Hiring and Managing Your Own Caregiver Across All Provinces and Territories
For many people with disabilities and seniors, the fear of being forced into long-term care is very real. Self managed care programs in Canada are helping families replace that fear with control, safety, and peace of mind. These programs enable individuals to stay in the comfort of their own homes. They receive care from people they know and trust.
Self managed care in Canada allows eligible individuals to receive funding or service approval. This enables them to hire and manage their own caregivers. It provides an alternative to using government-assigned care providers. This approach allows people to choose support workers they trust. They can set flexible care schedules. Services can be customized based on their medical, cultural, and personal needs.
Across Canada, provinces and territories offer different self managed care and direct funding programs. These programs support seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals recovering from illness or injury. Eligibility requirements and application steps vary by province. However, the goal remains the same. It is to help Canadians live safely, independently, and with dignity at home for as long as possible.
I have personal experience with self managed care through Ontario’s Direct Funding program. Receiving this funding has been life changing. I am able to hire my own staff and create a care schedule that fits my daily routine. I receive consistent support from caregivers who understand my needs and respect my preferences. Having trusted caregivers has improved both my quality of care and my quality of life.
As my parents get older, this program also gives me peace of mind. I know that if something happens to them, I will still receive proper care and support. I will not be forced into an institution because family support is no longer available. That level of independence and long-term security is something many Canadians do not realize is possible.
Self managed care is more than just financial support. It gives individuals choice, stability, and control over their future. Many families are unaware these programs exist or believe they are difficult to access. With the right information, these programs can open the door to better care and greater independence.
This guide combines provincial program research, government resources, and real lived experience with direct funding. It explains how self managed care in Canada operates and describes who qualifies and how to apply. It also covers how to successfully hire and manage caregivers. Our goal is to help Canadians make informed home care decisions and find programs that support independence, safety, and dignity.
Benefits of Self-Managed Care:
- ✅ Choose caregivers you trust
- ✅ Create flexible care schedules
- ✅ Hire culturally appropriate caregivers
- ✅ Maintain independence at home
- ✅ Customize services based on personal medical needs
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Participants may also take on employer responsibilities, including payroll management, taxes, scheduling, and caregiver training.
Quick Jump Menu by Province/Territory
Click your province to jump directly to program details
- British Columbia — Choices for Supports in Independent Living (CSIL)
- Alberta — Self-Managed or Client-Directed Home Care
- Manitoba — Self and Family Managed Care
- Saskatchewan — Individualized Funding for Home Care
- Ontario — Direct Funding & Family Managed Home Care
- Quebec — Direct Allowance & Chèque-Emploi Service
- New Brunswick — Self-Managed Supports
- Nova Scotia — Home Support Direct Funding
- Prince Edward Island — Home Care Program
- Newfoundland & Labrador — Provincial Home Support
Northern Territories
- Yukon — Home Care Program
- Northwest Territories — Home and Community Care
- Nunavut — Home and Community Care
Provincial & Territorial Programs
British Columbia — Choices for Supports in Independent Living (CSIL)
CSIL is one of Canada’s most established self-managed care programs. It provides direct funding to eligible residents with physical disabilities or chronic medical conditions. Participants use this funding to hire and manage their own caregivers instead of using agency-assigned services.
Services That May Be Covered
- Personal care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Assistance with mobility and transfers
- Meal preparation and feeding support
- Medication reminders
- Light household tasks related to care
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants typically must:
- Have a long-term physical disability or chronic health condition
- Require daily personal care
- Be able to manage employer responsibilities independently or with help
Application Process
- Contact your regional health authority
- Request a home care assessment
- Complete eligibility review
- Develop a personalized care plan
- Receive funding and hire caregivers
Contact Information
- Website: Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL)
- Phone: 1-877-734-1938
Helpful Tip: Many participants use payroll services or bookkeeping support to manage employer responsibilities.
Alberta — Self-Managed or Client-Directed Home Care
Program Overview
Alberta allows individuals to control their home care services through client-directed funding. Participants may hire private caregivers or select approved service providers.
Services Covered
- Personal care
- Home support services
- Nursing support
- Rehabilitation support
- Respite care for families
Who Benefits Most
- Seniors wanting to stay in their homes longer
- Adults with physical disabilities
- Individuals recovering from surgeries or medical treatments
Application Steps
- Call 811 to request home care
- Schedule assessment with Alberta Health Services
- Discuss self-managed care options
- Create service plan and funding agreement
- Hire caregivers
Contact Information
- Website: Client Directed Home Care Program
- Phone: Dial 811
- Brochure: Client-Directed Home Care Information – PDF
Helpful Tip: Alberta may approve family members as caregivers depending on care needs and program rules.
Manitoba — Self and Family Managed Care
Program Overview
Manitoba allows individuals or family members to control care budgets and coordinate caregiver hiring. This program encourages family involvement and flexible care planning.
