on your
income.
Services Charges Definitely Apply:
Fraser Health
• Assisted Living – A monthly charge based on 70% of your after-tax income.
• Day Programs for Older Adults – Community facilities usually charge a
nominal daily charge to supplement the cost of transportation, supplies and
meals.
• Convalescent Care – A flat minimum monthly rate. If your stay is less than
a month, you will be assessed for a prorated charge, which is the minimum
monthly rate divided by number of days in the month times your length of
stay. If the charge represents a financial hardship, low income clients can
request a financial assessment to get a temporary rate reduction.
• Hospice Residences – There is a flat minimum monthly rate. If your stay is
less than a month, you will be assessed for a prorated charge, which is the
minimum monthly rate divided by number of days in the month times your
length of stay. If the charge represents a financial hardship, low income
clients can request a financial assessment to get a temporary rate reduction.
• Residential Care Services– There is a flat monthly rate depending on your
after-tax income. Rates are adjusted every year by the Ministry of Health.
Access information on Care Options and Costs here.
• Home Health Support Services– People receiving home support services for
personal care on a short-term basis, a few days up to two weeks after
discharge from a hospital, will not be charged for services. However, if you
are receiving ongoing services, you may be assessed a daily charge
depending on your income. Most people pay very little or nothing at all.
People who are considered to be palliative by their physician and who are
in the last six months of life are not charged for home support services. Your
local Health Authority will assess your care needs monthly to determine
your ongoing eligibility.
Vancouver Coastal Health
• Assisted Living – There is a monthly fee based on 70% of your after-tax
income, with a set minimum and maximum amount. There are pre-
established rates for clients on income assistance and disability benefits.
You may be required to pay other fees for services not covered in the
monthly rate based on your personal choices, including telephone, cable,
hydro, household and toiletry supplies, medications, personal care supplies
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 17and insurance costs. Some facilities also require a damage deposit upon
move-in. You will be notified of all fees before you move in.
• Adult Day Services – Centres usually charge a daily fee to assist with the
cost of craft supplies, transportation and meals.
• Convalescent Care – You will be charged a daily rate. If you are unable to
afford this fee, your financial situation can be assessed to see if you qualify
for a temporary rate reduction.
• Hospice Palliative Care – You will be charged a daily rate. If you are unable
to afford this fee, your financial situation can be assessed to see if you
qualify for a temporary rate reduction.
• Residential Care – Publicly-subsidized residential care costs a monthly fee
based on 80 per cent of your after-tax income, with set minimum and
maximum rates. As residential care is considered your home, you may be
required to pay additional fees for services or items you would pay for living
on your own. For example, there may be additional fees for things like
equipment or aids, optional activities, and hairdressing services. Facility
staff will inform you of these fees prior to moving in.
Costs may change over time. Contact the Home and Community Care
access telephone number in your community for current costs.
Option to purchase private services
• In addition to services provided through your local Health Authority, you
can also purchase home health services from private care agencies (see
Section B: Private Home Healthcare Services, or page 33).
• For example, if you are not eligible for publicly subsidized Home Health
services, you may want to consider private agencies, or you may want to
add to the services you are already receiving.
A-5 Descriptions of Publicly Subsidized Home Health Services
This section describes the different home health services that the Province of BC
and your local Health Authority offer. The following services were included only
if they apply or might apply to people with MS.
All information for A-5 was taken from the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal
Health websites, and the online Fraser Health publication “Handbook for
Caregivers”.
For more information on any of the following public Home Health services, contact
your local Health Authority’s Home and Community Care Access Line:
Fraser Health: 1-855-412-2121 (Central in-take line)
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 18Vancouver Coastal Health:
Community Phone Community Phone
Number Number
North Shore 604-986-7111 Vancouver 604-263-7377
Richmond 604-278-3361
Or visit the “Accessing Services” section of your local Health Authority’s website:
Fraser Health:
https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/home-and-community-care/accessing-
home-and-community-care-services
Vancouver Coastal Health:
http://www.vch.ca/your-care/home-community-care/how-to-access-services
Case Management
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Case managers coordinate care for people with complex health needs requiring
extra, ongoing support to live at home independently.
Their goal is to help people live at home safely and avoid unnecessary or premature
admission to a hospital or care facility.
The list below provides an idea of the types of services available. Activities
may vary by program.
Assess your needs
Determine your eligibility for services
Determine the costs for certain services, based on your financial
situation
Plan, coordinate and monitor multiple care services
Arrange relief for caregivers
Assess whether you need to move to an assisted living or residential
care facility
It is recommended that all individuals undergo the Case Management
process by their local health authority as they may qualify for some level of
funding/support through the BC Ministry of Health.
