Provincial Home Care Programs

Each Canadian province offers home care services to help seniors live safely at home. Learn about your provincial program.

How to Apply

Most provinces require a health assessment to determine eligibility and care needs. Contact your provincial health authority or ask your family doctor for a referral.

Provincial Programs

Ontario

Program: Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS)

Services: Personal care, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, homemaking

Contact: Call 310-CCAC (2222) or visit ontario.ca/homecareservices

Services are free based on assessed need

British Columbia

Program: Home and Community Care

Services: Home support, adult day programs, respite care, assisted living referrals

Contact: Call 8-1-1 or visit healthlinkbc.ca

Income-tested fees may apply for some services

Alberta

Program: Home Care Program

Services: Nursing care, personal care, therapy services, palliative care

Contact: Contact your local Home Care office or call 8-1-1

Most services are free; some programs have income-based fees

Quebec

Program: Soutien à domicile (Home Support)

Services: Nursing care, personal care, domestic help, meal delivery

Contact: Call Info-Santé 8-1-1 or visit your local CLSC

Services are free based on assessed need

Maritime Provinces

Nova Scotia: Continuing Care - call 1-800-225-7225

New Brunswick: Extra-Mural Program - call 8-1-1

PEI: Home Care Program - call 8-1-1

Services vary by province; most are income-tested

Prairie Provinces

Saskatchewan: Home Care Program - call 8-1-1

Manitoba: Home Care Program - call 204-788-8330

Contact your regional health authority for specific services

Northern Territories

Services: Home care services available through territorial health departments

Contact: Contact your local health center or territorial health department

Services may be limited in remote communities

Common Services Available

Personal Care

  • • Bathing and grooming assistance
  • • Medication reminders
  • • Mobility assistance
  • • Meal preparation

Health Services

  • • Nursing care
  • • Physiotherapy
  • • Occupational therapy
  • • Wound care

Support Services

  • • Light housekeeping
  • • Grocery shopping
  • • Transportation assistance
  • • Social visits

Respite Care

  • • Temporary care relief
  • • Day programs
  • • Short-term stays
  • • Family caregiver support

Getting Started

To access provincial home care services:

  1. Contact your provincial program directly
  2. Ask your family doctor for a referral
  3. Call 8-1-1 for health information in most provinces
  4. Complete a health assessment
  5. Develop a care plan with your care coordinator