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 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.  Once a person becomes an Individual supported at ILHS, they may chose to live in their home for the rest of their life.  A guiding principle is that only Individuals who can be supported in a safe and secure manner with the resources available will be considered.

ILHS serves people 19 years of age and older regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, physical or intellectual disability, or sex, with the primary consideration being the ability to meet the needs of the Individual supported and the goodness of fit with the other Individuals supported within the services.

*Individuals supported at Obed, Falmouth and The Heathers are referred to ILHS by Island Health. All Individuals must also be eligible for a BC Housing rent subsidy.

What to expect

When you live at any of the ILHS homes, first and foremost, 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. Usually, prospective Individuals of ILHS are referred to us for housing and support through the Vancouver Island Health Authority or through Community Living BC.  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. You will meet the manager who will give you a tour of the house or apartment.  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 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 finances, care needs, and medical status.  This information is also necessary for ILHS to confirm we are able to provide safe and appropriate care and housing within your budget.

When you become an Individuals 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.

For more details about the information summarized here, see the following sections of the ILHS website:

• Our Mission Statement
• Our Handbook for Individuals Supported– which include copies of the ILHS Care and Tenancy Agreements.
• On our Residential Services page – see descriptions of each of the residential options provided by ILHS.