To be eligible, you must:
Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2,
Eligibility on page 11)
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 19 Adult Day Programs
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Adult day programs offer a range of activities in a safe and caring social
environment to help adults with disabilities and seniors live at home as
independently as possible.
The list below provides an idea of the types of services available. Activities
may vary by program.
Therapeutic recreation activities
Assistance with personal hygiene
Assistance with health care needs such as nursing assessments,
monitoring chronic health conditions or medications
Social activities such as discussion groups, entertainment and crafts
as well as noon meals
Health monitoring and personal care assistance
Respite for family members and others to provide a break from their
caregiving responsibilities
To be eligible, you must:
Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2,
Eligibility on page 14)
Ambulatory Home Care Nursing Clinics
Offered by Vancouver Coastal Health. For Fraser Health: See “Home Health
Clinics”.
These Nursing Clinics are for people who are mobile and can attend
appointments outside of the home. The Nursing Clinics provide a broad range
of services to people who require nursing treatment and education in self-care
management. Some examples of available services include chronic disease
management, medication management, and wound care.
To be eligible, you must:
Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2,
Eligibility on page 14)
Assisted Living
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Assisted Living is a housing plus health services option if you are still relatively
independent but need extra help. Assisted Living services include housing,
hospitality and personal care services to seniors and people with disabilities
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 20who are no longer able to live at home independently but do not need 24-hour
nursing care. Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health arrange Assisted
Living services through BC Housing.
Your monthly contribution to Assisted Living services covers:
Accommodation: includes a private, lockable apartment or suite that
you furnish with your own belongings. Buildings also have common
dining and socializing spaces
Hospitality services: includes two meals a day (lunch and supper),
weekly housekeeping, weekly laundering of linens (towels and sheets),
social and recreational opportunities and 24-hour emergency response
system.
Personal care services: includes assistance with bathing, grooming,
dressing and medication management.
To be eligible, you must:
Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2,
Eligibility on page 14)
Be able to direct your own care and make decisions
Be able to live independently but require help with daily activities
Be able to communicate and be understood by others
Not behave in ways that place the safety of others at risk
Be able to take direction in an emergency and use the emergency
response system
Not be managing well in your home with the available services
For more information on Assisted Living, read the following online document
provided by Vancouver Coastal Health:
http://www.vch.ca/Documents/Assisted-Living-Handbook-February-2016.pdf
Caregiver Support/Respite Care
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Many people accessing Home Health services are also cared for by someone
close to them such as a husband, wife, daughter, son, or friend. Caregiver
Support is for people caring for family or friends because we understand that
care giving, even when given with love, can be stressful.
Caregiver Support offers respite care, or a short period of rest and relief from
the emotional and physical demands of care giving, allowing the caregiver to
continue to provide quality care. A case manager must first assess people to see
if they are eligible to use this care. An eligible person can then stay in a care
facility for up to four weeks per year (depending on availability). This service
provides the caregiver a break from caregiving responsibilities. Respite is also
available to caregivers through home support and adult day programs.
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 21To be eligible, you must:
Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2,
Eligibility on page 14)
For more information on Caregiver Support, read the following online
documents provided by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health:
http://www.virtualhospice.ca/Assets/Fraser%20Health%20-
%20Handbook%20For%20Caregivers_20180208183501.pdf
http://www.vch.ca/Documents/Assisted-Living-Handbook-February-2016.pdf
Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL)
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) is a self-managed model of
care where people receive funds to purchase and manage private home support
services. Responsibilities may include recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling
and supervising home support workers.
To be eligible for CSIL, you must:
Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2,
Eligibility on page 14)
Be medically stable
Require daily personal care
Be able to direct all aspects of your care or have a client support group
that can do so
Demonstrate the ability to manage care services and fiscal
accountability
For more information on CSIL, go to section A-6 (page 30).
Home Care Nursing
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Home Care Nursing is for people who need care at home, temporarily or
indefinitely, for a variety of health reasons, including:
Being released from the hospital after surgery or a sudden event such as
a stroke or serious injury
Worsening of a chronic condition that requires a higher level of care
than is available at home
Living with ongoing health issues that make it difficult to be at home
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 22What services are provided?
Professionally trained and licensed home care nurses also provide:
Wound care, intravenous therapy or palliative care
Health education about chronic diseases and healthy living
Referrals to other community services, such as a community
rehabilitation centre or social work services
Self-care information to allow you to live as independently as possible
Education to enhance your friends’ and family's abilities to provide care
Home support services to enable you to care for yourself as much as
possible
Generally, nursing is provided if you:
Are released from hospital and need short-term care
Have on ongoing, or chronic health issue requiring more care than you
or your family can provide
Have a health issue that is getting worse and you need to support to
continue to live at home
Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2,
Eligibility on page 14)
Home visits for nursing care occur seven days a week. Visits are scheduled in
advance according to medical priority and where you live.
