Home and Community Care

If you are like many of us and overall, your health is good, Homecare may be your first choice in your head, but you may not be ready to access it if you need care tomorrow or even in a few months. 

This is a choice many individuals want and may need as we age in place in our home.  The best path to ensure this choice is possible for you or your loved one is to start planning and researching at home care options in your specific community. Here are some steps that may assist in planning for your requirements. 

1. Discuss your choice with family member. 

2. Contact your local Home and Community Care Support services at 310-2222 (No area code needed). Check out Home and Community Care Support Services.

3.  Once you have found your local Branch, investigate what services are available in your area, discuss options and your needs. If you reach out to Home and Community Care Support Services organizations to request home care services, they will assess your care needs, determining your eligibility for the home care services they provide, and developing a care plan for you if you are eligible for their services.  

4. If you are not eligible for home care services, the Home and Community Care Support Services organization may provide you with information about or referrals to other resources that may better suit your needs. 

Home and Community Care Support Services is the new business name for Local Health Integration Networks 

5. Here are some questions to ask:

What types of home care services do they offer? 

These services may include:

  • Health care Professionals 
  • Personal Support Services 
  • Homemaking 
  • Family-managed home care or self -directed care 
  • End-of-life care at home  

6. How does one qualify for government – funded services? 

If you are not eligible for home care services, ask the Home and Community Care Support Services organization to provide you with information about or referrals to other resources that may better suit your needs. 

To be eligible for publicly funded home care services in Ontario, the person must: 

  • Have a valid Ontario Health Card. 
  • Have health care needs that can be safely met at home. 
  • The home environment should be safe for both the person and the care provider. 

7. Types of services in your community:  Many Organizations provide community care for seniors, and this may vary greatly in each community. However, the services may support you or your loved one to continue living independently at home. Note: You may have to pay a fee for some of these programs and some listed services are offered only in larger communities. 

8. Always discuss your care needs and plan with your family physician. 

9. Who pays for home care? 

Depending on if you qualify for subsidized services you may have to pay to have home care services such as a PSW or home support worker. Please note the hourly rate for basic home care varies across the country but is typically between $20-$30/hour. 

Not all agencies require a minimum number of hours. However, an average amount of hours required by agencies in Ontario is usually around 20-25 hours per week. The service of an RN /RPN would be much higher, with an average of $65 to $75/hour. 

The service from an agency averages $28-$35/hour. Keep in mind that this price may vary depending on the agency you choose, your location and the services you require. 

Before making your final decision talk to your doctor, research, review your benefits and compare prices. The home care services you or your loved one receives can make a huge difference on your quality of life while at home.