Introduction to Entering and Leaving Assisted Living

Introduction

Assisted living provides accommodation and care for adults who can live independently and make decisions on their own behalf but require some support due to chronic or progressive conditions related to aging or disability. Assisted living facilities provide:

1. accommodation,
2. hospitality services, and
3. assisted living services.

Assisted living facilities must be registered with the province, whether they are private-pay or publicly funded.

Assisted living facilities do not provide 24-hour care and are not required by law to have registered nurses or practical nurses supervising care. However, health authorities may require 24-hour nursing supervision in assisted living homes they fund.(1)

For information specific to your region, see your regional health authority website listed in Appendix A - Resources.

This chapter will detail what assisted living services are, eligibility for assisted living, residency agreements, subsidies, evictions, and concerns about assisted living services.

References

1. British Columbia, ”About Assisted Living”, online: <www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/assisted-living-in-bc/about-assisted-living>.

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Seniors First BC, February 2024.

In law, a legal incapacity to do certain things, like enter into a contract or start a court proceeding. Legal disabilities include insanity and being under the age of majority. See "age of majority."