Home/Housing and tenancy/Seniors housing

Seniors housing

There are many housing options for seniors and older adults in B.C. Whether you own or rent your home, or live in a supported or assisted living environment, there are programs and information that can help with your housing needs. Learn more about aging in place, managing housing expenses and moving to other levels of care.

Aging in place

“Aging in place” means staying in your own home and community as you get older. Think about how your housing needs may change as you age, and make sure your home is suitable. Good planning can help you.

  • Many seniors choose to downsize, find a home with few stairs, or live close to shops and transportation services. These choices can all help people live in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.  

  • Adapting your home in small ways can help you stay safer and more independent. Simply installing handrails and bathtub grab bars can help prevent falls and related injuries. Learn more in safety at home for seniors.

  • Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities finance home modifications for accessible, safe and independent living. Eligible homeowners, renters and landlords can receive up to $20,000 per home in the form of a forgivable loan. Learn more about Home Adaptions for Seniors.

  • The B.C. Seniors Home Renovation Tax Credit assists individuals 65 and over with the cost of certain permanent home renovations to improve accessibility or help a senior be more functional or mobile at home. Learn more about the BC Seniors Home Renovation Tax Credit.

  • As well, the B.C. government funds community-based, non-medical home support services – such as housekeeping and transportation – in communities across the province. These services are designed to help older people stay in their own homes. Learn more in Home and Community Care.

Managing housing expenses

For many seniors managing housing expenses is an important consideration:

  • For seniors who own their homes, the Home Owner Grant provides an additional amount to help seniors pay for property taxes. Or seniors may choose to defer their property taxes.
  • Seniors may also be interested in rent subsidies or subsidized housing. SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters) is a program that provides monthly cash payments to eligible B.C. seniors who pay more than 30 per cent of their before-tax income for rent. It is run by BC Housing. BC Housing also offers other subsidized housing for eligible seniors. Learn more about subsidized seniors housing.

Moving to other levels of care

Eventually some seniors will move into supportive housing, assisted living or residential care. Learn more about supportive housing, assisted living and residential care.

The content on this webpage is periodically reviewed and updated by the Province of British Columbia as per the date noted: March 13, 2018.

The Seniors Services Society provides housing services for seniors 55+ or those close to 55 with a disability living in British Columbia. While the society is not a housing provider nor a housing placement service, it offers three unique housing programs to assist seniors to find appropriate housing.