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What’s the Difference Between Private and Government Homecare in Ontario?

  • info585762
  • Jul 15
  • 2 min read
private home care services

(And Which One Is Right for Your Family?)


When searching for senior home care in Ontario, one of the most common questions families ask is:

“Should we go with government-funded care, or hire a private homecare provider?”


If you’re asking the same, you’re not alone — and the answer depends on your loved one’s needs, your timeline, and the type of support you’re looking for.





Understanding Government-Funded Homecare in Ontario


In Ontario, public homecare services are provided through Ontario Health atHome (formerly Local Health Integration Networks or LHINs). These services are covered under OHIP and are meant to support individuals with medical or personal care needs who can still live at home.


🏥 What’s Covered:


  • PSW visits for personal care (like bathing or dressing)

  • Nursing services for things like wound care or medication

  • Occupational or physiotherapy

  • Palliative support

  • Short-term care after hospitalization



🕒 Limitations:


  • Waitlists are common (even weeks/months)

  • Visits are short (often under 1 hour)

  • Limited flexibility in timing

  • Families may feel rushed or under-supported

  • Not all types of support (like companionship or meal prep) are included




Private providers like Trinity Homecare Services offer fully customizable care, designed to work around your family’s schedule and preferences. Services are paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance.



💚 What You Can Expect:


  • No waitlists — care can begin in 24–48 hours

  • Flexible schedules (hourly, live-in, overnight)

  • Consistent caregivers to build trust

  • Specialized care for dementia, Alzheimer’s, mobility issues, or chronic conditions

  • Meal prep, companionship, housekeeping and more



🧾 What It Costs:


  • Hourly rates typically range from $28 to $40 per hour

  • Live-in care may average around $250–300 per day

  • Compared to long-term care facilities, private care at home often provides better emotional outcomes and independence



Key Differences at a Glance

Feature

Government Homecare

Private Homecare (Trinity)

Cost

Covered by OHIP

$28–$40/hour (typical)

Wait Time

Weeks to months

Usually within 1–2 days

Visit Length

30–60 minutes max

You choose (hourly or full-day)

Caregiver Consistency

May vary daily

Consistent assigned staff

Personalization

Limited

Fully tailored to needs

Extra Support (Meals, etc)

Rarely included

Always available


Which One Is Right for You?


✅ Government homecare is a good starting point for families with mild or short-term needs — especially post-surgery or during palliative planning.


✅ Private care is ideal when:


  • Waitlists are too long

  • Your loved one needs more time or consistency

  • You want more personal, respectful, and ongoing support



Final Thoughts


At Trinity Homecare Services, we work with many families who combine both:

They use government care when available — and supplement it with private support to ensure their loved one is never left without help.


💬 Have questions about your options? Reach out to us for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand what’s covered, what’s not, and how to build a care plan that feels right for your family.

 
 
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