Home Care Costs Calculator

The cost of home care is often unknown to many families.  In Canada, we do not see the cost incurred to the government when we visit a hospital or are seen by a doctor.  Home care service is one-on-one or one-on-two health care, usually delivered by a personal support worker (PSW) or nurse (Registered Practical Nurse or RPN).

Guardian Home Care has created this home care cost estimator to allow you to prepare for the care of your loved one. We hope it is of use to you, and you find the tranparent offering of prices refreshing and helpful.

Below you will find price information for personal care and nursing home care services, and retirement home and long term care pricing, because residents are often required to have a one-on-one caregiver when entering a retirement home (or to continue living there) and families often request a caregiver at a long term care home after they see the sparse care allocated.

How do People afford to pay for Home Care?

This is a very reasonable question after experimenting with this calculator and seeing the high cost of care. Disability, loss of mobility and worsening dementia can mean severe financial implications.

There is no straightforward approach.

If staying at home is what families want for their parents, and a caregiver is needed to allow them to safely do so, using savings, pensions, and family contributions can help pay for care.  Family members caring for their parents themselves can also supplement the care.

If the house or condo is owned, families often arrange a reverse mortgage on the house so that the equity from the house can be available to allow parents to age in place. A home equity line of credit can also be considered.

If moving into a retirement home or long term care is chosen, funds from the sale of a house or condo can help pay for the monthly facility cost and additional care needs.

Help for paying for Home Health Care

There are a few things that may help with the financial burden of paying for home health care.

1. The disability Tax Credit. The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay.
2. It’s tax deductible.  Caregiving services falls under “Attendant Care” with the Canadian Revenue Agency and is a medical expense.
3. Getting a little help from the LHIN.