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A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Vancouver

With an abundance of lakes, mountains, parks, and natural west coast rainforests, it is to no surprise that Vancouver is known for holding the title of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its unique blend of nature, culture, ethnic diversity and rich history along with its high rankings for quality of life, environmental stability, and health care is why many consider the city as an attractive one to retire in. When it comes to senior living and lifestyle, many are also drawn to Vancouver as it offers a diverse range of seasonal activities such as boating, hiking, biking, and fishing. Whether it is a retirement home by the waterfront or right in the heart of the city, <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> is here to help you find a retirement community fit for your needs in Vancouver.&nbsp;

Retirees settling down in Vancouver can find easy access to outdoor spaces such as parks, lakes, rivers, biking paths, hiking trails, and even mountains. If you enjoy spending your days in the outdoors, you may find yourself walking or biking along the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront trail at Stanley Park. You’ll also find an abundance of gardens and conservatories - such as the VanDusen Botanical Garden and the Bloedel Conservatory - to walk along and find unique species of plants and birds. Many Vancouver locals also take advantage of the fact that it is a coastal city filled with lakes and rivers and head down to one of the many lakes to go boating, fishing, or swimming during the summertime.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Vancouver has a mild, oceanic climate with a reputation for rainfall. The city is also one of the warmest cities in Canada, as the average winter temperature on the west coast remains above freezing. You can expect average temperatures during the winter to range anywhere from 0-5°C (32-41°F), with occasional cold spells that can reach up to -12°C (10°F). Summertime in Vancouver is drier, with less precipitation and more sunshine. You can expect the average summer temperature to range from 17-27°C (62-80°F).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Older adults residing in Vancouver have a number of options when it comes to retirement housing, from ageing in place to assisted living. Retirees in Vancouver are entitled to care and support through either publicly subsidized care or private pay providers. Older adults that are eligible for publicly subsidized home services can access these services through health authorities and contracted providers once they have gone through a formal assessment to determine the type of care they need. On the other hand, individuals who wish to choose their desired care service can do so by accessing these services directly from a service provider. To search for a care service provider in Vancouver, visit the search portal on <a href="http://www.caredupon.ca/">caredupon.ca.&nbsp;</a>

The cost of retiring in Vancouver can vary depending on the quality of care you wish to receive. For instance, the cost of assisted living in Vancouver typically starts at $3000, but you may find subsidized options to fit your budget. Factors such as the type of healthcare needed, the lifestyle you wish to have, and how much money you’ll receive from investments and pensions will all impact the cost of your retirement plan. You can access the <a href="https://itools-ioutils.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/BP-PB/budget-planner">Canadian Government website</a> as they provide a useful budget planning tool to help set you up for your personal retirement goals.&nbsp;Government Funding&nbsp;When retiring in Vancouver, you may also access several financial resources funded by the Government to help you prepare and pay for your retirement. If eligible, you may access funding through Government programs such as the Canadian Pension Plan Retirement Pension (CPP), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Old Age Security Pension (OAS), and the Allowance for the Survivor benefit program. Additionally, low-income seniors residing in B.C. that are entitled to Old Age Security Pension (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) allowances can continue receiving these payments even when moved into a long-term care facility. For more information on Government contributions, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/paying-for-care/paying-for-care-in-canada-%7C-government-contributions">care blog</a>.&nbsp;

In the case that you do not meet the eligibility criteria for receiving Government funding, you have several options for post-retirement income sources.&nbsp;Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs): Using a Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) or a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSAs), your post-retirement income is dependent on the amount you put into these accounts when you first began saving and the interest you received.&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment accounts: You may prepare for retirement through more common forms of post-income sources using taxable investment accounts. These can include investments from accounts such as stocks and bonds.&nbsp;Employer-sponsored pension plans: Under an employer-sponsored pension plan, you and your employer can contribute money over the course of your employment. When you decide to retire, you can access the income directly saved from the plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;To learn more about your options for post-retirement income sources, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/paying-for-care/paying-for-care-in-canada-%7C-stretching-your-dollars">resource centre</a>.&nbsp;

