Moving Into Long-Term Care: A Family Guide
The call came. A bed is available. Here’s everything you need to know to be ready — practically and emotionally.
Key Facts
- Long-term care in BC is publicly funded for those assessed as requiring this level of care by a Health Authority.
- The client rate for subsidized LTC is income-based — typically $1,100–$3,200/month depending on income.
- Most LTC rooms are semi-private or private — bring photos, a familiar blanket, and personal items to personalize the space.
- Family members can arrange private top-up services (e.g., extra haircuts, outings) beyond the publicly funded care.
- The first 30 days are the hardest — consistent visiting schedules help residents adjust to the new routine.
What to Expect
Long-term care (also called residential care) in BC provides 24-hour nursing care for people who can no longer live safely at home or in assisted living. Rooms may be private or shared, and all meals, medication management, and personal care are provided by facility staff.
The offer process moves fast. When a bed becomes available, you typically have 24-48 hours to accept or decline. If you decline, you stay on the waitlist but may wait significantly longer for the next offer. This is why preparing early matters so much.
Publicly funded LTC in BC is coordinated through your local Health Authority. A case manager assesses care needs, and you can list up to 3 preferred facilities. Placement is based on care needs and bed availability — not first-come, first-served.
The Client Rate is BC’s income-tested daily rate for publicly funded long-term care. It’s calculated at 80% of after-tax income. As of 2026, monthly rates range from approximately $1,466 to $4,073. This covers room, meals, nursing care, and basic supplies.
Medication management is handled by the facility’s nursing staff. You’ll need to provide a current medication list at admission, but after that, the care team manages all medications, working with the facility’s pharmacy.
Family visits are welcome and encouraged. Most LTC facilities have open visiting hours during the day. Ask about care conferences — these regular meetings with the care team are your chance to stay involved in your loved one’s care plan.
What to Bring
LTC rooms are smaller than assisted living suites. Pack for comfort, not quantity.
Clothing
- 7-10 days of comfortable clothing (staff will help with dressing)
- Front-opening tops and elastic-waist pants for ease of care
- Label every item clearly — laundry is done by the facility
- Non-slip socks or slippers with rubber soles
- A warm cardigan or housecoat
- Undergarments (the facility may provide incontinence products)
Personal Items
- Family photos or a small photo album (comforting and helps staff connect)
- A favourite blanket or pillow from home
- A familiar clock or small lamp
- Music player with headphones and familiar music
- A small bulletin board for cards and photos
Medications & Health
- Complete medication list with dosages, schedules, and pharmacy info
- Glasses, hearing aids, and dentures (labeled with name)
- Any existing mobility aids (wheelchair, walker)
- Current blister packs or medication supply for the transition period
Documents
- BC Services Card
- Copies of Power of Attorney or Representation Agreement
- Advance Care Plan or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order if applicable
- Printed medication list for the nursing team
- Emergency contact list with phone numbers
- Recent health assessments or hospital discharge summary
What NOT to bring
- Valuables, jewelry, or large amounts of cash
- Large furniture (rooms are typically small, check dimensions first)
- Space heaters, candles, or anything with an open flame
- Medications that aren’t on the approved list (the nursing team manages all meds)
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What You’ll Need to Buy
Long-term care provides more than assisted living, but there are still items families need to supply. Check with the facility — policies vary.
- Incontinence supplies — many LTC facilities provide basic products, but some require families to supply specific brands or higher-absorbency options.
- Personal toiletries — soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, lip balm. The facility provides basic items but your loved one may prefer their own.
- Specialized equipment — pressure-relief cushions, specialized mattress overlays, or positioning aids beyond what the facility provides.
- Phone or tablet — for video calls with family. Consider a tablet with a large screen and a simplified interface.
- Clothing labels — iron-on or sew-in labels with your loved one’s name. Essential for facility laundry.
Costs Beyond the Client Rate
The income-tested Client Rate covers the essentials. These are the extras.
- Cable and internet — not included at most facilities.
- Personal toiletries and grooming — haircuts, personal care products.
- Specialized equipment — beyond what the facility provides.
- Companion or private sitter — for one-on-one time beyond facility staffing levels.
- Dental and foot care — some is covered, but many services are out-of-pocket.
Making the First Week Easier
Visit before move-in if possible. Even a brief walk-through helps your loved one (and you) feel less overwhelmed on day one.
Bring something familiar. A blanket, a pillow, a photo of the family pet — anything that connects the new room to home. Scent is powerful: a pillow that smells like home can be deeply comforting.
Keep move-in day simple. Unpack the essentials, arrange a few photos, and sit together. Don’t rush to organize everything. The goal is presence, not perfection.
Meet the care team. Introduce yourself to the nurses, care aides, and recreation staff. Share a few things about your loved one — their favourite music, how they take their tea, what name they prefer. These details matter.
Ask about the routine. Knowing when meals, activities, and rest times happen helps you plan your visits and helps your loved one settle in faster.
This wasn’t the plan. Nobody grows up imagining their parent in a care home. If you’re reading this, you’ve already been carrying a heavy load for a long time. Long-term care isn’t giving up — it’s making sure your loved one gets the around-the-clock nursing care they need, while you get to be their family member again instead of their full-time caregiver. That’s not failure. That’s love.
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