Short-Term & Respite Care in BC

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Short-term and respite care provides temporary placement for seniors who need support after a hospital stay, during a caregiver's absence, or while transitioning to long-term care. In BC, these services are coordinated through regional health authorities and Home & Community Care teams.

Convalescent care (also called short-stay or transitional care) is designed for people recovering from surgery, a fall, or an acute illness who aren't ready to return home but don't need acute hospital care. Respite care gives family caregivers a planned break while ensuring their loved one receives professional care.

Access to these programs typically requires a referral from a health authority case manager. Wait times vary by region and availability.

Province-Wide Programs

BC Home & Community Care — Short Stay Program

BC Ministry of Health

Temporary residential care (up to 30 days) for seniors recovering from illness or injury, or to provide caregiver respite. Available in publicly funded care homes across BC.

Who qualifies: BC residents assessed by a Home & Community Care case manager as needing short-term residential support.
How to apply: Contact your local Home & Community Care office through your health authority. A case manager will assess your needs and arrange placement.
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Fraser Health

Fraser Health — Home Health Referral

Fraser Health Authority

Coordinates respite and short-stay placements in the Fraser region (Surrey, Burnaby, Langley, Abbotsford, and surrounding communities).

Who qualifies: Residents of the Fraser Health region requiring temporary care support.
How to apply: Call Fraser Health Home Health at 1-855-412-2121 or ask your hospital discharge planner for a referral.
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Vancouver Coastal Health

Vancouver Coastal Health — Respite Care

Vancouver Coastal Health

Offers planned respite stays and emergency respite for caregivers in the Vancouver, Richmond, North Shore, and Sea-to-Sky regions.

Who qualifies: Clients already receiving Home & Community Care services, or new referrals through a case manager.
How to apply: Contact VCH Home Health Intake at 604-263-7377 (Vancouver) or your local community health centre.
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Vancouver Island Health

Island Health — Home & Community Care

Vancouver Island Health Authority

Coordinates respite and transitional care across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Who qualifies: Residents of the Island Health region needing temporary care placement.
How to apply: Contact Island Health Home & Community Care at 1-888-533-2273.
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Interior Health

Interior Health — Respite & Short Stay

Interior Health Authority

Provides short-term care beds throughout the Interior region including Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon, and Penticton.

Who qualifies: Assessed by an Interior Health case manager as needing temporary residential care.
How to apply: Call Interior Health Home & Community Care at 250-862-4200 (Kelowna) or your local health centre.
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Northern Health

Northern Health — Home & Community Care

Northern Health Authority

Coordinates respite and transitional care for seniors in Prince George, Terrace, and northern BC communities.

Who qualifies: Northern Health residents assessed as needing temporary residential care.
How to apply: Contact Northern Health Home & Community Care at 250-565-2649 or your local health unit.
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