British Columbia support directory
Local Directory | February 15, 2022
The team at Dying With Dignity Canada has compiled a list of palliative and end-of-life care resources and support services in British Columbia to assist you and your loved ones, no matter your current stage of health.
If you have specific questions about your end-of-life care, please contact your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, feel free to contact Dying With Dignity Canada’s free-to-use Support Program by emailing support@dyingwithdignity.ca or by calling us toll free at 1-844-395-3640.
For health advice and information, call Health Link at 811. The service is available 24/7, with services offered in English and translations available in more than 130 languages. If you are unable to dial 811, you can reach Health Link by calling 1-604-215-8110. Deaf and hearing-impaired residents can access Health Link by dialing 711. For more information about HealthLink BC, visit HealthLinkBC.ca.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
Provides an overview of the federal legislation.
Provides MAID statistics across Canada up to the end of 2023.
Offers guidance on how to have difficult discussions with friends and family about MAID.
Bereavement services
Virtual On-line Zoom Group 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month 1:30pm to 2:30pm. Open to all families and friends across Vancouver Island seeking support after MAID. For further information or to receive the ZOOM invitation, contact 250-886-1077. There is no cost to participate in this group.
Phone: 250-519-3040
Email: Hospice.Bereavement@viha.ca
Community support groups
Website: bccrns.ca/resources/crn-directory
Support Line: 1-877-520-3267
Phone: 250-384-0408
A non-profit organization that specializes in providing information and referral regarding community, government and social services in BC. bc211 will monitor calls and online applications for the Safe Seniors, Strong Communities Program, both from seniors wanting help and from volunteers willing to step up.
Website: bc211.ca
Provides culturally appropriate services for 2SLLGBTQIA+ seniors across BC that engage in ways that are meaningful to them.
Website: dignityseniors.org
Charitable, non-profit society providing information, advocacy and support to older adults across BC with issues affecting their well-being, as well as those who care for them.
Website: seniorsfirstbc.ca
Disability support services
Website: www.bcands.bc.ca
Health care
Website: www.healthlinkbc.ca
Toll free: 8-1-1 (in BC)
Website: www.patientcarequalityreviewboard.ca
Website: www.patientcarequalityreviewboard.ca
PharmaCare helps B.C. residents pay for eligible prescription drugs, certain medical supplies, and pharmacy services.
From the Lower Mainland, call 604 683-7151
From the rest of BC call 1 800 663-7100
Other end-of-life groups
Website: endoflifedoulaassociation.org
Website: www2.gov.bc.ca
Website: www.positivelypositive.ca
Website: www.nidus.ca
Email: info@nidus.ca
Provides independent information about reasonably priced funeral services and arranges, in advance of death, for members and their families such lawful disposition of their remains as they desire.
Website: memorialsocietybc.org
Palliative care
Website: www.bccancer.bc.ca
Website: www2.gov.bc.ca
Have questions about whether you qualify for the program? Visit www.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare or call Health Insurance BC:
From the Lower Mainland, call 604-683-7151
From the rest of B.C., call 1-800-663-7100
Website: www.bcchildrens.ca
Canuck Place Intake coordinator:
Phone: 604-731-4847
Email: intake@canuckplace.org
Website: www.providencehealthcare.org
Website: vancouverhospice.org
Promotes therapeutic psilocybin to those in palliative care. TheraPsil connects approved patients with qualified health professionals for this therapy.
Website: therapsil.ca
Regional contacts
Home Health Service Line: 1-855-412-2121 (Trained staff are available to take your call seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific time. Translation services are also available.)
More information:
BC Cancer’s Pain & Symptom Management/Palliative Care service
BC Children’s Hospital Palliative Care
- To use this service, contact the Canuck Place intake coordinator by calling 604-731-4847 or emailing intake@canuckplace.org
BC Renal Agency’s Palliative Care
- For general inquiries, call 604-875-7340 or email bcpra@bcpra.ca
Vancouver Coastal Health
Access lines for home and community care services:
North Shore
Phone: 604-986-7111
Richmond
Phone: 604-278-3361
Vancouver
Phone: 604-263-7377
Access lines for hospice palliative care
North Shore
Phone: 604-984-3131
Richmond
Phone: 604-278-3361
Vancouver
Phone: 604-263-7255
Vancouver Coastal Health’s webpage on hospice palliative care
Access lines for home and community care services:
North Shore: 604-986-7111 Richmond: 604-278-3361 Vancouver: 604-263-7377
Access lines for hospice palliative care:
North Shore: 604-984-3131 Richmond: 604-278-3361 Vancouver: 604-263-7255
Vancouver Coastal Health’s webpage on hospice palliative care
