USEFUL LINKS:

Subsidized or Affordable Rental Housing in B.C.

Residential Care Homes in BC: See link to BC's Care Homes on this website.

BC Housing: www.bchousing.org Toll Free Telephone: 1-800-257-7756 BC Housing offers many options for renters of all ages and abilities. The two programs of most interest to seniors are:

Rental Assistance Program For Elderly Renters: Rental Assistance
Supportive Seniors Housing (SSH): Offers housing for seniors who are able to physically and mentally care for themselves, but require some supports such as meals, light housekeeping, access to social activities and a 24-hr emergency response device. Supportive Housing

Independent Living BC (ILBC): Offers assistance to seniors who need some help but do not require 24 hr residential care. Includes accommodation, meals, housekeeping, 24-hr response system, help with grooming, mobility and medications. Seniors pay 70% of their after-tax income. This is accessed through your case manager with your local health authority. www.fraserhealth.ca (Vancouver Coastal) www.vch.ca (Vancouver Island) www.viha.ca www.northernhealth.ca www.inteiorhealth.ca

Seniors' Services Society: All kinds of housing and services information for seniors living in BC's lower mainland area, including a housing directory on their website. Tel: 604-520-6621 Website: www.seniorshousing.bc.ca Note: Although this site has been updated, some of the pricing may be old and some of the facilities have been closed.

Financial Help for Home Owners to Stay at Home:

Home Adaptations For Independence Program (HAFI): This Provincial Government program is administrated through BC Housing and helps low-income seniors, persons with disabilities and landlords with a forgiveable loan (grant) from $5,000 to $20,000 to adapt their homes with necessary renovations to allow them to stay in their home.

If the home needs upgrading prior to needed adaptations, a further amount up to $20,000 may be allowed.  Up to $5,000 will be forgiven after one year.  Up to $20,000 it is forgiven after three years, and $40,000 is between three and five years. This means you must remain living in your home for that periods of time. The amount allocated for each area is limited every year so getting your application in early is recommended. Website: http://www.bchousing.org/Options/Home_Renovations/Homeowners

CHIP Home Income Plan (Provided by Home Equity Bank): This is also known as the "Reverse Mortgage" plan which has been improved over the years to protect your estate. If you are 55 or older you can now receive up to 50% of your equity tax-free. See the full CHIP Home Income Plan for more details.   Or call 1-866-336-2447 Website: www.chip.ca or www.homequitybank.ca