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Difference Between Options

Complex Care
Complex care, or residential care, is an environment best suited to seniors who require 24 hour professional nursing care and support. In British Columbia this service is appropriate for seniors with health care requirements that surpass that which can be delivered in a housing environment. Significant physical frailty and/or cognitive impairment would trigger a need for complex care services.

In British Columbia, complex care services are frequently delivered by independent operators like inSite under contract to government, in a campus like setting.  A health campus generally includes funded and/or market housing options and complex care, all in one project. This design concept allows seniors to “age in place”, accessing the appropriate level of service as their health related needs change.  It is also a wonderful option for couples or siblings who wish to live close together but may have different health needs. 

Assisted Living
Assisted Living is a housing option that includes accommodation, hospitality services and personal care services.  In British Columbia assisted living is available as a government funded option (Independent Living BC Program) and as a private option (marketed directly to the senior consumer).  The inclusion of personal care services is what differentiates assisted living from other forms of seniors housing.  All assisted living residences in BC must be registered with the Office of the Assisted Living Registrar. The Registrar is a government office responsible for ensuring health and safety standards for seniors are upheld in the assisted living environment.  The Registrar’s web site offers useful information for seniors concerning assisted living residences.

Supportive Housing
Supportive housing includes accommodation and an array of hospitality services that support independence and add to quality of life.  Core hospitality services include dining, housekeeping and laundry services as well as social and recreation programs and emergency response.

Supportive housing residences can also be referred to as retirement communities or independent living.