While you wait
Waiting for a long-term care bed? You're not stuck until then.
While the public process moves forward, a bridge plan keeps everyday life safer and calmer at home — help around the house, meals, respite, transport, and support for you as the caregiver.
≈ 287days
That's the average wait for a publicly funded long-term care bed in BC — which is exactly why a plan for right now matters.
Free and independent. We never accept referral fees, and paid status never changes search order.
Start with what's hardest right now
You don't have to solve everything at once. A good plan eases the biggest pressures first, protects you as the caregiver, and keeps your spot in line moving.
These are practical next steps, not a replacement for advice from your health authority, doctor, or care team.
- Step 1
Keep your place in line
Stay in touch with your health authority contact, let them know when care needs change, and ask what could move your timing up.
- Step 2
Cover the hardest hours first
Start where the day is toughest: bathing, meals, medication reminders, overnight safety, or simply giving the caregiver a break.
- Step 3
Make home feel safer
Look at fall risks, equipment, repairs, emergency response, transport, and meals.
- Step 4
Check in as things change
Needs can shift fast. Revisit the plan after a fall, a hospital visit, caregiver burnout, or a change in cost.
More that might help right now
BC's Long-term Care at Home program
See who may qualify, how home monitoring works, and what to arrange alongside it.
Read guideWhat to do while you wait
A plain-language guide to the first calls, documents, and support options.
Read guideWhat bridge care costs in BC
Compare subsidized and private options and estimate a realistic monthly cost.
Read guide