Compare the general access, eligibility, scheduling, cost, and care-planning differences between public and private home care in British Columbia.
This article is intended to help families ask better questions, notice practical care needs, and understand non-emergency home care options. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health professional.
Public home and community care
Publicly subsidized services are accessed through a BC health authority and use provincial eligibility criteria and an assessment. The health authority determines which services meet the assessed need; some services may have a client rate or other charge.
Private home care
Private care is arranged directly between the family and provider. The parties agree on service scope, schedule, cost, communication, and changes. Government does not determine a private provider's care plan or pay the provider on the family's behalf.
Access and scheduling
Public access begins through the relevant health authority. Private access begins by contacting a provider directly. Neither route should be described as guaranteed: timing depends on eligibility, assessment, service scope, location, and current availability.
How families may use both
Some families use private care to supplement public services—for example, to add companionship, household help, personal care, or family respite around an existing public plan. Each provider needs clear instructions and boundaries so roles are not confused.
Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health
Most Paradise Healthcare service cities are within Fraser Health, while Vancouver and Richmond are within Vancouver Coastal Health. Families should confirm the correct public access line for the care address and use the health authority's current eligibility and cost information.
The role of Paradise Healthcare
Paradise Healthcare is an independent private provider based in Surrey. It can discuss confirmed private services but cannot assess public eligibility, promise public funding, change hospital instructions, or represent itself as a health-authority partner.
