Understanding the healthcare system

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On this page

✓ What you need to know

✓ Home and community care services

✓ Paying for care

✓ How to access home and community care

✓ Planning for care after a hospital stay

✓ Finding a primary care provider

✓ Getting the most out of health care appointments

✓ Where to find help

✓ Resources

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Originally published:

March 2024 by the Pacific Regional Centre for Healthy Aging (PRCHA)

Disclaimer

This article was originally developed for the Pacific Regional Centre for Healthy Aging. Health information and recommendations can change as new research becomes available. Some statistics, recommendations, and external resources may have been updated since this article was first published.

This information is for general education purposes only and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.

What you need to know

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British Columbia's public health care system offers many services to support older adults and their caregivers. These include regular medical care, help at home, community programs, and support following a hospital stay.

The best time to learn about available health care services is before you need them urgently. Knowing what support exists, how to access it, and who to contact can make it easier to get help when your needs change.

You don't have to figure everything out on your own. Health care professionals, community organizations, and free information services can help you find the right support.

Home and community care services

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Home and community care refers to services for people who live at home but need additional support because of health challenges.

These services can help people stay healthy, maintain independence, and continue living in their communities.

Home support

Trained workers visit your home to help with personal care and everyday tasks, such as bathing, preparing simple meals, and assistance with medications.

Adult day programs

Older adults participate in organized activities and spend time with others, with support from a health care team.

These programs provide opportunities for social connection and activities that support cognitive health.

Care communities

For older adults who can no longer be supported at home, different living arrangements offer varying levels of assistance, from independent living to long-term care.

Respite care

Short-term care provides caregivers with a break while the person they support receives assistance.

Respite care may also help someone recover following a hospital stay.

End-of-life services

Care and support may be provided at home, in assisted living, in long-term care, or in a hospice.

Where can you find these services?

Home and community care services are offered through British Columbia's public health care system. Similar services may also be available through private companies and community non-profit organizations.

Your regional health authority's Home and Community Care Program can help you understand the options available in your area.

Paying for care

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Some home and community care services are publicly funded, while others may require you to pay some or all of the costs.

The amount you pay depends on your personal circumstances and the services you receive.

Your needs are assessed

Your regional Home and Community Care Program will assess your care needs and financial situation.

Eligibility is determined

The program will determine whether you qualify for full or partial financial assistance with the cost of services.

Fees may vary

Some services use a sliding scale, meaning the amount you pay depends on your financial circumstances.

Compare your options

Take time to understand how fees are calculated. Depending on your situation, services offered by private companies or community non-profit organizations may cost less.

Learn more about home and community care services in BC , including information about eligibility and costs.

How to access home and community care

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There are three main steps to accessing home and community care services in British Columbia.

1

Referral

A health care provider can refer you to your regional Home and Community Care Program.

You can also make a self-referral by contacting the program directly and explaining that you need help.

2

Assessment

Someone from the Home and Community Care Program will assess your needs. This person is your case manager.

They will ask about your health, financial circumstances, and home situation to determine which services you may qualify for and whether fees apply.

You may be placed on a waiting list for some services.

Helpful tip

Tell your case manager about everything that matters to your care, including language preferences, accessibility needs, and the support you already receive. This can help them connect you with appropriate services.

3

Receiving care

Your case manager will help organize the services you need.

If your circumstances change and you need more, less, or different support, contact your case manager.

If you receive home support, keep the contact information for your home support supervisor handy so you can ask questions or request changes.

Where do you start?

Speak with your health care provider or contact the Home and Community Care Program through your regional health authority.

You can also visit the BC government's Home and Community Care website for information about arranging services and preparing for an assessment.

Planning for care after a hospital stay

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If you are in the hospital, planning ahead can help make your transition home safer and more comfortable.

Before leaving the hospital

Ask who can help you

Ask to speak with a home health liaison, community health nurse, or social worker. They can help connect you with services in your community.

Understand your discharge plan

Hospital staff will help develop a discharge plan outlining the care and support you may need after leaving the hospital.

Discuss support at home

Tell hospital staff if you think you will need help with everyday activities or personal care when you return home, even if you do not normally use home support services.

Don't wait until you're home

If you are concerned about managing on your own after leaving the hospital, speak with your care team before discharge. They can discuss what support may be available and help you plan your next steps.

Finding a primary care provider

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A primary care provider is usually the first health professional you see for everyday health concerns. This is often a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

How can a primary care provider help?

  • Provide regular, ongoing health care.
  • Help you manage long-term health conditions.
  • Get to know your medical history, needs, and preferences.
  • Work with you over time to support your health and well-being.

Looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner?

If you do not have a primary care provider, you can register with BC's Health Connect Registry to be connected with one when available.

You may need to wait before a provider becomes available, so it is helpful to register as soon as possible.

Register with the Health Connect Registry

If you need help registering, call 8-1-1 (or 7-1-1 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing). Translation services are available.

Where can you get care while waiting?

If you do not have a primary care provider, or your regular provider is unavailable, other health care services may be able to help.

Pathways Medical Directory

Use the Pathways Medical Directory to find information about available medical services and where to seek care.

HealthLink BC Directory

Search the HealthLink BC Directory for walk-in clinics, urgent and primary care centres, hospitals, mental health services, home care programs, pharmacies, laboratory services, and more.

HealthLink BC: 8-1-1

Call 8-1-1 to speak with a health service navigator who can help you find appropriate services. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Living in the Fraser Health region? Fraser Health also offers virtual care services that can connect residents with a registered nurse for guidance.

