The prevailing attitude is that we should step aside and let the professionals care for our loved ones. I fought back hard against this thinking and found on my own a better way for my situation and my mother.  We each have to find our path.   There is a small pile of money out there and it does require some digging.  Check with your local Community Health Nurse, Veterans Affairs and any long time employers. There might be something forgotten and seldom used that you can access.

There is nothing funny about money and I am forever grateful for the government grants I stumbled on.  For us this grant became helpful for the last three years of Mom’s life.  It focuses on funding for physical needs.  It does not cover that some people can’t be left alone for their safety but it does help with eating, dressing and showers.  Each task is measured and funded accordingly, escalating as the disability grows.

The CSIL Grant in British Columbia

Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) is a provincial program that provides an alternative for eligible home support clients. CSIL was developed to give British Columbians with disabilities and high-intensity care needs more flexibility in managing their home support services. Learn more about the CSIL program.

CSIL is a “self-managed model of care”, which means you receive funds from Interior Health to become an employer and directly purchase your home support services. As a CSIL employer, you would assume full responsibility for the management, co-ordination and financial accountability of your personal care services, including recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling and supervising home support workers.

To be eligible for CSIL, you must:

  • live in the community (not assisted living or residential care)
  • have a disability and high-intensity care needs
  • require significant daily personal assistance (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, mobilizing)
  • have the ability to direct all aspects of your own care or have a client support group to do so on your behalf or have an individual designated as your representative through a valid Representation Agreement, and
  • have demonstrated the ability to manage your care services

There is no cost to inquire about the CSIL program or for a case manager to visit you. If you are eligible for CSIL, a financial assessment will be completed to determine what, if any, your monthly contribution to the CSIL fund will be. Your contribution is calculated when you provide financial information from lines 236 and 435 of your last year’s tax assessment to the home and community health care professional who visits you.

How do I access this service?

Search for Choice in Support for Independent Living services in your community.  Contact your local community health centre and ask to speak to a home and community care health professional if you are interested and believe you are eligible for CSIL. Your home health professional will provide you with additional information and discuss the options that may assist you.

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/health-system-services/self-managed-care-programs-canada-report-to-health-canada.html.

Or enter into your search bar:  Self Managed Care Programs in Canada.