What is the difference between the CLSC and private home care?

The CLSC provides public services. You reach them through a needs assessment and only if you are eligible, often with a limited number of hours and a waiting list, and what you pay depends on your income. Private care — self-employed workers, EÉSAD social economy businesses, online platforms — is faster, more flexible and gives you more choice, but you pay for it yourself, usually less than the posted rate once the tax credit is applied.

Can the CLSC refuse or cut back the hours?

Yes. The CLSC sets priorities according to how much independence a person has lost and the resources it has on hand. Many families are granted fewer hours than they hoped for, or wait for them, and fill the gap with private care.

Can we combine the CLSC and private care?

Absolutely, and it is very common. The CLSC can cover certain care while a private provider handles housekeeping, companionship or extra hours at the times that suit you.

Is private care really more expensive?

The posted rate is higher than in the public system, but your net cost comes down with the Tax Credit for Home-Support Services for Seniors and programs such as PEFSAD. In exchange you get service sooner, you choose the provider, and you set the schedule.

Ask the CLSC for a needs assessment — it is free — so you know what you are eligible for, then compare private options to cover the rest. A marketplace like heysimone lets you find a verified provider quickly.

CLSC or private: how to choose for home care

What the CLSC covers (public)

The CLSC is the front door to the public system. After a needs assessment, it can provide care and home-support services, depending on your eligibility and on the resources available. It is supervised and priced according to your situation, but it often comes with limited hours and waiting times.

Upsides: public oversight, little or no cost depending on income, professional care.
Limits: strict eligibility, restricted hours, little say in who comes, waiting lists.

What private care offers

Private care covers self-employed workers, social economy businesses (EÉSAD) and platforms. You gain speed, a schedule that bends to yours, and a say in who comes. You pay the rate yourself, though the tax credit and certain programs often bring it well down.

Upsides: speed, flexibility, choice of provider, the same person coming back each time.
Limits: a higher cost up front, softened by the support programs.

CLSC or private: side by side

Criterion	CLSC (public)	Private
Access	Assessment + eligibility	Fast, on request
Choice of provider	Limited	You choose
Schedule flexibility	Low	High
Cost	Based on income	Paid by you (reduced by the support programs)
Wait times	Waiting lists are possible	Often a few days

Most often: the two together

Many families combine the two: the CLSC for certain care, private care for housekeeping, companionship or extra hours. Start with a CLSC assessment, which is free, then cover the rest with a private provider.

For the private side, you can compare verified providers, see what it costs and book through our provider directory.

Frequently asked questions

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