Island Health is aligning with a province-wide initiative to ensure subsidized long-term care (LTC) spaces are prioritized for clients with the most urgent needs. Updated assessment criteria and application processes will ensure that LTC remains accessible to clients who require 24-hour professional nursing care that cannot be delivered safely at home.
What this means for patients:
- LTC eligibility is based on current assessed need, not anticipated decline. Only clients who meet eligibility criteria will be placed on the waitlist.
- Clients must be using all appropriate home and community-based services before LTC will be considered. This includes home care, Adult Day Program, and respite.
- Physicians or clients should contact Community Health Services to learn what supports are available and begin care planning.
This work helps reduce the risk of premature admissions and ensures LTC beds are available for clients that need 24hr care. It reinforces smoother, client-centered transitions and more effective bed matching.
To refer a patient to Community Health Services, clinicians, the patient or patient’s friends and family can call the Community Access Line:
Centre Island: 250-739-5749 / 1-877-734-4101
North Island: 250-331-8570 / 1-866-928-4988
South Island: 250-388-2273 / 1-888-533-2273