Understanding home-care costs

Private home care is usually charged by the hour or, for overnight support, by the night. What you pay depends far more on the kind of help needed than on the provider’s headline rate, so it helps to understand what drives the cost.

What changes the cost

• Type of care: companionship and homemaking, personal support (PSW) and nursing visits are priced differently.
• Hours and schedule: how many hours a week, and whether visits are short or longer blocks.
• Nights, weekends and statutory holidays, which often carry a different rate.
• Level of support: complex care or two-person transfers may need more help or a nurse.

Questions to ask before you agree

• What is the rate for each type of care we need?
• Is there a minimum visit length?
• Are nights, weekends or holidays charged differently?
• How much notice do you need to change or cancel a visit?
• Will you confirm our rate and schedule in writing before care begins?

Ways to help pay

Some extended health plans cover eligible home-care services, usually with limits. Publicly funded care through Ontario Health atHome (310-2222) can be combined with private hours. Some home-care costs may also qualify as medical expenses on your tax return; the Canada Revenue Agency or a tax professional can tell you what applies.

A rough weekly estimate is simple: multiply the hourly rate by the hours you expect each week. Ask for current rates for your situation, and get them in writing before care starts.