If you are unable to get around due to a health problem, a physical disability or cognitive impairment, you can receive home care support services.
Home care support services are intended to help people who are losing their autonomy or are unable to get around due to health problems or a physical or mental impairment. Certain services are provided to the caregivers (see the Definitions) of these persons.
Services include:
- professional care and services;
- home help;
- services for caregivers;
- technical support.
The goal of home care support services is to avoid or reduce hospital stays and make it easier for people to return home following an illness or surgery.
A personal care plan defining the services the person needs in order to stay in his or her home is drawn up following a professional assessment.
The plan sets out the services that are required for the person to remain at home.
Informal caregiver
Any non-professional who cares for an incapacitated loved one on a regular or occasional basis.
Home care support services are intended for:
- people who are unable to leave their home due to temporary or permanent incapacity or loss of autonomy and who are not admitted to a hospital;
- informal caregivers (refer to the definitions).
Professional care and services
Services include:
- medical services;
- nursing care;
- nutrition services;
- basic or specialized rehabilitation services, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and audiology services;
- respiratory therapy;
- specialized rehabilitation services;
- psychosocial services;
- consultation services (psychogeriatrics, geriatrics, psychiatry and pediatrics).
Home help services
Services include:
- personal care, such as help with personal hygiene and eating;
- domestic help, such as housekeeping, meal preparation and laundry;
- assistance with activities such as budgeting and filling out forms;
- meals-on-wheels services, accompaniment or home visits;
- learning assistance, including assistance with rehabilitation and occupational activities or training and stimulation exercises;
- family support, including child care, help with homework and home organization.
All of the services are provided through the public network, at home or in clinics, local community service centres (CLSCs) or health and social services centres (CSSSs).
Services for caregivers
Services include:
- babysitting or watching of children;
- respite services;
- relief services;
- help with daily tasks;
- psychosocial services.
Technical support
Services include medical supplies and specialized equipment, technical aids and equipment needed for a person to stay in or return to his or her home.
