Government vs Private
Do Government-run Assisted Living and Long-Term Care measure up to pricey Private options? Both Private and Government Care AL and LTC facilities must meet strict licensing standards. However, reports over the years from organizations like the Seniors Advocate of BC have noted better health outcomes for individuals living in Government-run locations and Non-profits. Government-operated facilities generally uphold stronger healthcare standards and accountability, while private group care homes often offer more comforts, aesthetics and personal choice.- Government Care Home wait times may be anywhere from several months to several years.
- Private Care Home wait times are usually minimal.
- Due to lengthy waits it is not uncommon for people to move into Private Care Homes while they wait for a Government option to become available.
- See Vancouver Island Resource Guide: Government Healthcare for recent Gov AL/LTC Wait Times
- Government and Gov-funded Non-profit Care Homes have better health outcomes and shorter wait times before returning from hospital.
- Private Care Homes have a greater statistical chance for a poor health outcome and longer times in hospital before being allowed to return.
- BC Seniors Advocate: From Residential Care to Hospital
- Government Care Homes may be more institutional but there is a steady change to more of a ‘home’ feeling.
- Private Care Homes are often more ornate and less institutional. They may offer an environment that feels more natural to the potential resident. This can be very important for some individuals and their sense of belonging.
- Government Group Care Homes may limit individual care services like bathing to once a week unless there is a clinical justification to increase. It is possible to arrange private home care to assist with additional bathing each week.
- Private Group Care Homes will provide more service, from additional bathing to 24 hour care attendants - At an above market rate to a captive audience.
- Government Care Home costs are on a sliding scale that is capped around ~$3,500 per month and the cap increase by CPI each year.
- Private Care Home costs may be anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 per month commonly or $25,000+ per month with 24 hour care attendants.
- Private Care Home intake processes may make it challenging to understand the full scope of the added costs residents may face. It is not unheard of or uncommon for residents to end up paying 3x or more than their initial monthly rate.
- Insist on receiving the Add-On sheet for additional charges and consider best and worst case scenarios in the financial planning.
Pro-tip: We recommend Government Care Homes ahead of Private Care Homes for most individuals and circumstances if care at home becomes untenable. Limitations on care from Government AL and LTC can be supplemented with Private Home Care which is generally lower cost and more personalized care.