What to Expect

Individuals supported

ILHS’ Individuals supported are referred by Community Living BC (CLBC) or Island Health. Whether or not a person becomes an Individual supported in an ILHS home is a decision made jointly by CLBC, Island Health, and ILHS after extensive consultation with the manager who is most aware of the needs of the existing Individuals supported in the home, and so is best able to determine the fit of a new Individual. A guiding principle is that only Individuals who can be supported in a safe and secure manner with the resources available will be considered. All Individuals must be eligible for a BC Housing rent subsidy.

ILHS supports people nineteen years of age and older regardless of ethnicity, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, physical/intellectual ability, or gender. The primary consideration is the ability to meet the needs of the Individual supported and the appropriate fit with the other Individuals within the home.

What to expect

When you live at an ILHS home, you can expect to be treated with dignity and respect, with regard for all the personal rights to which any citizen of Canada is entitled.

ILHS is primarily dedicated to providing long-term housing options for Individuals who require a range of assistance with personal care and activities of daily living. When you are referred to ILHS and it is determined that we may have suitable housing available for you, we will arrange for you to see the home and to meet the Manager. If you will be sharing a house with other Individuals, you will be introduced to them during the visit. You may request more than one visit to the home before final decisions are made. Any questions about the housing and care provided by ILHS can be answered during these visits or you may request further information by phone or email before and after the visits have occurred.

Once everyone, including you, is satisfied that the available space is a good fit for you, the formal intake procedure will be started. You will be asked to complete an Application for Tenancy, and for proof that you meet certain criteria set out by the government agencies that provide funding for ILHS. This might include (but may not be limited to) providing statements of income and assets, medical reports from your doctor, immunization records, or other reports relating to your care needs. This information is also necessary for ILHS to confirm we can provide safe and appropriate care and housing.

When you become an Individual supported at ILHS, you will be asked to sign an ILHS Care and Tenancy Agreement that outlines your responsibilities as an Individuals supported at ILHS. A personal plan of care will be created and documented with your full participation, and with input from any relevant personal and professional supports that are involved in your care and in your life. This care plan will provide all the information necessary for ILHS care workers to support you.

Individuals supported at ILHS are encouraged to participate in the shared responsibility of managing their households, to the best of their abilities. Residential Care Workers are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide care and support as needed for our Individuals supported to live as independently as possible in their communities.