Who Qualifies for Home Care in Ontario?

If you’ve started to wonder whether your parent, grandparent, or loved one might need some help at home, one of the first questions that comes up is:

“Are we eligible for government-funded home care?”

At Trinity Homecare Services, we often speak with families across Vaughan, North York, and Toronto who feel overwhelmed by the process of getting support. Here’s a clear, simple explanation of who qualifies for public home care in Ontario — and what to do if you need help quickly or don’t meet the criteria.

Understanding Home Care in Ontario

In Ontario, publicly funded home care is coordinated by Ontario Health atHome (formerly Home and Community Care Support Services). These services are available to people who need medical or personal support at home — and who hold a valid OHIP card.

The process begins with an assessment from a care coordinator, who determines what services are needed and whether they can be safely delivered at home.

Who Is Eligible?

To be considered for public home care, the person needing care must live in Ontario and have a valid OHIP card. This makes them eligible for an in-home assessment.

Home care is not just for seniors. Children with complex needs, adults with disabilities, and people recovering from surgery or illness may also qualify. The key requirement is that the person has health-related or personal care needs — such as help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, wound care, or therapy — and can be supported safely in their home.

The care coordinator’s role is to evaluate whether home is a safe environment for care and to build a plan that fits the individual’s condition and lifestyle.

What Situations Qualify?

There are many reasons someone might receive publicly funded home care. For example, a senior living alone may need help getting dressed or managing medication. Someone recovering from surgery may require a nurse to assist with wound care. A child with special needs may need regular therapy visits at home or school. And people with long-term or terminal conditions may require palliative care to stay comfortable at home.

Each case is unique — which is why the assessment is so important.

How Do You Access Public Home Care?

To begin, contact Ontario Health atHome by calling 310-2222 (no area code needed). A care coordinator will be assigned to assess the individual’s condition, environment, and support system. If the person qualifies, they will help create a care plan and arrange the appropriate services.

This could include nursing care, help with personal hygiene, therapy sessions, or access to dietitians and social workers. Services vary by need and may be offered for a limited number of hours per week.

What If You Don’t Qualify — or Need More Help?

While Ontario’s public home care system is helpful, it can be limited in scope. Some people don’t qualify, while others may find the service hours too few, or the wait times too long.

In these cases, private home care becomes a valuable option.

At Trinity Homecare Services, we provide personalized, private care for individuals of all ages — whether or not they’re eligible for public funding. Our services include everything from a few weekly visits to 24/7 live-in care. And because we’re local, we can often start services right away.

Let’s Help You Navigate the Next Step

Whether you’re applying for public home care, need additional support, or don’t know where to begin, we’re here to help.

We’ll guide you through the process, connect you with the right contacts at Ontario Health atHome, or provide immediate care through our trusted team of PSWs and caregivers.

If you’re wondering whether your loved one qualifies for elderly care in Vaughan, or if private home care might be the better fit, don’t wait for things to get worse. Let’s talk.

📞 Call Trinity Homecare Services today for a free consultation

📍 Serving Vaughan, North York & Toronto

🌐 www.trinityhomecare.ca