👵🏼 Is Home Care Covered by OHIP in Ontario?

When families begin exploring options for home care in Toronto, one of the first questions they ask is: “Is home care covered by OHIP?”

The good news is that Ontario’s healthcare system does offer some home and community care services funded through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). However, the coverage is specific and doesn’t include every type of home care support.

Let’s break down what OHIP covers — and where private home care services fit into the picture.

What Home Care Services Are Covered by OHIP?

The government of Ontario, through Ontario Health atHome, provides a wide range of health care services and resources that are covered through OHIP and can be delivered either in a patient’s home or at a nursing clinic.

Based on your individual assessment by a care coordinator, you may be eligible to receive services such as:

• Nursing care (such as wound management, post-surgical care, or chronic disease support)

• Personal support for activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting assistance)

• Physiotherapy services for mobility or rehabilitation

• Occupational therapy to improve daily functioning at home

• Speech-language therapy for communication and swallowing difficulties

• Access to certain medical supplies and equipment (some fees may apply)

• Social work services to support emotional and social well-being

• Nutrition counseling to address dietary needs

• Specialized nursing programs depending on your condition

• Support for long-term care placement if needed

These services are determined based on a professional assessment of your needs and your eligibility as an Ontario resident with a valid OHIP card.

How the Process Works

Anyone can make a referral to Ontario Health atHome for an assessment. After contacting your local office, you’ll speak with a care coordinator, who will assess your situation and recommend services based on medical necessity, safety needs, and eligibility criteria.

If you qualify, services are arranged at no cost to you through OHIP. However, if you’re not eligible or if the services provided don’t fully meet your needs, care coordinators will suggest alternative resources such as:

• Meal delivery programs

• Friendly visiting services

• Adult day programs

• Private care options for enhanced services

It’s important to understand that while some basic home care services are covered, not all support types are included, especially if you need extensive personal care, ongoing supervision, or companion support that isn’t tied to a direct medical need.

What OHIP Home Care Does Not Typically Cover

While nursing, therapy, and some personal support are covered, OHIP-funded home care usually has limitations:

• Time limits: You might only receive a few hours of personal support per week, depending on the assessment.

• No 24/7 care: Round-the-clock care, live-in caregivers, and overnight supervision are not included.

• Limited companion care: Emotional support, companionship, and recreational engagement are typically not part of OHIP services unless tied to a medical plan.

• Additional medical supplies or enhanced services: Some specialized equipment, private therapy sessions, or ongoing wellness checks outside of essential care may have costs.

For families who need more comprehensive or consistent assistance, private home care providers like Trinity Homecare Services in Toronto offer flexible options to bridge those gaps.

Private Home Care: Enhancing Support Beyond OHIP Coverage

Many families find that while OHIP-covered services are helpful, they don’t fully address the emotional, social, and practical needs of seniors who wish to age in place. Private home care allows for a more personalized, consistent, and dignified approach to aging at home.

At Trinity Homecare Services, we complement government-provided care by offering:

• Personalized in-home support plans tailored to daily living needs

• Full-time, part-time, and 24/7 caregiver options

• Specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s support

• Companionship, mobility assistance, and meal preparation

• Cultural and language matching for comfort and trust

• Flexible scheduling to suit each family’s situation

Our services help families create a holistic care environment that allows seniors to not just stay at home—but to thrive at home.

📍 Final Thoughts

Yes, home care services are partially covered by OHIP in Ontario, primarily for nursing care, therapies, and essential personal support based on assessed medical needs.

However, for families seeking fuller support—whether that means 24-hour supervision, help with daily routines, or companionship—private home care services fill the gap.

At Trinity Homecare, we’re proud to support families across Toronto, Vaughan, and North York by providing compassionate, flexible in-home care solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

📞 Wondering how to combine OHIP-funded services with private home care support?

🔗 Contact us today for a free consultation: trinityhomecare.ca