There is more than one way to secure publicly funded home healthcare in Ontario.
As an alternative to the directly provided services from Ontario Health at Home, residents in need of home healthcare service may instead receive direct funding to pay for the home care services in their care plan from a qualified provider of their choice. Under this option, the individual is responsible for the related administrative tasks, such as finding, hiring and paying service providers. They also have the freedom to choose their provider, and to direct how they receive their care and set a schedule that best works for their needs.
“There are a lot of people in Ontario who have physical disabilities who aren’t aware of the program,” said Nicola Kay. She lives in Vankleek Hill but works remotely for the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto.
Clients may hire anyone they wish to provide care. However, they are not permitted to hire family members.
Applicants negotiate their budget and hours at their eligibility interviews for the program and must spend within their monthly budget.
“We’re trying to promote this,” she remarked.
Kay said that currently, there are about 900 people across Ontario receiving their home healthcare through this self-directed approach.
There is no limit on the types of physical disabilities, nor is there a maximum age for potential clients to be eligible for the service. Applicants go through a process that includes verification of their ability to manage the funds and budget. All funding is provided monthly by the Province of Ontario. Staff assist with setup and are always available for resource needs.
More information is available at www.dfontario.ca.
