Home care

Home and community services support people of all ages who require care in their home, at school or in the community.

Seniors and people with complex medical conditions of all ages can often stay in their own homes if they have some support.

If you qualify, the Ontario government pays for a wide range of services in your home and community.

If you don’t qualify for funding, you may be eligible for community support services that often have a client co-payment. You can also get help from private companies for a fee.

How to arrange home care and community services

Local Health Integration Networks arrange all government-funded services for people living at home. LHINs are responsible for deciding who receives care, the level of care you need and for how long. These services used to be provided through Community Care Access Centres – or CCACs.

To start this process:

1. Call your Local Health Integration Network

You will be introduced to a case manager or care coordinator.

To contact your local LHIN:

• use your postal code online
• call 310-2222

2. Check if you qualify for government-funded services

Your case manager will determine if you qualify.

If you don’t qualify, you may be able to receive services through community agencies, which may require a co-payment.

You can arrange and pay for services through a private company. Your LHIN can help you find services in your community

3. Tell the case manager about your needs

Your case manager will tell you what services your LHIN can provide and what’s available in your community. Government-funded services are delivered by health professionals and personal support workers who are under contract with your LHIN.

4. Arrange a home visit

Your case manager will need to visit your home to assess your health.

If you qualify, your case manager will create a customized home care plan that meets your specific needs. If your needs change, your case manager can reassess your health and adjust your plan of care.

5. Apply for care

If you qualify for government-funded care, your LHIN will coordinate your application and select the provider for you.

To arrange private care, you must contact the service provider directly.

If you don’t qualify

If you don’t qualify for government-funded services and believe that you should, you can appeal the LHIN decision through the Ontario Health Services Appeal and Review Board (HSARB). You can also contact the Board if a service you previously received has stopped or been reduced.

Contact HSARB:

416-327-8512 (Toronto area)
Toll-free: 1-866-282-2179