Housing and care options
Understand the options before planning the move.
Your preferences, daily routines and the support you need matter more than an age label. These options are not interchangeable or a required progression.
| Living option | General description | Questions to ask | Reliable information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remaining at home with support | Home and community care can provide support with personal care and daily activities. Ask about services that may help you remain in your current home. | What daily help is available? How accessible is the home? What support is available overnight? What would happen if needs change? | Fraser Health — home and community care |
| Independent living | A housing choice for people arranging their own day-to-day living. A residence may offer meals, housekeeping or activities; do not assume personal care is included. | What is included? Can I arrange outside support? Are the kitchen, bathroom and entry accessible? What are the transport options? | Confirm services and contract terms directly with the residence. Ask Fraser Health about separately arranged support. |
| Assisted living | Housing, hospitality and personal care services for adults who can live independently with support. Fraser Health can explain assessment and access to publicly subsidized services. | What help with daily activities and medication is offered? How does emergency response work? Which services cost extra? Can a couple live together? | Fraser Health — assisted living |
| Long-term care | Care and support for people with complex care needs who require access to 24-hour supervision. Appropriate health professionals assess needs and explain access. | How are care needs assessed? How are preferences considered? What is included in the cost? Who should I contact while waiting? | Fraser Health — long-term care |
Names used in marketing do not tell you exactly which services are included. Ask what the residence actually provides, which services are regulated and how its status can be checked. Do not assume an “independent living” label includes personal care.
Questions about everyday life.
- What daily support, meals and medication assistance are offered?
- How accessible are the entrance, bathroom and outdoor spaces?
- What support or emergency response is available overnight?
- What happens when care needs change?
- How are transportation and appointments managed?
- Which costs and services are included, optional or extra?
- What options are available for couples wishing to remain together?
Publicly subsidized and private-pay services.
Fraser Health explains access and assessment for publicly subsidized local services. Private-pay arrangements have their own charges and service agreements. Confirm the funding arrangement for the specific service; a privately operated home is not necessarily a private-pay placement.
Ask Fraser Health about assessment and access, and ask a residence to explain its services and written costs. Neither pathway is a promise of suitability, availability or an admission date.
Planning for long-term care · Practical move planning · Residence-visit checklist
Keep the property questions in perspective.
A conversation can help you gather real estate information while you explore care and housing choices with the appropriate professionals.