What services are not provided?
There are a number of services that Home Care Nursing does not provide but
can help you access, including:
House cleaning or laundry
Grocery shopping
Rehabilitation equipment/aids
Driving to appointments
Companions
Foot care
Home Health Clinics
Offered by Fraser Health
You may be asked to attend a Home Health clinic for nursing care or other
professional services if you are mobile and do not require in-home visits.
Home Health office clinics are located in all communities of the Fraser Health
region, and are open weekdays during regular business hours. Some office
clinics are also open on the weekends. Home Health clinics are not an
emergency service.
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 23Services offered in the clinics include:
Wound care treatments performed by a nurse
Intravenous antibiotic treatment
Client teaching related to treatments, specific diseases, or conditions
Rehabilitation
Social work consultation
Group education on managing a chronic health condition
To be eligible, you must:
Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2,
Eligibility on page 14)
Home Support
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Home Support services are often provided to people after they have been
discharged from hospital. Home Support services are provided by Home Health
community health workers who are trained, screened, and insurance, and whose
services meet established standards.
Policies are in place that govern health care and support services provided to
people in their homes to protect both clients and care providers.
Some clients have unique care needs for which a worker’s gender, language or
cultural awareness could make a significant difference. In such situations,
efforts are made to consider those needs when scheduling a worker.
How Can Home Support Help Me?
Individuals who may require assistance:
A physically or mentally disabled person may need help with daily
living activities such as bathing and washing, dressing, grooming,
taking medication and other personal care needs
Someone recovering from illness or injury may find it difficult to
manage daily living without assistance
Home Support services include the following:
Daily living activities at home such as bathing, dressing and grooming
Special exercises, medication administration and other care needs
Support and relief for your primary caregiver
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 24The following are services that are not included in Home Support, but for which
referrals can be made:
House cleaning or laundry
Grocery shopping
Rehabilitation equipment/aids
Driving to appointments
Companions
Foot care
For more information on Home Support, and for information on how to prepare
for your loved one getting discharged from the hospital, read the following link:
https://www.fraserhealth.ca/homesupport
Hospice Palliative Care
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Hospice Palliative Care offers services to help relieve suffering and improve
quality of life for people with a life-limiting illness or for those grieving a loved
one. Hospice palliative care becomes appropriate when treatment no longer
supports quality of life.
People who choose Hospice Palliative Care have made the decision with their
doctor and family to move away from getting better to palliative, or comfort,
care. Hospice Palliative Care is available in the community, at home, in assisted
living and residential care facilities and in hospice residences.
Hospice Palliative Care:
Does not hasten or delay death
Improves the quality life by offering comfort and dignity
Offers comfort, emotional and spiritual supports to the person and
family
Allows people to continue receiving treatments that slow the progress
of the disease and reduce uncomfortable symptoms
Provides a variety of services designed to provide care and comfort
Medical intervention is for symptom management, including pain control.
Many people mistakenly associate hospice palliative care only with sorrow.
However, most people’s experiences include times of joy, peace and heart-
warming closeness. People often comment that hospice experiences, although
involving a death, give them a deeper understanding of life.
To be eligible, you must:
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 25 Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2,
Eligibility on page 14)
Medical Equipment and Supplies
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
To accommodate your medical condition, you may be required to rent or buy
equipment, such as walkers, bath seats, wheelchairs or lifts. Home Health staff
can help you determine:
What equipment you need
How to access the equipment
How to use the equipment
For the most part you will be expected to pay for your supplies, medications
and equipment. There are a few exceptions including:
Wound care: if you are receiving wound care services through our
Home Health services, either at home or in a clinic, you will receive at
least two weeks of supplies that are outlined in our wound care
guidelines and protocols. All other supplies are your responsibility.
Intravenous (IV) medications: if you are receiving IV medications
through your local health authority’s Home Health services, either at
home or in a clinic, your local health authority will provide you with the
medication and the supplies you need at no cost until you are finished
with the medication. If no medications are involved, you will be given
supplies needed to care for the IV access device, such as flushing,
capping and dressing changes. Medications that are not approved for
use in BC or are experimental will not be covered.
Medical Supplies and Equipment for Palliative Clients
Depending on your situation, some or all of your costs might be covered by
another funding agency. There are also organizations that provide short-term
and long-term loans, as well as financial assistance for eligible clients. Contact
your local health authority’s Home Health Office for more information about
options available:
Fraser Health
https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/home-and-community-care
Vancouver Coastal Health
http://www.vch.ca/your-care/home-community-care
Occupational and Physical Therapy
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 26The occupational and physical therapists of both Fraser Health and Vancouver
Coastal Health provide assessment, consultation, treatment and education to
you and your family. These services, sometimes called rehabilitation therapy,
are available in community clinics and in your home, depending on your
situation. Occupational and physical therapists also ensure your home is set up
in ways that enable you to carry on with daily home tasks easily and safely.
