Housing authority now set to introduce Small Care Homes concept
LONDON: A housing authority is now set to ‘throw its weight’ behind an innovative Small Care Homes concept.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is introducing Small Care Homes to help support an aging population throughout the region. Small Care Homes are an evidence-based model of long-term care that emphasizes dignity, autonomy and personalized support, and offers a variety of benefits for individuals and staff as well as surrounding communities.
“Small Care Homes offer seniors the dignity, comfort and sense of belonging that come from living in a more home-like setting,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “They are an important part of B.C.’s continuum of seniors’ care, bridging the gap between independent living and long-term care, and providing the right level of support as people’s needs change. By expanding these care options across the province, we’re helping more people stay close to loved ones and receive the care they need in familiar, supportive surroundings.”
Small Care Homes are licensed long-term care sites established in existing houses that are modified to provide an accessible environment. Small Care Homes can typically accommodate up to 10 individuals and feature private rooms and shared spaces, such as a kitchen, living room, laundry, and outdoor areas. These homes can be located in communities of any size, enabling people to stay local and maintain connections to their family, community and culture. The first three Small Care Homes are expected to open in urban and rural settings in Spring 2026.
People living in Small Care Homes receive around-the-clock clinical care and can participate in daily activities adapted to their abilities, creating a sense of normalcy, belonging and continued contribution. Familiar home environments foster social engagement, emotional well-being and personalized care. In addition, the consistent staffing models made possible in Small Care Homes can enable deeper relationships, enhancing quality of care, as well as improving staff satisfaction and retention.
“Small Care Homes are an innovative concept that enables Vancouver Coastal Health to rapidly expand long-term care capacity while creating personalized, familiar and culturally safe home environments that improve individuals’ health outcomes and emotional well-being,” said Yasmin Jetha, Vice-President, Community Services at Vancouver Coastal Health. “In collaboration with BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health aims to create 200 new beds by 2029 for individuals suited to this level of care.”
Compared to traditional, larger-scale long-term care sites, Small Care Homes are more economical, expedient and sustainable to launch. The renovations required to make these homes suitable for long-term care involve shorter timelines, less environmental impacts and fewer construction disturbances.
VCH is working closely with key partners, including BC Housing, local governments, Indigenous communities and philanthropic organizations to establish Small Care Homes throughout the region. Once operational, Small Care Homes will complement and expand the continuum of VCH programs, services, and investments that support an aging population across the health authority. This new initiative is part of the Province’s broader strategy to build long-term care homes by offering specialized services and helping people remain in their communities.