A new initiative is changing the way older adults age, combining the support of long-term care with the comforts of home.
As British Columbia’s population ages, demand for long-term care continues to grow. Waitlists are increasing and many older adults face limited options for receiving care close to home. There is a clear need for new approaches that support dignity, independence and connection to community.
A new initiative led by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) is introducing Small Care Homes to address these challenges. These homes are created within renovated houses, accommodating six to 10 residents each. Located in residential neighbourhoods, they combine round-the-clock care with shared living spaces and daily activities tailored to residents’ abilities and interests.
Supported with funding from Michael Smith Health Research BC’s Advancing the Use of Evidence in Seniors’ Home and Community Care program, The Small Care Homes project will both implement and evaluate the novel intervention simultaneously, allowing for the model to be refined in real time and sustainably scaled up across the region.
“Small Care Homes represent an opportunity to better understand how the setting of care shapes people’s experiences,” says Dr. Craig Mitton, VCHRI researcher and project co-lead. “By embedding care in neighbourhoods and focusing on individual needs, we can determine how this model impacts outcomes for residents, families and staff.”
A small-scale model grounded in dignity and connection
Small Care Homes adapt existing houses to provide fully licensed, accessible 24-hour care in a unique environment. Each home features private bedrooms as well as shared kitchens, living spaces and outdoor areas — supporting familiar, daily routines such as cooking, gardening and neighbourhood walks.
The homes operate within a hub-and-spoke structure. While located on residential streets in the VCH region, each Small Care Home is connected to a nearby long-term care site that provides additional clinical oversight and operational support. This connection helps ensure residents receive regular and coordinated care, while consistent staffing within Small Care Homes strengthens relationships between residents and caregivers.
