Home Care FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Choosing home care for a parent or loved one is one of the most important decisions a family makes. We know you have questions and we want to answer them honestly. Below are the questions we hear most often from families across Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Etobicoke West, Burlington, Guelph, and the GTA.

If your question is not here, call us at 905-636-9995 or toll-free at 1-855-636-9995, or email us at info@firstclasshomecareinc.com. We are happy to talk it through with no obligation.

General Questions About Home Care

What is private home care, and how is it different from government home care?

Government home care in Ontario is funded through Ontario Health atHome and is available to eligible seniors at no cost. However, government funded care is often limited in hours and may have waitlists. Private home care, like the services provided by First Class Home Care Inc., is paid privately and offers more flexibility, more hours, faster setup, and greater consistency in the caregiver assigned to your loved one. Many families use a combination of both.

What services does First Class Home Care provide?

We provide non-medical in home support for seniors, including personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming), dementia and Alzheimer’s care, companionship, home support (meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry), respite care for family caregivers, rehabilitation support, and chronic disease management assistance. We serve clients across Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Etobicoke West, Burlington, Guelph, Georgetown, Markham, and surrounding GTA areas.

Is First Class Home Care a nurse led agency?

Yes. First Class Home Care was co-founded by Terri-Lynne, a retired nurse with nearly three decades of healthcare experience, including more than ten years at Trillium Health Centre where she co-developed a neuro-surgical rehabilitative program. Our care model reflects that clinical background and commitment to genuine health outcomes, not just task completion.

How long has First Class Home Care been operating?

We were founded in 2009 and have been serving families across the GTA for over 15 years. We are a family owned and operated business, not a franchise.

Getting Started

How quickly can care begin?

In most cases, we can arrange an initial consultation within 24 to 48 hours of your call. Following the consultation and development of a care plan, care can often begin within a few days. If you are in an urgent situation, call us directly at 905-636-9995 or toll free at 1-855-636-9995, or email us at info@firstclasshomecareinc.com and we will do our best to accommodate your timeline.

What happens during the first consultation?

One of our owners will personally come to your home (or your loved one’s home) to learn about their needs, daily routines, health conditions, and personal preferences. We will answer your questions, explain how our services work, and develop a customized care plan together. There is no obligation and no pressure.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to start home care?

No. You can contact us directly without a referral. Simply call 905-636-9995 or toll free at 1-855-636-9995, or email us at info@firstclasshomecareinc.comor reach us through our contact page to get started.

Can care be adjusted as needs change?

Absolutely. Care plans are not fixed. As your loved one’s needs evolve, whether that means more hours, fewer hours, or a different mix of services, we adjust the plan to match. Regular check-ins with one of our owners ensure the plan stays current and that your loved one’s care evolves with their needs.

About Our Caregivers

Who are your Personal Care Managers?

Our Personal Care Managers are carefully selected not only for their qualifications but for their character; their warmth, their patience, and their genuine commitment to the people they care for. Our PCMs hold a range of professional certifications including Personal Support Worker (PSW), Social Service Worker, and Nursing certifications. Every caregiver undergoes a Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check and holds current First Aid and CPR certification.

Will my loved one have the same caregiver each visit?

We prioritize consistency and work hard to assign the same caregiver to each client. Consistency matters enormously, especially for clients living with dementia or cognitive changes, for whom a familiar, trusted face provides genuine comfort and security.

What if we are not happy with a caregiver?

Tell us. We take compatibility seriously and will work quickly to find a better match. Your loved one’s comfort and trust are the foundation of good care, and we will not ask you to settle for less than that.

Dementia and Specialized Care

Can you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia at home?

Yes. In home dementia care is one of our specialties. Our caregivers are trained in dementia specific approaches, structured routines, validation techniques, cognitive engagement activities, and calm response to behavioural changes. Staying in a familiar home environment is often genuinely therapeutic for seniors with dementia, and with the right support it is sustainable for much longer than families expect.

What is sundowning, and can your caregivers help?

Sundowning refers to increased confusion, agitation, or anxiety that many people with dementia experience in the late afternoon and evening hours. Our caregivers are trained to recognize and respond to sundowning, using calming routines, familiar activities, and consistent presence to reduce distress during these hours.

Do you provide palliative care at home?

Yes. We provide compassionate in home support for clients in palliative and end of life stages, working alongside families and healthcare providers to ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life at home. We understand that many families want their loved one to remain at home during this time, and we are honoured to support that.

Costs and Coverage

How much does private home care cost?

Costs vary depending on the level of care needed, the number of hours per week, and the specific services provided. We provide clear, transparent pricing during your consultation with no hidden fees. Contact us at 905-636-9995 or toll-free at 1-855-636-9995, or email us at info@firstclasshomecareinc.com for a conversation about your situation and what care might cost.

Is home care covered by OHIP or insurance?

Government funded home care through Ontario Health atHome is covered for eligible seniors. Private home care is not covered by OHIP, but some private insurance plans and employee benefit plans include home care coverage. We recommend checking your policy. Certain home care expenses may also be eligible as medical expenses on your tax return, speak with your accountant.

If cost is a concern, don’t let that stop you from reaching out. There are funding options that many families aren’t aware of that can make private home care more accessible than you’d expect. Call us at 905-636-9995 and we’d be happy to talk through what might be available for your situation.

What areas do you serve?

First Class Home Care serves seniors and families across Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Etobicoke West, Burlington, Brampton, Georgetown, Guelph, Markham/Unionville, Elora, Fergus, and surrounding GTA areas. Call us at 905-636-9995 or toll-free at 1-855-636-9995, or email us at info@firstclasshomecareinc.com to confirm coverage in your specific area.