Private Home Care in Ontario: Costs, Coverage & Most-Requested Services for Seniors

For many Ontario families, home care is no longer just an option - it’s a lifeline. Aging at home allows seniors to remain in familiar surroundings, surrounded by memories, while still receiving the support they need to live safely and comfortably. But when families start researching, three common questions always arise: How much does private home care cost? Is it covered by OHIP? And what types of care are most requested?

Let’s answer these questions and more - while exploring how compassionate providers like Nurse Next Door Hamilton, Mississauga, and Markham help families find balance, safety, and peace of mind.

How Much Does Private Home Care Cost per Hour in Ontario?

Private home care costs vary based on the level of support required, the service provider and the amount of time/hrs needed.  These prices are a guide and you should always contact the service provider for an actual review of your needs.

• Personal Support Workers (PSWs) typically range from $28 to $40 per hour for non-medical care such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and companionship.
• Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs) for medical support, wound care, or post-hospital care usually range between $50 and $85 per hour.
• Some agencies offer flat-rate packages for overnight care, respite stays, or live-in arrangements, providing flexibility and predictability.

Families can also combine publicly funded hours (through Ontario Health atHome) with private care to fill gaps. This mixed model offers control over scheduling, caregiver choice, and care continuity - things that matter most when loved ones prefer to stay home.

Estimated Private Home Care Costs in Ontario (2025)

Rates vary by provider, location, and hours booked. Urban GTA areas (Mississauga / Markham) typically sit at the higher end, while Hamilton averages slightly lower.

Local Sample Rates – Nurse Next Door Offices

To help families plan, here are sample 2025 estimates shared during consultations with Nurse Next Door’s local offices. (Rates are approximate and may vary based on individual needs, schedules, and service types.)

Hamilton

“Based on an initial Caring Consult, Nurse Next Door Hamilton notes that non-medical personal support (PSW / companion) typically starts around $30 to $45 per hour for regular daytime visits. Nursing or specialized care ranges between $50 and $80 per hour, depending on complexity and frequency.”

Mississauga

“In Mississauga, families report quotes in the $35 to $50 per hour range for standard in-home support such as bathing, mobility assistance, and companionship. Overnight or 24-hour care increases proportionally.”

Markham

“For Markham clients, where travel and labour costs trend higher, typical personal support services range from $38 to $55 per hour, while advanced dementia or palliative care can exceed $70 per hour when extensive coverage is required.”

Is Home Care Covered by OHIP in Ontario?

Yes, but only partially. Ontario’s publicly funded Ontario Health atHome (Home and Community Care Support Services (formerly LHIN)) provides assessments and limited hours of nursing or personal support based on need. However, there are hour limits and wait times, which is why many families choose to supplement with private home care.  Many families start with experiencing OHatH services and limitations, then move to suppliment the care or simply engage fully with a home care service provider such as Nurse Next Door.

OHIP covers:

• Short-term nursing following hospitalization
• Limited PSW hours for specific care plans
• Certain rehabilitative or palliative programs

Not covered by OHIP:

• Ongoing daily personal care beyond assessed hours
• Companionship, housekeeping, meal prep, transportation
• Caregiver continuity or after-hours support

That’s where organizations like Nurse Next Door fill the gap - offering flexible, client-directed services that evolve as needs change.

What Is the Most Requested Support Service for the Elderly?

Across Ontario, the most common request is personal support - compassionate help with bathing, grooming, dressing, medication reminders, and meals. Families often say that having a consistent caregiver is just as important as the care tasks themselves. It builds trust, reduces anxiety, and helps seniors feel seen and valued.

• Companionship and emotional support for isolated seniors
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s care combining safety and stimulation
• Respite care to give family caregivers a break
• 24-hour or overnight care for reassurance and fall prevention

At Nurse Next Door Hamilton, Mississauga, and Markham, every care plan is tailored around what matters most - safety, independence, and joy in daily living.

What Services Are Included in a Typical Home Care Plan?

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, mobility assistance)
• Medication reminders and meal planning
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Transportation to appointments
• Social activities, walks, and conversation
• Nursing services when required

The best plans grow and adapt as health changes. Families often begin with a few hours per week, gradually increasing as needs evolve.

How Do I Choose a Home Care Provider in Hamilton, Mississauga, or Markham?

1. Accreditation and screening – Are caregivers trained, bonded, and background-checked?
2. Reliability and communication – Is 24/7 support available if care needs change?
3. Philosophy of care – Does the agency see clients as people, not tasks?
4. Local presence – Is the team familiar with community resources?

Nurse Next Door’s Happier Aging® approach focuses on bringing joy back to caregiving - through companionship, independence, and a genuine sense of partnership.

Why Location Matters: Local Home Care Across Ontario

• Hamilton: Active seniors, smaller neighbourhoods, strong caregiver continuity.
• Mississauga: Diverse, multilingual community; flexibility is key.
• Markham: Many multigenerational families; trusted daytime coverage is essential.

No matter the city, private home care offers a lifeline of consistency and compassion.

The Emotional Side of Home Care

Beyond cost and coverage, home care is about relationships. It’s about dignity - helping a senior button a shirt or share a story from decades ago. It’s about relief - giving adult children peace of mind when they can’t be there every day. And it’s about community - keeping seniors connected to the people and places they love most.

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s home care landscape can be complex, but families don’t have to navigate it alone. Understanding the costs, coverage, and most-requested services helps make confident decisions. For compassionate, reliable, and flexible home care in Hamilton, Mississauga, or Markham, reach out to Nurse Next Door. Their caregivers bring both professional skill and genuine heart - helping seniors live life on their terms, at home.

About Nurse Next Door – Hamilton – Mississauga – Markham

Nurse Next Door – Making Lives Better
At Nurse Next Door Hamilton, Mississauga, and Markham, we’re all in for making lives better. Our care isn’t just about support; it’s about heart, dignity, and real connection in the places our clients call home.

From helping with personal care and meal preparation to offering compassionate companionship, dementia support, and everything in between, we tailor every plan so you get the right care, your way. Our caregivers are carefully matched with clients based on personality, preferences, and values - not just tasks. They’re background-checked, trained, and supported by a 24/7 Care Team.

We believe aging can be about rediscovering joy, not losing it. That’s our Happier Aging® promise, whether it’s revisiting old hobbies, chatting over that familiar coffee spot, or simply enjoying a sense of independence at home. With this mindset, we treat every moment as an opportunity for connection, respect, and choice.

You worked hard to make your home - we work hard so you can continue enjoying it. With 20 years of experience in Happier Aging®, we’re here to help your loved ones thrive at home, surrounded by comfort, familiarity, and compassionate support.

We’ve chosen to be a Premium Sponsor on SeniorCareAccess.com because of its unique position as Canada’s largest seniors housing and services directory. Through its Family Consulting Program, SeniorCareAccess helps families plan for the future, navigate care transitions, and support executors managing estates - providing the same kind of trusted, personal guidance that aligns perfectly with Nurse Next Door’s philosophy of care.

If you’re exploring home care options, simply connect with us now by completing the easy request form on SeniorCareAccess.com.

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Senior Companionship in Hamilton: Why Social Connection Matters
Top 5 Benefits of Home Care for Seniors in Hamilton
How to Support Aging Parents Living at Home