Home Care FAQ Ontario | PSW & Nursing
Questions Answered
Here are some common questions about our company.
Q1: How much does home care cost in Ontario?
A: Private home care in Ontario typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour for PSW care, depending on the level of service, hours required, and geographic location. Live-in care typically starts around $250 to $330 per day. Essential Staff provides a free care assessment with a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific situation. Call 647-749-8189 to speak with our team today.
Q2: What is the difference between a PSW and a nurse (RPN or RN)?
A: A Personal Support Worker (PSW) provides non-medical support — assistance with bathing, dressing, meals, mobility, and companionship. A Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) provides medical care — wound assessment and care, medication administration, care plan oversight, and health monitoring. Essential Staff places both PSWs and CNO-registered nurses, depending on your loved one's specific needs.
Q3: What is the difference between live-in care and 24-hour care?
A: Live-in care involves one caregiver living in the home and providing support throughout the day, with an agreed rest period overnight (typically 8 hours). 24-hour care involves rotating caregivers who are awake and active around the clock — with no rest periods. 24-hour care is appropriate for clients who require constant supervision, have nighttime care needs, or are at risk of falls or wandering. Essential Staff provides both options.
Q4: How is private home care different from Ontario Health atHome?
A: Ontario Health atHome (formerly CCAC or LHIN) provides government-funded home care to eligible patients, typically after a medical referral. Services are limited in hours and scope based on assessed need. Private home care from Essential Staff can start immediately without a referral, covers any number of hours per week or day, and is available for any reason — not just post-medical situations. Many families use private care to supplement their funded hours.
Q5: Can I keep the same caregiver each visit?
A: Yes — continuity of care is a priority for us. Where possible, we assign a consistent PSW or caregiver to your loved one across all visits. In cases where a scheduled caregiver is unavailable, we notify you immediately and arrange a qualified, vetted replacement.
Q6: Does home care qualify for the Ontario HST exemption?
A: Many personal care services provided by a regulated health professional or trained personal support worker qualify for HST exemption under Canada's Excise Tax Act. The specific eligibility depends on the services provided. We recommend consulting a tax professional to confirm your situation. Essential Staff can provide documentation of services rendered on request. Contact info@essentialstaff.ca for details.
Q7: Can home care be provided in a retirement home or LTC facility?
A: Yes. Essential Staff can place additional private-pay caregivers to supplement the care provided within a retirement home or long-term care facility. This is sometimes called "top-up care" and is requested by families who want more consistent one-on-one support for their loved one than the facility's staffing ratio allows.
Q: How much does home care cost in Ontario?
A:The cost of private home care in Ontario typically ranges from $25 to $45 per hour for a PSW or caregiver, and $45 to $80 per hour for a registered nurse. Costs vary based on the level of care required, the number of hours, and whether care is provided during the day, overnight, or on a 24-hour basis. Essential Staff provides a free care assessment to help families understand their options before committing to any service. Contact Essential Staff for a free no-obligation assessment
Q: What is the difference between a PSW and a caregiver?
A: A Personal Support Worker (PSW) is a trained and certified healthcare professional who provides personal care such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and mobility assistance. A caregiver is a broader term that may include companions, household assistants, and non-certified support workers. PSWs hold a recognized Ontario credential while caregivers may not. Essential Staff places both — the right choice depends on your loved one's specific needs.Essential Staff can advise which role is appropriate for your situation
Q: How do I know if my parent needs home care?
A: Common signs include difficulty with daily tasks like bathing, cooking, or managing medications, increased falls or safety concerns at home, social isolation, memory lapses, and caregiver burnout in family members providing care. If you are unsure, a free care assessment with Essential Staff can help you determine the right level of support.
Q: Can I get a PSW the same day in Ontario?
A: For urgent situations, Essential Staff can often arrange same-day or next-day PSW placement. Call us directly at +1 647 749 8189 and we will do everything possible to respond to your immediate need. For planned placements, care is typically confirmed within 24 to 48 hours.
Q: Does Essential Staff serve areas outside St. Thomas?
A: Yes. While our office is based in St. Thomas, Ontario, we serve families and facilities across Elgin County, London, and communities throughout Ontario. Contact us to confirm availability in your specific area.
Q: What happens if the assigned PSW or caregiver is not the right fit?
A: We will arrange an alternative immediately. Finding the right match matters - for your loved one's comfort and your peace of mind. If the first placement is not working, call us and we will review and reassign without delay.
For Healthcare Facilities
Q: How fast can you fill a shift? For emergency requests, we aim to fill shifts within 2–4 hours. Routine placements are typically confirmed within 24 hours.
Q: What staff types do you place in facilities? We place PSWs, Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and caregivers in hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement residences, and community health centres.
Q: How does billing work for corporate clients? We invoice based on hours worked. Corporate clients receive tailored invoicing terms discussed during onboarding. Contact us at info@essentialstaff.ca for a quote.
Q: Are your nurses CNO-registered? Yes. All nurses placed by Essential Staff are registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and in good standing.