Planning and supporting the health care of Vancouver's senior population is vital, as it is estimated that by 2029 approximately 30% of Canada’s seniors will be aged 75-84. Health care in Vancouver is ultimately managed by the Ministry of Health through a public health care system. Seniors residing in Vancouver have access to various healthcare programs, such as HealthLink BC, PharmaCare, the Travel Assistance Program, and the Medical Services Plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Medical Services Plan (MSP): To access health care, all Vancouver residents are required to sign up through MSP. Through the <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents">Medical Services Plan (MSP)</a>, British Columbians are insured for medically required services. Some of these medically required services include diagnostic procedures, laboratory services, physician and surgeon services, and approved dental and oral surgery services.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Fair PharmaCare plan: Eligible seniors residing in Vancouver. can receive coverage on prescription drugs and medical supplies through <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare/fpc-senior-info.pdf#:~:text=Fair%20PharmaCare%20Information%20for%20Seniors%20The%20Fair%20PharmaCare,options%20for%20life%20situations%20that%20seniors%20often%20experience.">The Fair PharmaCare plan</a>, a health care plan that assists Vancouver seniors with medical costs based on their personal income.&nbsp;HealthLink BC: <a href="https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/more/aging-well/seniors-health">HealthLink BC</a> provides Vancouver citizens with 24/7 access to non-emergency health services and information in the province. Their information services cover the topics of health and health care, symptoms you are experiencing, and ways to manage healthy living.&nbsp;Travel Assistance Living: The <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/tap-bc/travel-assistance-program-tap-bc">Travel Assistance Program (TAP)</a> offers patients that require transportation to physician-referred, non-emergency services within the province when a specialist is not available in a community surrounding them. Transportation is offered at a discounted rate and is available to those who do not have travel expenses covered by insurance or other government programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For further information, you can visit and/or contact these sources:&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair PharmaCare: 604-683-7151 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-663-7100 (Toll-free)&nbsp;&nbsp;HealthLink BC: non-emergency health information hotline 8-1-1 toll-free or for deaf/hard of hearing patients: 7-1-1&nbsp;Seniors Health Care Support Line: 1-877-952-3181&nbsp;<a href="http://www.seniorsbc.ca/">SeniorsBC</a> - A resource centre for all older adults residing in B.C.&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/about-seniorsbc/guide/bc-seniors-guide-12th-edition.pdf">BC Seniors’ Guide</a> – Information guide to all things healthy lifestyle-related for seniors&nbsp;

Lifestyle & Activities 

Weather and Climate 

Housing options in Vancouver: Finding the Right Fit for you 

Cost of Retiring in Vancouver: Budgeting and Financing

Post-retirement Income Sources

Access to Healthcare

Additional Resources

getting-started

Stellarton

Thunder Bay

Trochu

Brooks

Port Moody

Baie du Febvre

Saint-André-D'Argenteuil

New Glasgow

Saint-Charles-Borromee

Bowsman

Oxford

St John

Cloverdale

Thompson

Lac Mégantic

Port Burwell

Coronation

Saint Malo

Hafford

Maryhill

West Vancouver

Ailsa Craig

Clarence Creek

Saint-Nazaire

Athabasca

Bella Coola

St. Walburg

Fruitvale

Cranbrook

Shipton

Grimshaw

Wainwright

High Level

Picture Butte

Kensington

Calgary

Mattawa

Gimli

Cupar

St. John's

Elkhorn

Huberdeau

Nakusp

Moncton

Melville

Ottawa [Greely]

