Home Health and Community Health Services Intake - Island Health

Caregiver Support, Condition Specific Support, End of Life Care / Palliative Care, Healthcare Providers, Home Health Care, and Services for Seniors

Provided by Island Health

A general enquiry line for individuals experiencing challenges living safely and independently at home to access a variety of programs and services without the need for a referral.
Island Health offers in-home and community-based services to support living independently, improve health and quality of life, and to reduce the need for hospital visits through proactive care and other supports. For those unable to access specific clinics due to health concerns, these services bridge that gap, ensuring everyone receives care without disruption.

How to Access
  • Some programs do not require a referral - anyone may call their local Community Access Line (listed below) to learn about available services, and how to access them
  • The Community Access Line is available 7 days a week, 365 days of the year
  • When calling the Community Access Line, please have the following information ready: Name of person seeking assistance, BC Care Card/BC Services Card, date of birth, and home address. May be required to leave a message with your name and phone number
  • A Central Intake Nurse may ask questions pertaining to health care needs and situation, complete a home safety questionnaire, and determine which service(s) are most appropriate, before advising of next steps including if a Case Manager will be assigned.

Community Health Programs
  • Assessment for Assisted Living & Long-Term Care is conducted and coordinated by an Island Health Case Manager for seniors and people with various disabilities who need a safe and appropriate environment to live.
  • Community Bathing Programs where bathing assistance in specialized bathtubs is provided when bathing at home is difficult. This service is offered at various facilities across the Island Health area, with help from trained staff
  • Health Services for Community Living (HSCL) provides professional consultation, care planning, education, advocacy and direct care for adults with developmental disabilities.
  • Community Virtual Care (aka Home Health Monitoring) supports the elderly, the frail, and people living with a range of medical conditions who are immune-compromised through a variety of programs and services. This includes the Chronic Disease Management Program, Acute Illness Support (incl. Influenza, COVID-19, RSV), Virtual Supportive Care, and the Supportive Discharge Program.
  • Please refer to the Island Health Community Health Programs website for any questions
Additional Community Supports
Caregiver Supports and Respite
  • Adult Day Program where the individual participates in various recreational and therapeutic activities. This provides day respite for the caregiver, along with information on other supports available in the community.
  • Respite Care provides specialized support to clients, giving caregivers a temporary break from their responsibilities, while ensuring quality care for their loved ones. Respite services can be in the home, outings, short-term overnight care in licensed facilities, and bathing in specialized Island Health facilities.
  • Caregiver Support Program is offered through the Community Virtual Care program, and provides counselling, skill building classes, as well as support groups - all accessed virtually.
  • Please refer to the Island Health Caregiver Support website for any questions
Home Care Services
  • Case Management for Home Care, for current needs, in addition to potential future needs. Case Managers are able to refer patients to programs, as well as provide connections to other services.
  • Choices in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) is a more self-managed care option where funds are provided to eligible clients to purchase and then manage their own home support services.
  • Community Nutrition Support is provided by dieticians, who are able to help with complex nutritional health needs.
  • Community Social Workers provide services to support the safety and well-being of an individual experiencing healthcare challenges, including connections to available resources.
  • Home Care Nursing Services are available for those requiring acute, chronic, or palliative support, whereby an RN/LPN provides non-emergency care such as administering medications and changing dressings.
  • In-Community Respiratory Therapy is available for those unable to manage their respiratory disease and symptoms at home.
  • In-Home Support Worker Services are provided in the home by Community Health Workers and include bathing, dressing, medication administration, and other care needs.
  • Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy work with the patient to restore, improve, or maintain physical independence and safety.
  • Please refer to the Island Health Home Care Services website for any questions

Please locate which region you belong to below, and call the associated Community Access Line. Island Health Service Cost information can be found HERE.

Location finder: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our...

Website: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our...

250-388-2273 (South Island)

Toll Free: 1-888-533-2273

Website: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our...

Serves all communities south of Mill Bay, including Greater Victoria, Southern Gulf Islands and west to Port Renfrew.

250-739-5749 (Central Island)

Toll Free: 1-877-734-4101

Website: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our...

Serves all communities from Mill Bay to Deep Bay, including Gabriola Island, and from Parksville on the east to beyond Tofino/Ucluelet on the west coast.

250-331-8570 (North Island)

Toll Free: 1-866-928-4988

Website: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our...

Serves all communities north of Deep Bay including Mt. Waddington Regional District and the adjacent mainland area.

Cost: No cost

Referral options:

  • Physician or nurse practitioner referral
  • Self-referral

Details: Some programs and services DO require a FP/NP referral; inquire when calling the Community Access Line

Brochures and Info
Associated Programs/Services

Also offered by Island Health:

Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!
Availability

Service area: Island Health Area + show cities

Service area cities: Alert Bay, Bamfield, Black Creek, Brentwood Bay, Campbell River, Cathedral Grove, Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Comox, Coombs, Cortes Island, Courtenay, Cumberland, Deep Bay, Denman Island, Duncan, Fanny Bay, Gabriola Island, Galiano Island, Gold River, Hornby Island, Horne Lake, Kyuquot, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Langford, Lantzville, Long Beach, Mayne Island, Merville, Mill Bay, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Nitinaht, North Saanich, Parksville, Pender Island, Penelakut Island, Port Alberni, Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Quadra Island, Qualicum Beach, Quathiaski Cove, Saanich, Saanichton, Salt Spring Island, Saturna Island, Sayward, Shawnigan Lake, Sidney, Sointula, Sooke, Tahsis, Tofino, Ucluelet, and Victoria

Service Types Provided
Caregiver Support
Condition Specific Support
End of Life Care / Palliative Care
Healthcare Providers
Home Health Care
Services for Seniors
Ways to Access
  • Delivery of goods
  • Provided at home
  • Provided at multiple locations

The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.

Pathways does not provide medical advice. If you have an emergency please call 9-1-1. If you require assistance navigating services please call 8-1-1.

For general inquiries or for assistance, please email us:

community-services@pathwaysbc.ca

If you are requesting clinical access to medical Pathways, please provide the following information via the email above:

  1. First Name
  2. Last Name
  3. Email
  4. In which city/town do you work?
  5. What is your role? E.g. Family Physician, Office Staff, Medical Resident
  6. Employer Name (for office staff)
  7. Office Phone

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