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. The federal government offers some suggestions for seniors in having a healthy home:

  • Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) 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 the Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations.

  • Home Renovation tax credit for seniors and people with disabilities: this tax credit assists individuals 65 and over, and people with disabilities, with the cost of certain permanent home renovations to improve accessibility or help a senior or person with disabilities to be more functional or mobile at home. Learn more about the home renovation tax credit for seniors and people with disabilities.

  • 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.
    • BC Housing offers SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters) a program that provides monthly cash payments to eligible B.C. seniors with low and moderate incomes who pay more than 30 per cent of their before-tax income for rent.
    • BC Housing also offers other subsidized housing for eligible residents including seniors.

Moving to other levels of care

Eventually some seniors will move into housing which provides more support. 

The content on this webpage is periodically reviewed and updated by the Province of British Columbia as per the date noted: June 18, 2026.

 

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.