We all know that life demands exist outside of work. Below are a list of suggested resources to assist you and your family in navigating elder care and caregiver support.
Compassionate care and general leaves
You may need to take time off work to care for a family member who is extremely ill or due to the death of a family member. The first type of leave is called a compassionate care leave, and the second type of leave is known as a compassionate or bereavement leave — learn more about Compassionate care & compassionate or bereavement leave.
Counselling services and elder care support
The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a confidential and voluntary counselling support service. Counsellors can help with a range of issues, including relationship challenges, stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, family issues, grief and more. Services are confidential and available in multiple languages and formats.
EFAP also offers an extensive suite of services to support you, from providing wellbeing coaching or advising on family issues to offering legal support. These Work/Life consultations are conducted over the telephone and are designed to help you make the decisions that are best for you. Access WorkLife support services here.
Health authorities
Health Authorities provide services for Seniors, including Seniors Housing, and Home and Community Care. For more information, click on the Health Authority responsible for the area in which you, or your family member, lives.
- Vancouver Coastal Health – Vancouver, Richmond, North and West Vancouver and along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Sunshine Coast and BC’s Central Coast.
- Fraser Health – Burnaby, Port Moody, Surrey, White Rock, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Abbotsford, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope. Visit their Caregiver Support page.
- Interior Health – Kelowna, Kamloops, Cranbrook, Trail, Penticton and Vernon, as well as a multitude of more rural and remote communities. Visit their Caregiver Support pages.
- Vancouver Island – Victoria, Nanaimo, Salt Spring Island, Comox as well as a multitude of more rural and remote communities.
- Northern Health – Northeast, Northern Interior and Northwest regions of British Columbia.
Government benefits and resources
- BC Palliative Care Benefits Program: Coverage for medication, supplies and equipment related to end-of-life care.
- Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits: Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for people off work caring for a sick family member.
Helplines and referral services
- BC Seniors Healthcare Support Line: 1-877-952-3181
- Healthlink BC: 8-1-1
- Senior Advocacy Line: 1-866-437-1940
- Route65.ca is a free, B.C.-specific directory that helps the public connect with available independent living, assisted living, long-term care, and home health options. The platform also offers educational tools and resources that can help people who are navigating the system.
- A Place For Mom: Free service for connecting seniors and their families to retirement homes.
Community organizations and support groups
- Family Caregivers of British Columbia: Booklets, newsletters, workshops, support groups, referrals and resource library.
- Family Caregiver Alliance: Information, support and self-care resources in multiple languages.