Services Covered
- Personal care assistance
- Household support related to care
- Mobility and transfer support
- Respite services
Eligibility Requirements
- Must qualify for provincial home care services
- Require daily or ongoing support
- Able to manage services independently or with assistance
Application Process
- Contact regional home care services
- Complete in-home care assessment
- Develop funding plan
- Hire caregivers
Contact Information
- Website: WRHA Self and Family Managed Care
- Phone: 204-788-8330
Helpful Tip: Families often combine this program with federal caregiver tax credits.
Saskatchewan — Individualized Funding for Home Care
Program Overview
Saskatchewan provides individualized funding to support culturally appropriate and flexible care arrangements. Participants organize their own care services and caregiver schedules.
Services Covered
- Daily personal care
- Meal preparation
- Mobility assistance
- Companion care
- Home support related to medical needs
Eligibility Requirements
- Long-term disability or medical condition
- Demonstrated need for daily assistance
- Ability to manage care funding or designate a representative
Application Steps
- Contact Saskatchewan Health Authority
- Request home care assessment
- Complete funding application
- Develop care and hiring plan
Contact Information
- Website: Saskatchewan Individualized Funding
- Phone: 811
Helpful Tip: This program works well for families seeking culturally specific or language-specific caregivers.
Ontario — Direct Funding & Family Managed Home Care
Program Overview
Ontario offers two self-managed care models:
- Direct Funding Program: Provides funding for individuals with physical disabilities to hire attendants.
- Family Managed Home Care: Allows families to coordinate and hire caregivers through Ontario Health atHome.
Services Covered
- Personal care
- Attendant services
- Support for daily living
- Respite care
Eligibility Requirements
Direct Funding Program applicants must:
- Have a permanent physical disability
- Require attendant services
- Be able to self-manage or appoint a representative
Application Steps
- Contact Ontario Health atHome
- Request home care assessment
- Apply for Direct Funding or Family Managed Care
- Develop care and employment plan
Contact Information
- Direct Funding Ontario Website: Direct Funding Ontario | 1-800-267-3877
- Ontario Health atHome Website: Ontario Health atHome | 310-2222
Helpful Tip: Ontario programs often have waiting lists. Early application is recommended.
Quebec — Home Autonomy Allowance
Program Overview
Quebec supports caregiver hiring through Home Autonomy Allowance to facilitate access to home support services. The Chèque-Emploi system helps participants manage taxes and caregiver payments.
Services Covered
- Personal care
- Household support related to care
- Supervision and safety monitoring
Eligibility Requirements
- Must qualify for home care services
- Require ongoing daily assistance
- Participate in care planning assessment
Contact Information
- Website: Home Autonomy Allowance
- Phone: 1-877-644-4545
Helpful Tip: Quebec’s payroll support system reduces employer administrative work.
New Brunswick — Self-Managed Supports
Program Overview
New Brunswick provides individualized funding for disability-related home supports. Participants create personalized care plans and hire caregivers directly.
Services Covered
- Personal care
- Life skills support
- Community participation assistance
- Home support related to disability needs
Contact Information
- Website: GNB Self-Managed Supports
- Phone: 1-833-733-7835
Helpful Tip: Funding may also support social participation and independence goals.
Nova Scotia — Home Support Direct Funding
Program Overview
Nova Scotia allows residents to independently hire caregivers through the Continuing Care program.
Services Covered
- Personal care
- Meal preparation
- Medication assistance
- Respite care
Contact Information
- Website: NS 211 Direct Funding Program
- Phone: 1-800-225-7225
Prince Edward Island — Home Care Program
Program Overview
PEI offers flexible home care services including support for caregiver hiring depending on assessed needs.
Services Covered
- Personal care
- Home support
- Nursing services
- Palliative care
Contact Information
- Website: PEI Home Care Program
- Phone: 1-888-299-8399
Newfoundland & Labrador — Provincial Home Support
Program Overview
Provides personal care and daily living assistance. Some family-managed care options may be available depending on regional programs.
Contact Information
- PDF: Provincial Home Support Brochure – PDF
- Phone: 811
Yukon — Home Care Program
Program Overview
Offers home nursing, personal care, and rehabilitation support to help residents remain in their homes safely.
Contact Information
- Website: Yukon Home Care Program
- Phone: 867-667-5674
Northwest Territories — Home and Community Care
Program Overview
Provides nursing care, rehabilitation services, and daily living support across northern communities.
Contact Information
- Website: NWT Home and Community Care
- Phone: 867-767-9052
Nunavut — Home and Community Care
Program Overview
Provides essential personal care and nursing support throughout Nunavut communities, often working with local health centres.
Contact Information
- Website: Nunavut 211 Home Care
- Phone: 867-975-5700
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