Home Care Crisis in Canada - Ontario Sees Mass Exodus of Caregivers from In-Home Care to Facilities Leaving Families Behind

In some parts of the United States, labor shortages have affected the long-term health care industry, limited available care, and increasing the cost. 

In Ontario, Canada, nurses, home health aides, and therapists are leaving their jobs in large numbers for jobs in hospitals and long-term care facilities. 

"We lost literally over 3,000 nurses and skilled therapists and personal support workers to other parts of the health-care system," said Sue VanderBent, the CEO of Home Care Ontario, representing home-care providers in the province, quoted on CP24's website.

Wages Part of the Problem

Wage parity is considered part of the issue as in-home caregivers make less than their counterparts in hospitals and facilities. However, being at home is preferred by most people who require long-term health care services.

A Home Care Ontario survey of 1000 people aged 55 and older showed that 91% would rather stay in their homes if the proper care were available.

Research in the United States has shown the same type of preference for in-home care. Most Long-Term Care Insurance claims pay for benefits for home health care.

Cost of Care Rising Quickly

Home care services are not cheap and are increasing in Canada, just like in the U.S. Home care agency costs average between $28C and $35C depending on the types of services required. The average cost in Ontario averages between $20.00C to $30.00C per hour for general home support, personal care, and companionship services, with professional services like nursing and rehab services increasing the overall costs.