Home Care Services include personal care, skilled nursing and specialized
therapies delivered to the client in their own home. These services can be
provided temporarily or an ongoing basis. Services can include assessing needs,
planning and providing care, or teaching clients to care for themselves.
Visiting health professionals include nurses, physiotherapists, occupational
therapists, social workers, speech-language pathologists and dieticians.
The
B.C. Government Website defines Home Care Services as follows:
"Home services provide a range of health care and support services for
eligible residents who have acute, chronic, palliative or rehabilitative health
care needs. These services are designed to complement and supplement, but not
replace, the efforts of individuals to care for themselves with the assistance
of family, friends and community. The range of services includes home based
services such as assessment and case management, nursing, rehabilitation, home
support and palliative care, and community based services such as adult day
programs, residential care services, hospice and short stay treatment and
assessment centres."
Home and community care services are intended to:
- Support clients to remain independent and in their own homes for as long as
possible.
- Provide residential services to clients who can no longer be supported in
their homes.
- Provide services at home to clients who would otherwise require admission to
hospital or would stay longer in hospital. Provide respite for the client's
unpaid caregivers.
Home care nursing and community rehabilitation are professional services, delivered to clients in the community by registered nurses and rehabilitation therapists. Nursing care is available on a non-emergency basis for British Columbians requiring acute, chronic, palliative or rehabilitative support. Rehabilitation therapists can also provide assessment and treatment to ensure a client’s home is suitably arranged for their needs and safety.