Creek

King City

Prévost

Sainte-H?l?ne-de-Kamouraska

Biggar

Eganville

Embree

Lisle-Verte

Meadow Lake

Sylvan Lake

St. Catharines

Madoc

Beaconsfield

Boiestown

Saint-Denis-de-Brompton

Collingwood

Limoges

Grande-Vallée

Bradford

Camrose

Dunville

Hudson Bay

Fleurimont

Nelson House

Cap-Pele

New Richmond

North York

Evansburg

Powell River

Westview

Woodslee

Reston

Manitouwadge

Waterdown

Ajax

Bengough

Sexsmith

Hope

Wakaw

Clinton

Minto

Chateau-Richer

Redwater

St. Brieux

Bridgetown

St. George

Streetsville

Lewisporte

Manitou

Carnduff

Shemogue

Toronto

St. John

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<a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/care-advisor/apply">Click here to match with a Cared Upon Senior Living Advisor today.</a>

Find The Support You Need With a Senior Living Advisor 

You or your loved ones have come to an important conclusion–it’s time to seek additional living support. Independent research is a critical first step in this process, but you’ve realized just how much information is out there. Navigating the digital maze of elder care providers’ websites, blogs, and independent resources can often lead to more questions than answers. Senior Living Advisors are here to help guide you all the way through the process, from initial research to moving day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Living Advisors (SLAs), sometimes referred to as Senior Living Consultants, Senior Living Care Professionals, or Elder Care Advisors, are not affiliated with specific care facilities, working independently to ensure that you find the perfect residence. Each Senior Living Advisor is equipped with a wealth of experience in the senior care industry, and has access to information sometimes unavailable to families. Their goal isn’t to rush you through this already stressful process– they’re here to empower your decision making with the support and resources you need.&nbsp;

You’ve likely already noticed that the existing senior care landscape is not exactly conducive to independent research– care homes’ guides, blogs, and resources sometimes host competing information, or are colored by their intention to attract new residents. Senior Living Advisors have guided families through this process before, allowing them to provide you with specific, relevant information. Since Senior Living Advisors are not affiliated with a particular facility, you can trust them to be honest and objective. Not only will they be able to discuss the levels of available care, vacancies in your area, and how to pay for it, they’ll also have a qualitative sense of each community.

Senior Living Advisors work for you– not for care providers. Before your SLA begins the discussion about available facilities, they spend time getting to know you. All of their recommendations are based on you or your loved one’s personal wants, needs, required care, budget, and personality. Armed with a thorough understanding of your needs, they’re able to advocate on your behalf and deliver a rich, personalized experience. What’s more, your advisor’s job doesn’t stop once you’ve received a handful of recommendations; your Senior Living Advisor stays involved in your provider search until well after you’ve settled in.&nbsp;

Choosing a residence is one of the most important moves of your or loved ones’ life. With so many key factors to consider, this process takes time. Senior Living Advisors are happy to move as quickly or as slowly as you need them to. If you’re looking for a residence right away, their connections with care providers can expedite your move-in day, but if you’re just starting your journey– they’re happy to use those same relationships to book as many tours as you need. Your comfort and confidence is the foundation of a successful placement.

<a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/care-advisor/apply">Click here to match with a Cared Upon Senior Living Advisor today.&nbsp;</a> You'll be expertly matched with an advisor from our team with more than 35 years of senior care placement experience.

Each advisor will take the time to:&nbsp;<ol><li>Generate and understanding of your or your loved one's care needs</li><li>Explore a diverse array of options in your area and budget</li><li>Research and interview facilities nearby facilities on your behalf</li><li>Arrange in-person residence tours to experience their facilities and services</li><li>Work together to determine the perfect fit</li></ol>

