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Find Long-Term Care in BC
When your loved one needs 24/7 nursing care, finding the right home matters. We'll help you understand your options.
Long-term care in BC provides 24/7 nursing for seniors with complex medical needs. Publicly funded beds are accessed through Health Authority assessment. Most families use private home care as bridge support while waiting.
What BC families need to know about LTC right now
7,000+
People waiting for a funded LTC bed in BC
277 days
Average provincial wait time (up 34% last year)
16,000
New beds BC needs by 2036 to meet demand
Demand for long-term care in BC has outpaced supply for years, and the gap is growing. Starting the Health Authority intake process early gives your family the most options.
Source: BC Seniors Advocate, Monitoring Seniors Services 2025
Get your free care plan — with local wait time context →Long-Term Care Costs in BC
| Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Publicly funded (minimum) | $1,466/mo |
| Publicly funded (maximum) | $4,073/mo |
| Private long-term care | $5,000–$12,000/mo |
How publicly funded rates work
You pay 80% of your after-tax income, within the $1,466–$4,073 range. Every resident keeps at least $325/month for personal needs like clothing, toiletries, and phone. The rate is the same regardless of which facility you're in.
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Understanding Long-Term Care in BC
Long-term care in BC — sometimes called nursing homes or residential care — provides 24/7 nursing for seniors with complex medical needs. Registered nurses are always on-site. Residents receive meals, personal care, medical support, and recreational activities.
The assessment process: To access publicly funded long-term care, your loved one needs a clinical assessment through the Health Authority's Home & Community Care office. A Clinical Care Coordinator evaluates medical needs, daily functioning, and care requirements.
Costs: Publicly funded long-term care is income-tested. Residents pay 80% of their after-tax income, with a minimum of $1,466/month and a maximum of $4,073/month. Every resident keeps at least $325/month for personal needs. Private long-term care ranges from $5,000 to $12,000/month.
The waitlist reality: The average wait for a publicly funded bed is approximately 290 days, but this varies significantly by region and care level. You can choose up to 3 preferred facilities or accept the first available bed.
When a bed becomes available: The Health Authority contacts you with a 24–48 hour decision window. If you decline, you may lose your spot on that facility's waitlist but remain on others. Many families use private home care as bridge support while waiting.
First available vs. preferred: Choosing “first available” typically means a shorter wait, but you may not get your top choice. It's a difficult decision that many families face — and there's no wrong answer.
Related Guides
Moving Into Long-Term Care
What to bring, what to expect, and how to prepare
While You Wait
What to do during the care home waitlist
Equipment and Services Guide
Medical equipment, mobility aids, and home modifications
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