Convalescent care or transitional care is a short-term residential service available for people who have been in hospital and no longer require acute hospital care but who need a little more time to recover. It is provided through our Transitional Care Units (TCU). The length of stay depends on your needs but is usually less than three months.

A team of health-care professionals works together to help you regain strength and mobility so that you can safely return to your community. To help you transition back to your home or an alternate home environment, you will be expected to actively participate in recovery, including goal setting, personal care and mobility. Your care team will work with you to develop a plan to help you achieve your recovery goals.

What to expect

Convalescent care is for people discharged (sent home) from the hospital or acute care. If you are eligible, you will be referred to this service by your healthcare provider in the hospital. 

To help you transition back to your home or an alternate home environment, you will be expected to actively participate in recovery, including goal setting, personal care, and mobility.

Develop a recovery plan

Your care team will work with you to develop a plan to help you achieve your recovery goals.

Participate in rehabilitation

You will participate in individual or group rehabilitation sessions.

What to bring

  • Comfortable street clothing, not pyjamas
  • Functional shoes
  • Other personal items, such as hearing aids, dentures and books
  • A small amount of money for items such as newspapers. Leave your valuables at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there a cost for long-term care?

    Publicly subsidized long-term care costs a monthly fee based on 80% of your after-tax income, with set minimum and maximum rates.

    As long-term care is considered your home, you may be required to pay additional fees for services or items you would pay for living on your own. For example, there may be additional fees for things like equipment or aids, optional activities, and hairdressing services. You will be told about all fees before you move in.

This service is available at
This service is available at

Dogwood Transitional Care Unit

500 West 57th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6P 6E8
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