Vancouver Coastal Health rolls out small care homes amid growing long-term care waitlists

Vancouver Coastal Health is piloting a new approach to long-term care in British Columbia, shifting away from traditional facilities and towards smaller, home-like environments embedded within neighborhoods. This move comes as the province faces a rapidly growing waitlist for long-term care beds, driven by an increasing senior population.

A New Model of Care

Under the new model, Vancouver Coastal Health will purchase existing houses and retrofit them to function as licensed long-term care sites. Each home will accommodate up to 10 residents, offering private rooms alongside shared spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and outdoor areas. Residents will receive 24-hour clinical care.

Did You Know? The number of people waiting for publicly funded long-term care in British Columbia has increased by more than 200 percent since 2016.

Health Minister Josie Osborne stated that the initiative aims to preserve dignity and connection for seniors, bridging the gap between independent living and traditional long-term care. Yasmin Jetha, VCH’s vice-president of community services, emphasized that research indicates a home-like environment is often the most beneficial setting for senior care, particularly for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Addressing Staffing Challenges

The shift to smaller homes is also anticipated to address challenges with staff retention. According to Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, staff burnout is a significant problem in the long-term care sector, with employees typically lasting around 18 months in traditional facilities. She noted that staff often prefer the smaller home environment, finding it less physically demanding and more rewarding.

Expert Insight: This move represents a potential recalibration of the long-term care model, prioritizing quality of life and staff well-being alongside essential medical care. The smaller scale could foster a more personalized and supportive environment for both residents and caregivers.

B.C. Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt described the approach as “innovative” and “pragmatic,” aligning with the preferences of many older adults. However, he also underscored the continued need for building more traditional long-term care homes to meet the overall increasing demand.

Looking Ahead

Vancouver Coastal Health is collaborating with B.C. Housing and local governments in Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Richmond to acquire suitable properties. The first three small care homes are projected to open in the spring of 2026, with a goal of establishing approximately 200 beds by 2029. However, Tamblyn Watts cautioned that the limited capacity of these smaller homes will not fully resolve the structural issues within the long-term care system.

a planned cessation of provincial funding for overtime and agency staff in long-term care could potentially exacerbate existing staffing shortages as demand for services continues to rise. Tamblyn Watts emphasized that existing long-term care providers will require support for rebuilding, renovating, and modernizing their facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of this new long-term care model?

The primary goal is to preserve dignity and connection for seniors by providing care in a more home-like environment, bridging the gap between independent living and traditional long-term care.

How many residents will each of these new care homes accommodate?

Each home will house up to 10 residents, offering private rooms and shared living spaces.

What are some of the challenges associated with this new approach?

The limited capacity of the smaller homes may not fully address the structural problems in the long-term care system, and a planned reduction in funding for overtime and agency staff could worsen staffing shortages.

As British Columbia’s senior population continues to grow, how might innovative approaches like these reshape the future of long-term care across the province?