Access to Home and Community Care services is available through the hospital as part of discharge planning, or through VIHA's General Enquiries Line at
250-388-2273.
Working with a VIHA Case Manager
A VIHA Case Manager assesses an individual's care needs, in part, by doing a detailed home visit. For some services a VIHA financial assessment will also be needed. It may be helpful to prepare a list of questions about the process and gather any relevant information prior to the home visit. It can also be helpful to have a family member or friend attend the assessment, to provide support and help with answering questions.
During the Case Manager's visit, topics of discussion and questions may include:
- Health history and current health issues
- Ability to cope with health care issues
- Permission to contact family, doctor and others involved in an individual's care
- Current medications
- Current management of daily living such as eating and dressing
- Family and social supports, such as friendships, churches and groups
- Income
The Case Manager may ask to see:
- Two pieces of identification
- BC Care Card
- Prescription medication
- The name and phone number of doctor(s)
- The name and address of a close relative or friend
- Most recent income tax return or notice of assessment
- War veteran and pension cheque stubs
Based on the assessment, the Case Manager will discuss:
- Eligibility for specific VIHA services,
- Health care needs
- Any costs associated with VIHA services
Access to Home Support
If home support service through VIHA's Home and Community Care Program has been authorized by a Case Manager, a Beacon nurse will make a home visit to determine care needs. A personalized care plan will be developed with client input and will be updated as needed. A Community Health Worker will always follow the most up-to-date care plan to ensure the best care possible. A copy of the care plan should always be kept in an accessible place in the home.
Home support is planned to meet individual needs. Visits are a minimum of 30 minutes, but a VIHA Case Manager may authorize additional 15 minute increments as needed. Beacon will provide a weekly schedule which can also be viewed online. We can also schedule overnight and live-in options, as well as hourly service for convenience. Every effort will be made to grant scheduling requests but flexibility is appreciated.
Beacon Community Services Home Support Program can be contacted at:
2723 Quadra Street
Victoria, BC V8T 4E5
Phone: 250-658-6407
Fax: 250-658-6417