Home health care is booming across Canada as more seniors want to remain in their homes for longer. While provincial governments and private care agencies can help, the cost of hiring a personal support worker (PSW) or nurse to help with everyday tasks is costly. It’s worth looking into third-party costs like physiotherapy, dental care, hair and nail care to find out what your family might expect to pay.
The first step is to check out your local government options. If you’re eligible for publicly funded home care, you’ll meet with a case manager who will create a care plan to assess your needs. It’s possible to receive a range of services including housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation. Some providers may also offer more specific medical services including wound care, medication management, and physiotherapy. These services are often covered by insurance or medicare but can be subject to a client co-payment.
Licensed nurses (RNs) are typically paid between $40 and $69 per hour, depending on the region and agency. They are trained to provide more advanced medical services and work under the direction of a physician, administer injections, and manage medical supplies. RNs can also make executive decisions and direct other professionals in an emergency.
An RN can also provide wound care, perform medical tests and change dressings. They can also be trained to administer insulin and perform blood sugar monitoring, which is a common health concern for senior adults. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are less trained but can take orders from an RN and work under the direction of a physician. LPNs are also capable of providing a full scope of home health care services.
For those who don’t qualify for public funding, private home care is available for a fee. This includes services like a PSW, a personal support worker who can help with basic activities such as cooking and shopping. Other services can include transportation, companionship and assistance with taking medication. Often, private home care is covered by government plans such as the Ontario caregiver allowance and Canada caregiver tax credits.
Another option for those with complex health care needs is a Long-Term Care Home. Unlike a retirement home or supportive housing, an LCTH offers residential living and 24-hour care for adults who have a disability or terminal illness. It can be expensive, but a family can usually get help with the cost through private insurance or government funding programs.
For around-the-clock in home nursing care, a family can expect to pay upward of $4,300 per month for a memory-care facility and $24,000 a year for a residential home with 24-hour home health care. However, these costs are expected to rise, and you should carefully consider the pros and cons of each option. It’s important to remember that, on average, people wait four months for a placement in a long-term care home. in home nursing care toronto