Other Community Services

Other Providers of Home Care Services

Many of the services offered by VIHA on a subsidized basis are also provided in the community by other organizations. We have offered some referrals to these programs here, but you may also wish to check the Seniors Serving Seniors Directory for other providers.

Home Care Nursing and Home Support
Additional home nursing and home support services to those authorized through VIHA can be purchased from Beacon Community Services. These services can also be purchased from one of the private home care agencies that can be found in the yellow pages, online or listed in Seniors Serving Seniors Directory.

Live-In Home Support Services
Home support on a long-term basis, including personal care, meal preparation and housekeeping, can be provided by a full-time live-in caregiver.  Several private agencies organize live-in caregivers on a short or long-term basis to provide full-time care for seniors in their own homes.  This option can be combined with subsidized home support and presents a more affordable approach to remaining at home instead of moving in to complex care. The following agencies provide live-in caregivers for seniors and those with a disability.

Adult Day Programs
Adult Day Programs offer assistance with daily living activities as well as social, recreational and educational programs. The following organizations offer private Adult Day Programs in Greater Victoria.

Dental Programs

Good dental health and oral hygiene are very important to overall health and well-being.  Remember to visit a dentist at least once a year. Some dental hygienists can make home visits if it becomes too difficult to visit the dentist on a regular basis. General information about dental care for aging people can be provided by the Vancouver Island Health Authority's Dental Programs.

Respite Care

Sometimes seniors who normally are able to live at home with support need short-term respite care in a facility.  This might be because the person is in need of greater care after surgery or an illness, or a senior's caregiver may need a scheduled break from their responsibilities. 

Several assisted living facilities in Victoria offer short-term stays for post-surgery or post-illness care or caregiver breaks. For more information visit the VIHA website's respite care section.

Bereavement

Several organizations exist which can help you through the difficult time of grieving and loss. Beacon Community Services provides bereavement counselling for youth, adults, and seniors in addition to Senior Peer Counselling and other counselling services.  These are completely confidential and payment is by donation.  Please refer to the Seniors Serving Seniors Directory for a list of other organizations who provide support and counselling.

Other Support Services

In addition to the health care support services discussed above, there are many organizations which focus on a specific disease or health issue.  

Below is a list of the health-related support services available in Greater Victoria.  While every effort has been made to be as comprehensive as possible, more specialized services may be found by asking a physician or VIHA Case Manager.