The process for initiating support from the provincial homecare program often starts with a family physician offering a preliminary assessment, which a specialist confirms. A homecare team’s visit assesses both the home in terms of safety and the family’s capacity to offer support for the patient.  

Depending on the patient’s state, the government may determine eligibility for admission to a personal care facility. Families will then choose whether to move to admission or to apply for home care. Each family has unique circumstances, and the decision to seek admission to personal care reflects these circumstances.

Home care services offer financial and medical assistance once the family decides to care for the patient at home.

Two options exist (Using the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority WRHA as a template):

• Standard care offers up to 55 hours of homecare support with Winnipeg Regional Health Authority staff. Details here.
• Self and family-managed care where WRHA provides financing for the family to secure and manage the care. Details here

Under both programs, the WRHA will offer medical support, including nursing services, dialysis, and ostomy programs.

Families that choose self-managed care will receive up to 55 hours a month at an hourly rate reflecting the patient’s needs.  This hourly rate reflects what WRHA deems a reasonable hourly compensation for homecare work. Many families in the self-management program may pay more to increase the quality of care and reduce turnover.  However, the government will only reimburse to the stated rate and to a maximum of 55 hours, with the difference made up by the family.  

GSHSW supports families in the self-managed care option by offering qualified and experienced staff to support the family in caring for a dementia patient