Choosing a Retirement Residence with Confidence

Senior Living Advisors Have Been Here Before

Relationships First, Placements Second

No Rush 

Connect with a Senior Care Advisor on CaredUpon.ca

What You Can Expect From Cared Upon's Senior Living Advisors 

Prince Albert

Trout Creek

Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon

Woodmans Point

Beam

Saint-Rémi

Repetigny

Aylmer

Crysler

Morin-Heights

Arnprior

Saint-Cyprien

Unity

Bridgewater

Bath

Wawa

Forestburg

Glenwood

Saint-Bernard

St-Nazare-Du-Lac-St-Je

Virden

Esquimalt

Peace Villa

Oliver

Kelowna

Saanich

Val-d'Or

Pointe-Du-Lac

Saint-Laurent

Springdale

Cassilis

Caplan

Pakenham

Raymond

Hillsborough

Tillsonburg

Barnwell

Dease Lake

Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Richmond

Cochrane

Yorkton

Beauhamois

Lynn Lake

Campbell River

Port Saunders

Estevan

Carvel

Boissevain

Kelligrews

Nawigewauk

Middle Lake

Fort Chipewyan

Belleisle Creek

Foam Lake

Tremblay

Deseronto

Bloomfield

Ayers Cliff

Gravenhurst

Armagh

Three Brooks

Castor

Saint-Timothee

Sullivan

St-Genevieve-De-Batisc

Caraquet

What are the Care Options Available for Me? 

There are a number of care options available for seniors. &nbsp;Read on to learn what they are and find out which one may be right for you

There is a spectrum of care options available depending on your unique health care needs. These include:&nbsp;

Active Adult Living are often gated or planned communities, that are built to provide you with the utmost flexibility. You may choose this living option if you are comfortable with living on your own. These communities allow you to choose to live with people around the same age and those who have the same interests as you. When you choose active adult living, you choose a community with on-site services and amenities such as 24-hour security, golf courses, art classes, recreation centres, gyms and fitness classes, spas, lawn bowling, and tennis courts. When you live in active adult living communities, you also don’t have to worry about maintaining you living space such as mowing your lawn or clearing your driveway.  

Independent Living allows you to live with people around the same age and interests in a care-free and stress-free community. This option is for you if you are comfortable with living on your own, have good physical health, and have good cognitive health, but would like extra assistance with tasks around your living space such as with cooking, laundry and in-home maintenance. Often, independent living communities offer recreational programs similar to active adult living communities as well.  

Home Care allows you to stay in the comfort of your own home and get the day-to-day assistance you may need. This is ideal if you have some physical or cognitive health limitations. The type of assistance will depend on your needs including medication assistance, transportation, and cooking. Other services could include respite care and palliative care. Sometimes, these services are eligible through your home or community care providers. 

Assisted Living homes are sometimes referred to as personal care homes or assisted care communities. This option is ideal if you are still able to live independently but have some physical or cognitive health limitations. In assisted living communities, you have on-site daily support including personal care, mobility and transportation, cooking, and medication assistance. Care in these facilities are tailored to meet your unique needs. Often, assisted living communities will also offer social, cultural, recreational and educational activities. 

Long-Term Care allows you to have all-inclusive 24-hour assistance including personal care, hygiene, mobilit, and transportation, and medication assistance. This is an option if you have physical or cognitive health limitations such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Often, you will be assessed by a social service agency for long-term care services. Depending on where you live, long-term care is usually covered by the Ministry of Health.  

Respite Care offers you short-term care that can range from 24-hours to 90 days, depending on your unique health needs and living situation. These services are offered in-home or at retirement homes. This is for you if you have any physical or cognitive health limitations. The respite care services offered include personal care, hygiene, mobility and transportation, and medication assistance. Often, it is recommended by your home or community care office. 

Convalescent Care allows you to be cared for after surgery such as knee or hip surgery. This is a short-term care service similar to respite care that is offered in retirement homes. Convalescent care offers 24-hour care in cases of emergencies and routine doctor check-ups. Sometimes, retirement homes offering convalescent care have amenities and services to help with your recovery including pools, spas, gyms, and physiotherapy. 

Palliative Care allows you to have the right care if you are experiencing a terminal, serious illness. It is also referred to as comfort care, end-of-life care or hospice care. This can be offered in retirement homes or in-home. If you choose palliative care in retirement homes, there may be other services available such as spas and physiotherapy. 

Find Retirement Homes, Long-Term Care & Senior Health Services in Vancouver

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Vancouver

Find The Support You Need With a Senior Living Advisor

What are the Care Options Available for Me?