Types of Seniors Housing

There are many different types of housing options available to older adults in British Columbia. Our Seniors Housing Directory of BC is divided by both the type of housing and the location. The information below is a brief summary or overview of the types of housing. A more complete definition is available here and the same information in grid format is here.

Independent Housing

Subsidized Rental Housing

This type of housing includes regular apartments rented only to older adults - those individuals over 55. There are generally no services provided and the rent is income based. For more information contact BC Housing.

Co-op Housing

This type of housing is not older adults only and varies in cost. There may be some subsidies available in Co-ops, they are jointly owned through a share purchase. For more information on Co-ops and listings of Co-ops currently taking applications contact Co-op Housing Federation of BC. There is a subsidy program for women fleeing domestic violence, for more information read here.

Disability Trust

As part of joining a housing co-op, a prospective member must buy a share in the co-op. The Disability Trust helps people with disabilities who are unable to pay for their shares. Recognizing that even a small extra monthly cost can be a hardship for those on a fixed income, the Disability Trust helps by providing a loan with no fee or interest. Click here to download a copy of their information flyer.

SRA's and LIUS Housing

This housing is not older adults only; SRAs are single room accommodation hotel style housing, no services, usually no cooking facilities and shared bathrooms. LIUS is Low Income Urban Singles. More information is available from BC Housing.

Purchased Housing

This is housing for older adults only with various tenure options. Strata titled, Life Lease, Equity Co-op and Co-housing options can be found here.

Housing with Supports

Supportive Housing

Housing for older adults only; including at a minimum one meal a day, emergency response system, housekeeping and social and recreational opportunities. This housing option is not usually subsidized.

Assisted Living

Housing for older adults; includes services listed above for Supportive Housing with additional assistance with personal activities such as bathing or taking medications. Assisted Living is available with or without subsidies. For more information on Assisted Living contact the Assisted Living Registrar.

Residential Care and Hospices

Residential Care provides care and supervision for individuals who can no longer manage in their own homes. Residential Care is available with or without subsidies. Hospices provide palliative care for people nearing the end of their life. For more information visit the Ministry of Health website.

Detox and Treatment Centres

Housing for individuals seeking recovery from addictions, open to individuals of all ages. Individuals can refer themselves by calling Access Central at 1-866-658-1221 for an assessment and referral to services in their community.

Mental Health

Housing for individuals with serious and persistent mental health issues, referrals required through Mental Health teams. For more information visit the Ministry of Health Services website.

Proposed New Housing

Housing that is newly proposed, some of these projects may never be completed.

Shelters

Housing for homeless individuals. Some shelters are just for men and some are just for women. For information on bed availability and how to access a shelter after 4:30 604-660-3194 or 1-866-660-3194.

Special Interest Housing

Housing of interest to a specific group such as Ethnic Housing, Veterans Housing, etc.

Temporary Housing

Temporary Housing - hostels etc. Seniors Services Society also provides Temporary Housing.

Transition Housing

Housing for women and children leaving abusive situations. For after hours and emergency access contact. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week access for referrals, contact Victim Link Line at 1 800 563 0808.

Wheelchair Housing

This housing usually has one to two suites that are wheelchair modified in the building. These buildings will also be listed under other housing types.

For more information about any of the types of housing contact 604-520-6621 or .