Many seniors want to age in their own homes rather than move into an assisted living facility or live with family members. To do so safely, they may need home care services, such as nursing or personal support. However, home care isn’t free and it can be expensive. Some Canadians have private insurance coverage that helps offset the costs of home care services.
The average hourly rate to hire a home support worker in Ontario through a home care agency is between $28 and $35. However, home care agencies usually require a minimum number of hours per week. In addition, professional services such as nursing can cost significantly more. For example, a registered nurse can cost up to $69 an hour.
If you or a loved one needs help, you can contact your local health care agency to see if you qualify for publicly funded home care. The home care agency will determine if you can receive enough hours of care and what type of help you need.
Those who don’t qualify for government-funded care can also receive private home health care through private companies and community organizations. Private home care can be very affordable and is often less costly than other options, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Nevertheless, the cost of home care can add up quickly, especially for those who need 24-hour assistance.
While some individuals and families choose to pay for private home care out of their own pockets, most rely on a mix of financial resources to cover the cost of their care. These resources can include savings, investments, RRSPs or RESPs, family financial aid and insurance coverage including life insurance benefits, reverse mortgage loans and veterans’ benefits.
Some Canadians are eligible for federal and provincial government plans, allowances or financial aids that can offset the cost of home care services. These options can include the Ontario caregiver allowance, Canada caregiver tax credits or disability income supports.
Other sources of funding for home care services include private insurance coverage, which varies by plan. Check your policy to see if home health care is covered and how much you are able to claim. in home nursing care toronto
