Private Home Care Providers
When provincial home care isn't enough, private providers can fill the gaps with additional services and flexible scheduling.
When to Consider Private Care
- • Need more hours than provincial program provides
- • Want to choose your own caregiver
- • Need specialized services not covered publicly
- • Require evening, weekend, or overnight care
- • Want companionship and social support
Types of Private Care
Licensed Home Care Agencies
Professional agencies with trained, screened, and bonded caregivers. Often provide nursing care and therapy services.
Pros: Professional standards, liability insurance, backup coverage
Cons: Higher cost, less continuity of caregiver
Private Caregivers
Independent caregivers hired directly by families. Can provide personal care, companionship, and household assistance.
Pros: Lower cost, consistent caregiver, flexible arrangements
Cons: Family handles hiring/screening, no backup, tax implications
Specialized Services
Providers focusing on specific conditions like dementia, Parkinson's, or post-surgical recovery.
Best for: Complex medical needs, specialized training requirements
Services Available
Personal Care
- • Bathing and grooming
- • Dressing assistance
- • Toileting and incontinence care
- • Mobility assistance
- • Medication reminders
- • Meal preparation
Companionship
- • Social conversation
- • Activity engagement
- • Transportation to appointments
- • Light housekeeping
- • Grocery shopping
- • Pet care
Skilled Nursing
- • Wound care and dressing changes
- • Medication administration
- • IV therapy and injections
- • Catheter care
- • Vital sign monitoring
- • Chronic disease management
Specialized Care
- • Dementia and Alzheimer's care
- • Palliative and end-of-life care
- • Post-surgical recovery
- • Rehabilitation therapy
- • Respite care for family caregivers
- • 24/7 live-in care
Major Canadian Home Care Agencies
Comfort Keepers
National franchise with locations across Canada. Focus on companion care and personal assistance.
Visiting Angels
Nationwide network providing personal care, companionship, and specialized dementia care.
Home Instead
International franchise with Canadian locations. Known for companionship and Alzheimer's care.
Bayshore Healthcare
Canadian company offering nursing, personal care, and rehabilitation services nationwide.
ParaMed
Canadian provider of skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and complex care services.
Cost Guide
Typical Hourly Rates (2024)
Companion Care
- • Private caregiver: $20-30/hour
- • Agency companion: $25-35/hour
- • Overnight care: $200-300/night
Personal Care
- • Private PSW: $25-35/hour
- • Agency PSW: $30-45/hour
- • Live-in care: $180-250/day
Skilled Nursing
- • RPN: $40-55/hour
- • RN: $50-70/hour
- • Specialty care: $60-80/hour
Additional Costs
- • Agency fees: 15-30% markup
- • Minimum hours: 3-4 hour minimums
- • Holiday rates: 1.5x regular rate
Choosing the Right Provider
Questions to Ask Agencies
- • Are caregivers screened, bonded, and insured?
- • What training do caregivers receive?
- • How do you match caregivers to clients?
- • What happens if a caregiver calls in sick?
- • Can I request a different caregiver?
- • What are your cancellation policies?
- • Do you provide care plans and progress reports?
Red Flags to Avoid
- • Agencies that don't screen caregivers
- • Unusually low prices with no explanation
- • No liability insurance or bonding
- • Pressure to sign long-term contracts
- • No references or poor online reviews
- • Caregivers asking for cash payments
Finding Providers
Online Resources
- • Care.com: Caregiver marketplace
- • HomeAdvisor: Service provider directory
- • Caring.com: Care provider reviews
- • Google/Yelp: Local reviews and ratings
Local Resources
- • Family doctors and specialists
- • Hospital discharge planners
- • Community health centers
- • Senior centers and programs
- • Word of mouth referrals
Tax Considerations
When hiring private caregivers, remember:
- • You may be able to claim caregiver expenses as medical expenses
- • If hiring directly, you may need to issue T4s and remit CPP/EI
- • Keep detailed records of all payments
- • Consider consulting a tax professional
Getting Started
- Assess your specific care needs and preferences
- Set a realistic budget for care services
- Research and interview multiple providers
- Check references and verify credentials
- Start with a trial period to ensure good fit
- Maintain open communication with your care team