Rehabilitation therapy is available for:
People recovering from an injury or an operation
Adults at risk of having a fall that may result in an injury
Therapists work closely with you to help:
Improve muscle strength, balance and coordination
Learn to use mobility devices such as walkers and crutches
Improve and maximize your ability to function independently at home
Make the home more accessible and safer
Acquire or use aids for personal care (bath seats, grab bars, scooters,
wheelchairs and lifts)
To be eligible, you must:
Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2,
Eligibility on page 14)
Residential Care
Offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Both Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health provide publicly subsidized
Residential Care through their Home and Community Care services.
Residential Care offers 24-hour nursing care in a supervised and secure
environment. It is provided to people who have complex care needs, and who
can no longer remain safely in their own home.
What services are provided?
24-hour professional nursing and personal care
Accommodation in a safe and secure environment
Nutritious meals
Medication management
Laundry
Recreational activity programs
Support and relief for families and loved ones who are providing care
To be eligible, you must:
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 27 Be eligible to receive Home and Community Care services (see A-2:
Eligibility on page 14).
Because publicly subsidized Residential Care is a limited resource, a priority
system is in place so that those who most urgently need this service are placed
first.
Other services offered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health that
were not profiled in this section include; Community Intravenous Therapy
(Fraser Health) / Home Intravenous Antibiotic Program (VCH), Convalescent
Care, Home Oxygen Program (Fraser Health).
A-6 Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL)
Note: The following information was taken from the BC Ministry of Health’s
webpage:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=14655A297B1A477F9A8468E6C6EC
3436
Choice in Supports for Independent Living, or CSIL (pronounced “SEE-suhl”),
is a self-directed option for eligible home support clients. CSIL clients receive
funds directly from their local health authority to purchase their own home support
services. CSIL clients become employers who manage all aspects of their home
support from hiring and supervising staff to overseeing how CSIL funds are spent.
People who cannot manage CSIL on their own may be eligible if a client support
group or an individual designated as a representative through a Representation
Agreement is acting as the CSIL employer.
CSIL clients have control over who they hire to provide personal assistance, when
services are scheduled and how tasks are carried out.
In addition to meeting the Home and Community Care services (see A-2:
Eligibility on page 14) criteria, Clients eligible for CSIL must:
have been assessed as requiring home support services as part of your care
plan;
have a physical disability and high-intensity care needs;
have assessed needs that can be met within CSIL, within available
resources;
have agreed to pay the assessed client rate; and
safely coordinate and manage CSIL services or have a client support group
or a CSIL representative acting as a CSIL employer.
If you are interested in receiving CSIL services or know of someone who might be
in need of these services, you can contact your health authority's home and
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 28community care office or you can have a health care professional make a referral
on your behalf.
How does CSIL funding work?
As a CSIL client, you receive a set amount of funding each month from the health
authority to directly purchase your own home support services. The amount of
funding you receive is calculated by multiplying the CSIL hourly rate by the
number of hours of home support service you require each month (based on a
clinical assessment performed by your health authority).
Is there a cost for CSIL services?
There is a daily client rate for CSIL services based on household income less
deductions for taxes, basic living expenses and if applicable, earned income.
For more information about how your remaining annual income is defined and
determined, please see the Continuing Care Fees Regulation.
Exceptions:
You are not required to pay a daily rate for CSIL services for the first two weeks
of receiving short-term home support services after being discharged from a
hospital, or if you are eligible for palliative supplies and equipment under the
BC Palliative Care Benefits Program.
You are also not required to pay a daily rate for CSIL services if you receive
one of the following government income benefits:
the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Spouse’s Allowance or the
Widowed Spouse’s Allowance under the Old Age Security Act (Canada);
support and shelter allowance under the Assistance Act or the Employment
and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act;
a War veterans Allowance under the War Veteran’s Allowance Act
(Canada);
Payment to Family Members
CSIL clients may pay family members, except immediate family members (i.e.,
parent, child or spouse), as caregivers in accordance with the BC Ministry of
Health’s Policy 4.C.4, Payment to Family Members. Health Authorities may grant
an exception for an immediate family member to be paid to provide care for a client,
if the criteria set out in Policy 4.C.4 are met.
For more information, contact your local Health Authority (see A-3: Accessing
Services on page 12).
To view online or to download Policy 4.C.4, visit:
www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/publications/year/2011/PFM_policy_guidelines.pdf
Caregiver Resource Booklet 2020 29You can also read
