CSIL Module 2 Application
- Meet with case manager to discuss eligibility
- Choose which phase to apply for
- Prepare your Supported Lifestyle Plan
- Make staff and backup plan
- Write application letter, forms and process
- Wait for decision
1: Confirm Eligibility and Determine Which Phase
You must first meet the general eligibility for provincial home and community care services which is based on:
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident permit by the federal minister for immigration
- Must reside in BC for a minimum of 3 months
- Must be 19 years old or older and have intensive care needs / disability.
- Health Authority has determined you are eligible for home support service (different from CSIL)
- A health authority case manager has determined your eligibility for CSIL
2: Determine if your health condition meets the requirements and which application process to apply for
CSIL is designed for adults with disabilities and intensive care needs. You must not be able to function independently because of your chronic health or physical conditions. Health Authority approved care conditions include:
- Recent discharge from acute care hospital
- Care that will prevent or reduce the need for hospitalization, emergency services, or long-term care facility
- Your condition is life limiting
Application options are Phase 1 – operation of services that you are personally capable of overseeing or Phase II – assisted management of CSIL program set up like a not for profit society that acts as the employer on the CSIL users’ behalf. A case worker will help you determine what program best suits your needs based on your care requirements and guide you to the appropriate application forms and procedures.
3: Needs Assessment Criteria
Each home care service has its own unique criteria that must be met before your application will be approved. You will be required to create a Supported Lifestyle Plan. This is a complete look at your current care needs. You will have to document all the daily tasks that you require assistance with. Start to keep an ongoing list of everything you need help with and how long it takes to complete. This will assist you in completing this form accurately, quickly and will be used at your first meeting to assess your qualification for CSIL and hours of care allotted. It is very easy to overlook all the little things that will solidify your application and need for CSIL. This document will be one of the most important pieces when you sit with your case worker and when you set up your care plan after approval. Take your time and have others look it over to see if you have missed anything. Your funding is based on your needs and how long it takes for those needs to be met. Applying for a change in funding need is difficult and must be justified so you do not want to start off underestimating your care needs and the expenses that you will incur if your list is incomplete.
4: Back Up Plan
Once your needs are determined and your care plan is in place the program application will require you to have a backup plan for your business. They must be confident that funding will be used appropriately, you will be cared for and not be left alone, or participation in CSIL will compromise your health and wellbeing. Things you should consider are
- On-Call staff
- Emergency procedures
- Emergency contacts and supports
5A: The Application
Depending on which health authority you are applying with there will be a unique application process, form or letter required. In your application, you will show that you understand CSIL and its responsibilities as an employer, outline why you’re a good candidate and list any steps you’ve taken to prepare for being on CSIL. You must be clear and concise. Take time to do things right. Your Supported Lifestyle Plan should be referred to when you put together your application. Be honest and sincere in your plan, intentions, reason for applying and the positive impact it would have on your health, and mental wellbeing. The more you can show your ability and commitment the more likely your application will be approved.
5B: Discussing Your Needs
After your application is received your case manager will come to your home to discuss your care needs, home space suitability, eligibility for services, and CSIL application. This is when you will need to have all your resources ready to discuss – your sales pitch. They will ask you things like why you want CSIL, how you plan to make it work, when do you want to start, what services do you need, where in the home will the care be provided and is it adequate. They will want to know if you can run a business, manage the funds, and if not, who would you ask to assist you? This is the time to sell your abilities, be clear about your needs and how CSIL would benefit you and your family. Disclose your weaknesses and share with them how you plan to meet your obligations until you are confident in the process and can manage on your own. For example, you may want to hire a bookkeeper to look after payroll, remittances to CRA, WCB and your employees. Bookkeepers often have experience with WCB compliance and can assist you in putting your policies in place. WCB also has a comprehensive resources file you can download and an agent will help you find the right resources for your specific business. Remember there are other people in your situation and resources can be shared. Perhaps your case worker can direct you to those resources so make sure to ask. Have your game plan ready. Hours, schedules, budgets, and types of services required, and your questions. The more prepared you are the greater the chance of approval.
Your case worker will take your information to the coordinator and a decision will be made based on the information you provide.
6: Waiting
There is a lot of things that need to be prepared while you wait for approval, and funding. This is a great time to establish job descriptions for employees, create policy manuals, prepare the space in your home, read about your responsibilities as an employer, start a WCB policy and get your staff orientation and training procedures ready. If you are not approved, you can appeal.
DO NOT CANCEL ANY HEALTH CARE SERVICES FROM ANY AGENCY UNTIL YOU ARE APPROVED AND FULLY OPERATIONAL.
The Next blog will cover parts of Module 3 CSIL workbook, Start Up, and Budgeting.
Links to CSIL Workbook and Application
For clients at Wishart Brain and Spine Law in Vancouver BC, assistance with this application process is a service that we offer as a part of your claim process.
If you are not a client and this sounds like the right home care plan for you remember this is a lengthy and involved process. If you are not confident or capable of completing the paperwork, we encourage you to ask someone to assist you.
The link to the Executive Summary https://sci-bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/csil-exec-summary.pdf summarizes in greater detail the basics of the application process.
The CSIL workbook to guide you through the application and operation process is available online at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/choice-in-supports-for-independent-living This is a great place to see this process in its entirety.
Contact us if you have more questions about your injury, insurance claims or any settlement you may have received. We are here to help.
