Comparing housing and care options

Consider your preferred routines, accessibility, social connections and support questions. Age alone does not determine your care needs or where you should live. A housing decision can also be about a simpler layout, less maintenance or being closer to people you know.

• At home: ask Fraser Health about home and community support, and consider the accessibility of your current space.
• Independent living: confirm what the residence offers. Meals or housekeeping do not mean personal care is included.
• Assisted living: housing, hospitality and personal care support for adults who can live independently with support; ask Fraser Health about assessment for publicly subsidized access.
• Long-term care: support for complex care needs with access to 24-hour supervision; health professionals explain assessment and access.

Ask the provider about daily and overnight support, costs, transport, couples and what happens when needs change. Ask what its service category means in practice. Do not choose based on a marketing label alone.

You can gather real estate information without deciding to sell. Use the housing and care comparison to organize questions, not to assign yourself a care level.