Looking for home care for a parent in Victoria?
Home care in Victoria comes through two systems: publicly funded home support arranged by Island Health, and private agencies families hire directly. Many families combine them. Here is how to start, what each costs, and what to ask before arranging care.
Two kinds of home care in Victoria
Families in Victoria usually discover this the hard way, so here it is up front: home care runs on two separate systems, and they work differently.
The first is publicly funded home support, arranged through Island Health. A case manager assesses your parent's needs, and what you pay is based on income. It covers assessed personal care, not housekeeping or companionship on its own.
The second is private home care, from agencies you hire directly. No health authority assessment is needed, you set the hours, and private care can cover housekeeping, meal preparation, companionship, errands, and overnight help.
Many Greater Victoria families combine the two: public home support for assessed personal care and a private agency for the rest.
How to get publicly funded home support through Island Health
Victoria and nearby South Island communities are served by Home and Community Care Access — South Island at 1-888-533-2273. The line is open 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., seven days a week. Have your parent's BC Services Card, date of birth, and home address ready.
You can call yourself, or a doctor or hospital can refer your parent. A case manager arranges an assessment to determine services and cost.
The daily rate is based on income. If you or your spouse has earned income, the charge is capped at $300 a month. Home support is free for certain federal allowance recipients.
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What private home care costs in Victoria
Private home care in BC generally runs $35–$75 an hour, depending on the type of care. Companion help sits at the lower end, personal care in the middle, and skilled nursing at the top.
Most agencies require visits of two to four hours. The real cost depends on the hours needed and whether care is required early in the morning, in the evening, or overnight.
If daily care is reaching several thousand dollars a month, compare the total with assisted living in Victoria. Two or three agency calls is usually enough to compare rates, minimums, and current start dates.
Questions to ask a Victoria home care agency
Before arranging care, ask:
- When can you start, and which days and hours can you cover?
- What is your hourly rate and minimum visit length?
- Are caregivers employees, bonded, and insured?
- Will the same caregiver come each time?
- How do you cover absences?
- Can you coordinate with Island Health home support?
Talk to a few agencies and choose the one whose availability and answers fit your family.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I start home care for a parent in Victoria?
For publicly funded home support, call Island Health's South Island access line at 1-888-533-2273. For private home care, contact agencies directly. Many families use both.
How much does home care cost in Victoria?
Private home care in BC typically runs $35–$75 an hour. Public home support is income-tested, capped at $300 a month when you or your spouse has earned income, and free for certain federal allowance recipients.
What's the difference between home support and home care?
Home support usually means publicly funded personal care arranged through Island Health after an assessment. Home care often refers to private agency services, which can also include housekeeping, meals, companionship, and overnight help.
When should we consider assisted living instead?
If your parent needs supervision most of the day, or private home care hours are approaching full-time, compare the monthly total and care fit with assisted living.
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