Guide

How to get government-funded home care in Ontario

In Ontario, home care paid for by the government is arranged by Ontario Health atHome. This guide explains who it helps, how to apply and what happens next.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026

Nearkin is a private home care service. We are not part of Ontario Health atHome or the government.

A young woman with her arm around an older man as they look at a laptop together at the dining table

Who it helps

Ontario Health atHome supports people of all ages who need care at home, at school or in the community. Source: Ontario.ca seniors guide
Its home and community care services are covered by OHIP (the Ontario Health Insurance Plan). Source: Ontario Health atHome Welcome Book
To get free personal care at home, the person must need help with some activities of daily living. These are things like getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, eating and walking. Source: Steps to Justice: Find out if you qualify
Shorter-term care may also qualify, like changing bandages or physiotherapy after surgery. Source: Steps to Justice: Find out if you qualify
A care coordinator decides if the person qualifies. Source: Ontario.ca seniors guide

How to apply

Anyone can make a referral, with the person's consent: a family doctor, a friend, a family member, a neighbour, or the person themself. Source: Ontario Health atHome: Making a Referral
A family member can make the call for you. Source: Steps to Justice: Find out if you qualify
Have the health card number ready. They will ask for it. Source: Steps to Justice: Find out if you qualify

Ontario Health atHome's phone lines

Ontario Health atHome is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Source: Ontario.ca seniors guide

These are Ontario Health atHome's numbers, not Nearkin's.

Find your local Ontario Health atHome office

What happens next

A care coordinator talks with you about the care needed (an assessment).
A care plan is made, based on the assessment and whether the person is eligible.
The first visit with a care provider.
The care team adjusts the plan when needed.

Source: Ontario Health atHome Welcome Book

If the person isn't eligible, the care coordinator explains why and helps find other options, like meal services, friendly visiting or adult day programs. Source: Ontario Health atHome Welcome Book

What services can include

Based on the assessment, services can include:

Nursing
Personal support, like bathing and dressing
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Speech-language therapy
Social work
Nutrition counselling
Medical supplies and equipment (rental fees may apply)
Palliative and end-of-life care

Source: Ontario Health atHome Welcome Book

Homemaking services can also help with routine household tasks. Source: Ontario.ca seniors guide

Hours are limited

The government sets limits on how many hours of care you can have each month. Source: Steps to Justice: Find out if you qualify
You may qualify for a weekly visit or several visits a week. Source: Steps to Justice: Find out if you qualify

Ask the care coordinator how many hours are in the care plan, and when it will be reviewed.

If you disagree with a decision

First, talk to the care coordinator. Explain why you think the decision is wrong. A doctor or family member can also explain why help is needed. Source: Steps to Justice: If you disagree
If they won't change it, ask for the decision in writing, and for information on how to make a complaint. Source: Steps to Justice: If you disagree
Ontario Health atHome then reviews the decision internally, and you get the outcome in writing. Source: Ontario Health atHome Welcome Book
You should get the final decision within 60 days of making your complaint. Source: Steps to Justice: If you disagree
If you still disagree, or don't get a final decision within 60 days, you can appeal to the Health Services Appeal and Review Board (HSARB). Source: Steps to Justice: Appeal the decision

How Nearkin fits in

If you don't qualify, or can't get enough support, you can pay for services from a private home care company. Source: Steps to Justice: Get support

With Nearkin you can add private hours on top of government-funded care:

Companionship: company, walks, outings and errands: $29 an hour
Home Help: housekeeping, laundry, meals and groceries: $32 an hour
Personal Care: extra help with bathing, dressing and moving, by a certified PSW: $39 an hour

Nearkin does not provide nursing or medical care, such as injections, wound care or managing medication doses.

Estimate the cost of private hours Find the right level of care

Common questions

Is home care free in Ontario?

Home and community care services from Ontario Health atHome are covered by OHIP, if the person qualifies. A care coordinator decides who qualifies. Source: Ontario Health atHome Welcome Book

Who can make a referral?

Anyone can, with the person's consent: a family doctor, friend, family member, neighbour, or the person themself. Source: Ontario Health atHome: Making a Referral

What number do I call?

Call Ontario Health atHome at 310-2222 (no area code needed). Have the health card number ready. Source: Steps to Justice: Find out if you qualify

How many hours of care can we get?

The government sets limits on how many hours of care you can have each month. The care coordinator makes a care plan based on the assessment. Source: Steps to Justice: Find out if you qualify

What if we disagree with the decision?

Talk to the care coordinator first and ask for the decision in writing. Ontario Health atHome reviews it internally. If you still disagree, you can appeal to the Health Services Appeal and Review Board. Source: Steps to Justice: Appeal the decision

Can we add private care on top?

Yes. If you can't get enough support, you can pay a private home care company for more hours. Source: Steps to Justice: Get support

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Last reviewed: November 12, 2026