For many families, ensuring their loved ones receive the care they need can be challenging. While homecare services are available through Ontario Health at Home, some families prefer hiring private care. This is where Family Managed Home Care (FMHC) comes in—a unique program that allows individuals or their families to hire private care from companies like Good Comfort.
In this guide, we will explain Family Managed Home Care, explain how to apply, and address common questions families often have about the program.
What Is Family Managed Home Care?
Through the Family Managed Home Care program, eligible individuals or their substitute decision-makers receive funding to ‘purchase’ private home care. This offers greater flexibility and choice as those approved for Family Managed Home Care choose their provider and determine how and when the care is delivered.
Good Comfort has extensive experience helping clients navigate the application process and initiate Family Managed Home Care. We have the expertise and resources to support families throughout the process, ensuring a seamless transition into the program. Additionally, we have trusted partner resources to assist with managing bookkeeping and ensuring compliance with funding and reporting requirements.
Individuals must first have an assessment completed to determine their needs, meet the general and specific eligibility requirements for traditional home care, and have a plan of service developed by Ontario Health at Home.
Who Is Eligible?
Family Managed Home Care is designed for eligible individuals in the following groups:
- Children with complex medical needs
- Adults with acquired brain injuries
- Eligible home-schooled children
- Individuals with extraordinary circumstances, as assessed by Ontario Health at Home
To be considered for the extraordinary circumstances group, an individual needs to meet the general eligibility criteria for the program and have stable care needs that cannot be met through traditional care services. When making a decision on whether an individual’s situation is an extraordinary circumstance, all of the following factors are considered:
- The nature, frequency, and intensity of care required
- Unique scheduling issues
- Language or communication barriers
- Cultural considerations
- Lack of Ontario Health at Home contracted service providers
- Rural or remote location of care
How to Apply for Family Managed Home Care
The application process for Family Managed Home Care follows these key steps:
Step 1: Contact Your Local Ontario Health at Home Office
To start the process, families must contact their local Ontario Health at Home office. You can find your local office by visiting Ontario Health at Home.
Step 2: Needs Assessment
A case manager or care coordinator from Ontario Health at Home will conduct an in-home assessment to determine the individual’s care needs and whether FMHC is the right fit. This includes reviewing medical conditions, daily living challenges, and the level of care required.
Step 3: Approval and Funding Determination
If the individual qualifies, Ontario Health at Home will determine the level of funding they will receive. This funding is based on the individual’s care needs and must be used specifically for approved home care services.
Step 4: Hiring and Managing Caregivers
Once approved, the designated caregiver or representative is responsible for:
- Hiring and paying care providers, such as Personal Support Workers (PSWs), nurses, or therapists.
- Managing care schedules and ensuring services align with the individual’s needs. (Good Comfort manages this)
- Keeping records and submitting invoices for reimbursement. (Good Comfort manages this)
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting
Ontario Health at Home will conduct regular check-ins to ensure the program is being used appropriately and that the individual’s care needs are being met. Families are required to submit expense reports and comply with program guidelines.
Top Questions About Family Managed Home Care
1. What services can be covered under Family Managed Home Care?
FMHC funds can be used to hire a private care company such as Good Comfort for Personal Support Workers (PSWs), nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare providers for approved care services. It does not cover personal expenses, such as rent, groceries, or non-care-related costs.
2. How much funding is provided?
Funding amounts vary depending on the individual’s care needs and the hours of support required. Ontario Health at Home will determine the amount based on the assessment.
3. Can I hire a family member as a caregiver?
Yes, in some cases, family members may be paid as caregivers under FMHC, but they must meet eligibility requirements and be providing direct care services.
4. What are my responsibilities as a family manager?
Families must recruit, hire, and train caregivers, manage payroll, submit documentation, and ensure compliance with Ontario Health at Home requirements.
5. Is Family Managed Home Care available across Ontario?
Yes, FMHC is available across Ontario. However, funding availability and eligibility criteria may vary by region.
6. What happens if care needs change over time?
If an individual’s care needs increase, families can request a reassessment through Ontario Health at Home to determine if additional funding or services are required.
7. Can I switch back to traditional home care services?
Yes, if managing care becomes too challenging, families can choose to return to traditional home care services provided by Ontario Health at Home-approved agencies.
Final Thoughts
Family Managed Home Care offers a flexible and personalized approach to home care in Ontario, allowing families to take control of their loved one’s care while receiving government-funded support. If you believe Family Managed Home Care might be the right fit for your loved one, reach out to your local Ontario Health at Home office to begin the application process or contact us at [email protected].
For more information, visit Ontario Health at Home or contact Good Comfort to discuss how we can support your home care needs.
