Home care: a better understanding

At one point or another, virtually all families will have to learn about the different types of care available when the time comes.More specifically, they will need more information about the care that can provided at home, whether it’s for themselves or for a loved one affected by illness, disability, or loss of autonomy.

Home care is care that is provided at home – as opposed to care provided in private or public care facilities. This type of care is linked with many services relating to health and the social dimensions of health: primary care, acute care, long-term care, palliative care, and community support programs. This care may also include medical interventions, nursing care provided in conjunction with that given by family members or caregivers.

An option that gives excellent quality of life

Many people who received home care reiterate that it is an option that can result in a happier lifestyle. The idea of maintaining your independence while in your home is, understandably, very appealing.

This service, which serves seniors primarily, gives those who are unable to perform certain tasks the possibility of getting assistance with those tasks, as well as getting much-needed follow-ups relating to overall well-being and health. In a sense, the person feels like they retain “some control”, while being well cared for.

Home care includes a range of social, educational and health services that give people who need assistance the chance to live and growin a society outside of a short or long-term care centre.

A look at the services offered with home care

• Long-term home care – Services that replace care that was provided in an institution such as a senior’s residence. 

• Domestic help care – Care that helps clients with chronic illness or an inability to maintain a stable level of health.

• Acute home care (post-hospitalization) – administered to people who require significant medical treatment following an event like surgery.

*Source Philippe LeGoff

Do CLSCsthat offers home care or is it private?

Yes, you can contact a CLSC for the provision of these services. Every CLSC is an integrated services entity that coordinates home care services, both short-term and long-term in its region.

And while it may be the stafffrom the CLSC that provide the majority of the nursing and professional services, they often use private companies on a sub-contracted basis.

For example, home support is mainly provided by private companies, especially in the form of domestic help.

Overview of the home care services offered by CLSCs

CLSCsare mainly responsible for:

• Evaluating and directing requests
• Offering home care services
• Ensuring quality care is delivered

The CLSC offers the following services to the public:

• Nursing care
• Rehabilitation care (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, etc.)
• Services for daily activities (hygiene, food, transportation, etc.)
• Housekeeping
• Serving as a respite for informal caregivers
• Etc.

For more information about the services offered by your CLSC, contact the CLSC in your region.

Am Ieligible or could a member of my family be eligible?

There are certain eligibility criteria that you must meet to qualify for home care. You must provide:

• Proof of residencein Quebec
• Show that the home is suitable for the provision of these services
• Assessment of the care required beforehand
• Consent from the beneficiary

Are there tax credits for home care?

If you are 70 years or older and reside in Quebec, you can claim a tax credit for expenses you have to incur in order to obtain certain home care services. This includes meal preparation, housekeeping, nursing care, etc.

This calculation is made taking into account certain criteria such as: your place of residence, your family income, etc. This credit can be claimed when you file your tax return or if you want to claim it in advance.

For natural caregivers

To provide compensation forthose who take in a parent who is losing his or her independence, the Government of Quebec introduced a refundable tax credit. While modest in comparison to the actual costs of caring for a parent, thetax credit for caregivers housing an eligible relative recognizes a person’s support provided to a parent who is losing his or her independence and who would otherwise have to rely a public home care program.