Visit Fraser Health for current service information and hours.

Getting the most out of health care appointments

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Health care appointments are an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and make decisions about your health. Preparing ahead of time can help you feel more confident and get the information you need.

When making your appointment

  • Tell the receptionist why you need the appointment so they can help arrange an appropriate amount of time.
  • Ask whether you need to bring anything, such as test results, medication lists, or identification.
  • Let the office know if you need an interpreter, accessibility accommodations, or other support.
  • Ask whether the appointment will be in person, by telephone, or by video.

Before your appointment

  • Write down your main health concerns and the questions you want to ask. Put the most important ones first.
  • Make a list of medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, including their doses.
  • Think about when your symptoms started, how often they happen, and how they affect your daily life.
  • Consider bringing a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver if you would like support.

When you arrive

  • Allow enough time to check in and complete any paperwork.
  • Bring your BC Services Card or other health coverage information, if applicable.
  • Have your questions and medication list ready so you can refer to them.
  • Tell the clinic staff if you need assistance communicating, hearing, moving around, or understanding written information.

During your appointment

  • Describe your concerns openly, including any changes to your health or daily activities.
  • Ask questions if you do not understand a diagnosis, treatment, or recommendation.
  • Ask about the benefits, risks, and alternatives of any recommended treatment.
  • Take notes or ask for written instructions.
  • Before leaving, confirm what you should do next, whether you need follow-up care, and whom to contact if you have questions.

Questions you can ask

If a test, treatment, or procedure is recommended, consider asking:

  • Why do I need this?
  • What are the possible benefits and risks?
  • Are there other options?
  • What happens if I decide not to proceed?
  • What should I expect afterward?

Preparing for surgery or a hospital procedure

If you are having surgery, ask your health care team how to prepare, what recovery may involve, whether you will need help at home, and what follow-up care to arrange. Follow the specific instructions provided by your surgical team.

Learn more about navigating health care

The Canadian Frailty Network provides information and resources to help older adults and caregivers navigate the health care system.

Explore Canadian Frailty Network resources

Where to find help

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You don't have to navigate British Columbia's health care system on your own. Free phone services and online resources can help you find health care, community programs, and other support.

HealthLink BC

8-1-1

Call 8-1-1 for free, non-emergency health information and help finding services in British Columbia.

Health service navigators can:

  • Answer basic questions about health care services.
  • Help you navigate the health care system.
  • Connect you with health professionals, including registered nurses, dietitians, qualified exercise professionals, and pharmacists.

Available: 24 hours a day, seven days a week for health service navigation.

Accessibility: Call 7-1-1 if you are deaf or hard of hearing. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages.

Important: 8-1-1 is for non-emergency situations. Call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency.

HealthLink BC Directory

Search for health services across BC, including walk-in clinics, urgent and primary care centres, hospitals, mental health programs, home care, pharmacies, and laboratory services.

If you need help using the directory, call 8-1-1 to speak with a health service navigator.

Find health care services

Where Older Adults Can Get Help

HealthLink BC provides information about services that can support older adults and caregivers.

These include home care, household tasks, yard maintenance, respite care, community support groups, and programs for people living with chronic conditions.

Visit HealthLink BC

Office of the Seniors Advocate

The Office of the Seniors Advocate provides information and resources to help older adults understand and access services in BC.

Find information about the Medical Services Plan (MSP), PharmaCare, dental care support, and long-term care options.

Visit the Office of the Seniors Advocate

Not sure where to begin? Call 8-1-1. A health service navigator can help you identify an appropriate starting point for finding care or support.

Resources

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Some organizations offer health care information and navigation support tailored to particular communities. These resources can help you find services, understand your options, and access appropriate care.

Newcomers and immigrants

Finding Your Way Around Our Health Care System

This Fraser Health guide explains how to navigate the health care system in British Columbia. It is intended to help newcomers understand available services and where to find care.

Read or download the guide (PDF)

You can also browse Fraser Health's patient education resources for additional newcomer information.

Browse newcomer health resources

South Asian Newcomer Resources

Fraser Health provides information to help South Asian newcomers navigate health care services, including resources about accessing care and finding language-appropriate support.

Explore South Asian newcomer resources

People living with dementia and their caregivers

First Link® Dementia Support

The Alzheimer Society of BC's First Link® Dementia Helpline provides information, education, and support for people living with dementia, their families, and care partners.

Learn more about the First Link® Dementia Helpline

First Nations and Indigenous Peoples

British Columbia's regional health authorities offer Indigenous patient liaison and navigation services. These programs can help people find services, communicate with health care teams, and access culturally safe care.

Indigenous health services by region

Not sure which health authority serves your community? Find your regional health authority.

First Nations Health Authority

The First Nations Health Authority provides health and wellness services and resources for First Nations people in BC. Its services and support directory includes information about available health programs and how to access them.

Explore First Nations Health Authority services and support

LGBTQ+ communities

Trans Care BC Health Navigation Team

Trans Care BC's Health Navigation Team helps people find information and navigate gender-affirming health care services in British Columbia.

Learn more about Trans Care BC health navigators

Need help finding a health care service? Call 8-1-1 to connect with HealthLink BC for information and help navigating health care services in British Columbia.

Need more help?

🟦 HealthLink BC

📞 Call 811 (24/7)

Health information and advice from registered nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise professionals, and health service navigators.

Call 811
Visit HealthLink BC

🟩 BC 211

📞 Call 211 (24/7)

Community programs, financial assistance, housing, transportation, caregiving, resources, and more.

Available in over 240 languages

Call BC211
Search BC211