Home Support Services

Sometimes you might need care at home to manage cancer and treatment side effects.

When considering home support services, below are some things to think about:

Do you have an extended health benefit plan? If you do, see what home care services and/or equipment or supplies are covered and if your need a doctors note before you purchase.
Medical equipment and some services may be claimed on your income tax return. Please keep your reciepts.
Are you a veteran or member of another group that may receive federal or provincial benefits (i.e. First Nations or Persons with Disability)? Check to see what benefits may be available.
The cost of nursing and personal care may be subsidized by community care but housekeeping tasks, such as cooking, and cleaning, are not covered.
Contact your local Health Authority Community Care Services to have a financial assessment to determine your needs and the costs involved. Usually, costs are based on personal and spousal income and assets.
A doctor's or other healthcare professional requisition is needed for Community Care Services, Red Cross Loan Cupboard and for some extended health plans, so ask for a referral or letter.

Getting help at home

A variety of programs are available for those who require help at home to manage cancer and treatment side effects. Click the "+" sign(s) below for more information.

Better at Home

Programs provide seniors with services and supports to help you stay independent. Services are usually attached to non-profit community services in your community. Contact Better at Home to find a program near you.

Red Cross Loan Cupboard

The Red Cross Loan Cupboard in your community generally loans medical equipment for up to three months and all equipment loans require a referral from a regulated health care professional. Each community has different availability of programs and services. See their website for your particular community. Specific programs which allow loans for longer periods depend on availability. To find a local program, call toll-free 1-800-661-9055.

BC Health Authorities

Your local health authority has home and community care programs that offer healthcare services to support you at home.

Palliative and hospices may provide equipment for loan to those who are receiving palliative services at home.

For more information, click the links below or contact your health authority:

Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI)

The Home Adaptations For Independence (HAFI) Program provides financial assistance for home modifications for eligible low-income British Columbians with mobility or health issues. It helps pay for modifications to their home for accessibility. Many past recipients were older adults but the funding is available to help people of any age and families with children. If you qualify, you could receive up to $20,000 in financial assistance.

For more information on HAFI, visit the BC Housing website.

Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction

If you are receiving benefits from the Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction, support and services may be available. To find out if you qualify for Persons with Disability (PWD) and their Disability Benefits, contact the Ministry to begin an application or request a service.

Palliative Care Benefits Program

The Palliative Care Benefits Program is for those individuals who have been registered by their physician and/or other healthcare professional. If you are registered with the Palliative Care Benefits Program, the cost of home aids will probably be covered, check with your healthcare professional. You must-have Healthcare BC coverage and be registered with Fair PharmaCare.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program

(Homeowner RRAP) offers financial help to low-income homeowners who need to make repairs to their homes.The program is aimed at people who live in substandard dwellings and cannot afford the repairs that are necessary to make their home safer and healthier to live in.

Veterans Independence Program

The Veterans Independence Program (VIP) helps veterans remain independent and keeps you self-sufficient in your home and your community. Depending on your circumstances and health needs you may qualify for financial assistance to obtain services such as grounds maintenance; housekeeping; personal care; access to nutrition; health and support services provided by a health professional.

Provincial Health Services Authority