Created in 2002, Independent Living BC (ILBC) serves seniors and people with disabilities who require some support, but do not need 24-hour institutional care. ILBC offers a middle option to bridge the gap between home care and residential care.

ILBC Program Overview

The seniors’ population in B.C. is projected to double in the next 30 years. At the same time, B.C. seniors are living longer, healthier lives, and want to remain independent as long as possible.

But as seniors age, their health needs can change and many need help with activities of daily living. Today, seniors are asking for more choice with housing and care. Until recently, most people had just two options when they needed support: home care or residential care. Independent Living BC offers a middle option to bridge the gap between home care and residential care for those who need some assistance, but don’t want or need 24-hour professional nursing care.

Only seniors in need of additional support to remain independent may be eligible. To be considered for ILBC all candidates must first be assessed, then referred through their local health authority. These individuals pay 70% of their after-tax income to live in assisted living homes offered through ILBC which includes:

Accommodation
Hospitality services such as meals, housekeeping, laundry, recreational opportunities and 24-hour response
Personal care services such as assistance with grooming, mobility and medications

Click this link to find out more information on how to apply to ILBC .

BC Housing delivers the program in partnership with the federal government through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, regional health authorities , non-profit and private housing providers. We provide housing subsidies for people who qualify for ILBC, and the regional health authorities fund personal care services.

Through Housing Matters BC , the Province of British Columbia is committed to providing more than 4,000 affordable assisted living apartments for B.C. seniors and persons with disabilities. To date, more than 3,900 have been allocated in communities across the province.

New builds and conversions are funded in partnership with the federal government through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), through phase one of the Canada-BC Affordable Housing Agreement , while the rent supplements are funded solely by the provincial government.

For more information:

Independent Living BC: Information for Seniors – Read about how the ILBC program provides housing and care options for seniors.

Independent Living BC: Information for Housing Providers – Read about how BC Housing works with private operators and non-profit housing providers to create assisted living units across British Columbia.

2007 Independently Healthy Seniors' Supplement - BC Housing is proud to partner with the Vancouver Sun to present a special insert Independently Healthy in their Seniors' Living section. This supplement provides seniors and their families with information on a variety of housing and care options. To download a copy please click here [2.92 MB] - this may take a few minutes.