The Quick Answer
Home care in Ontario costs $25-$35/hour for a personal support worker (PSW) through a private agency. A registered nurse costs $50-$85/hour. Live-in care runs $250-$350/day. But here’s what most people miss: OHIP covers some home care for free — and most families don’t know how to access it.
Home Care Costs in Ontario by Service Type
Personal Support Workers (PSWs)
- Agency PSW: $27-$35/hour (includes agency overhead, insurance, backup coverage)
- Independent PSW: $20-$28/hour (you handle payroll, insurance, scheduling)
- Minimum booking: Most agencies require 3-4 hour minimums per visit
- Typical monthly cost: $2,500-$4,500 for 4 hours/day, 5 days/week
Nursing Care
- Registered Practical Nurse (RPN): $45-$60/hour
- Registered Nurse (RN): $55-$85/hour
- Nurse Practitioner: $75-$120/hour (rare for home visits)
Live-In Care
- Live-in caregiver (agency): $280-$350/day
- Live-in caregiver (private hire): $200-$280/day
- Monthly live-in: $6,000-$10,000
24-Hour Care
- Two 12-hour shifts: $500-$700/day
- Monthly 24/7 care: $15,000-$21,000
- Compared to: Long-term care homes cost $1,891-$2,701/month (basic to private room), but waitlists average 150+ days
What’s Free Through OHIP?
Ontario’s Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) provides these at no cost — if you qualify:
- Nursing visits (wound care, medication, IV therapy)
- PSW support (typically 2-4 hours/day)
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Medical supplies for wound care
Call 310-2222 from any Ontario phone to request an assessment. It’s free, and there’s no reason not to apply — even if you’re also hiring privately.
Cost by City in Ontario
Prices vary by market:
- Toronto / GTA: $30-$38/hour (highest in Ontario)
- Ottawa: $28-$35/hour
- Hamilton / Niagara: $26-$32/hour
- London / Kitchener: $25-$30/hour
- Northern Ontario: $25-$35/hour (higher in remote areas due to travel time)
How to Reduce the Cost
Practical ways families lower their home care bill:
- Use OHIP first — get the free hours, then supplement privately for the gap
- Hire an independent PSW — $5-10/hour cheaper than agencies, but you take on more responsibility
- Combine family caregiving + paid help — family covers weekends, paid PSW covers weekdays
- Ask about sliding scale — some non-profit agencies offer reduced rates based on income
- Claim tax credits — Medical Expense Tax Credit + Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit (up to $6,000)
- Check veterans benefits — if your parent served, Veterans Affairs covers home care
Agency vs Independent: Which is Better?
Go with an agency if:
- You want backup coverage when your regular PSW is sick
- You don’t want to handle payroll, CPP, EI, workers comp
- Your parent has complex needs (agencies can coordinate PSW + nursing)
Hire independently if:
- You want the same person every time (agencies rotate staff)
- Cost is the primary concern
- Your parent’s needs are straightforward (companionship, meal prep, light housekeeping)
Compare home care providers in your Ontario city on AgePlaceHub — filter by rating, city, and service type.
