While You Wait: Help for Families on the Waitlist
Being on a waitlist doesn't mean you're on your own. Here's how to get support while you wait for a care home bed.
Key Facts
- BC's average LTC waitlist is now 277 days — most families need home care and respite support while waiting.
- Your position on the LTC waitlist is based on care needs, not when you applied — assessed by your Health Authority.
- Private home care can start within days with no waitlist — costs $25–$45/hour depending on care level.
- Respite care (short-term relief for caregivers) is available through Health Authorities and private agencies.
- Better at Home provides free light household support for seniors 65+ — no assessment required to apply.
What to Expect from the Waitlist
In BC, access to publicly funded long-term care is managed by your local Health Authority. After a clinical assessment, your loved one is placed on a waitlist based on their care needs and priority level.
Average wait times vary widely. Across BC, families wait an average of roughly 290 days for a publicly funded bed. Some regions have shorter waits, others longer — and higher-priority cases may be placed sooner.
How the waitlist works:
- Your Health Authority assigns a priority level based on your loved one's clinical assessment.
- You can list up to three preferred facilities, but placement depends on availability.
- You can use other services while you wait — being on the waitlist doesn't prevent you from getting home care or respite.
- When a bed opens, you'll typically have 24–48 hours to decide.
- You can decline an offer without being removed from the waitlist, though it may affect your priority.
Getting Help at Home While You Wait
You don't have to manage everything alone while waiting for a bed. Home care can provide the day-to-day help your loved one needs — and give you a break too.
Public vs. private home care:
- Publicly funded home support: Available through your Health Authority after a Home & Community Care assessment. Subsidized based on income, but waitlists and limited hours are common.
- Private home care: No waitlist. Most agencies can start within days. Costs typically range from $35–$55/hour for personal care.
To request a public assessment: Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 and ask for Home & Community Care intake, or contact your local Health Authority directly.
Home care can cover personal care (bathing, dressing), meal preparation, medication reminders, companionship, light housekeeping, and more. Many families start with just a few hours per week and adjust as needs change.
Simple home modifications — grab bars, bath seats, non-slip mats — can also make a big difference in safety and independence at home. See our Equipment & Services guide for where to find these.
Find home care and respite support available near you while you wait.
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Respite Care — A Break for Caregivers
Respite care gives family caregivers short-term relief — so you can rest, handle appointments, or simply recharge. It's not a luxury. It's how families stay sustainable during a long wait.
Types of respite care in BC:
- In-home respite: A caregiver comes to your home for a few hours or overnight.
- Adult day programs: Supervised programs during the day with activities, meals, and social interaction.
- Short-stay facility respite: Your loved one stays in a care facility for a few days to a few weeks while you take a break.
To access publicly funded respite: Contact your Health Authority and request a Home & Community Care assessment. Subsidized respite is available based on income and care needs.
Taking Care of Yourself
Caregiver burnout is real, and it's common. If you're feeling exhausted, frustrated, or alone in this — you're not failing. You're carrying a lot.
Support resources:
- BC Caregiver Support Line: Call 1-877-520-3267 for emotional support and referrals.
- Family Caregivers of BC: Free resources, peer support groups, and education at familycaregiversbc.ca.
- Local caregiver support groups through your Health Authority or community centre.
Signs it's time to ask for more help:
- You're losing sleep regularly or feeling physically unwell
- You're snapping at your loved one or feeling resentful
- You can't keep up with their care needs safely
- You're putting off your own medical appointments
These are signals, not failures. Reach out to your Health Authority case manager or call 8-1-1 to explore your options.
If Things Change
Conditions can change while you wait. Here's what you need to know if your loved one's health or safety situation shifts.
- Request a reassessment: If your loved one's condition worsens, contact your Health Authority case manager. A reassessment may change their priority level on the waitlist.
- Emergency admissions: In urgent situations, hospitals can facilitate emergency placement into long-term care. This bypasses the standard waitlist.
- Call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC): For non-emergency health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day. They can help you decide whether the situation needs immediate action.
- Call 9-1-1: For medical emergencies — falls with injury, breathing difficulty, sudden confusion, or any situation where safety is at risk.
When the call comes, be ready. Read our Moving Into Long-Term Care guide — what to pack, what to expect on day one, and how to make the transition easier.
Your Next Step
You don't have to figure this out alone. Our free tools can help you find the right support for your family's situation.
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