Frequently Asked Questions
Who can I contact if I need help in my home?
Access a home care office near you and ask to speak to a case coordinator for information on receiving supports and services. A case coordinator will assess your needs and eligibility for services including:
- personal care – assistance with mobility, such as walking, transferring to and from a wheelchair or with personal care, such as bathing, dressing and toileting
- home support – provided existing supports or community resources are available, receive assistance with meals, light housekeeping or laundry
- nursing service – help with diabetes management or wound care
- treatment clinics by appointment - to receive wound care or treatment intravenous antibiotics (this service is available in Portage la Prairie and Steinbach)
- adult day program – which provides social and recreational activities within a supportive environment and respite to your caregivers
- meals on wheels – a home delivery meal service while staying in the comfort of your familiar surroundings
Do I need a doctor’s order to receive home care?
A doctor’s order is not required to be referred to home care. A referral can be made by any person or professional. The person for whom the referral is being made needs to be aware and in agreement with the referral and assessment.
Who qualifies for home care?
To qualify for home care services, you must be a Manitoba resident and registered with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living; services are based on:
- professional assessment of your individual needs, existing supports and community resources to determine the type and amount of services you may receive to support you in your home for as long as possible
- availability of regional resources
- ability to ensure your safety and the safety of health providers
What is Self and Family-managed Care?
Self or family-managed care enables you or your family member to administer, recruit, retain, coordinate and supervise non-professional staff under contractual agreement with the regional health authority – this in support of community living and autonomy. Ask your case coordinator for more information.
Is there a cost to the home care program?
There is no cost to home care clients who meet the eligibility requirements with the exception of some services such as:
- supplies and equipment not covered under Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living (your case coordinator will advise accordingly)
- respite care in alternate care facilities
What is the Primary Caregiver Tax Credit (PCTC)?
The Primary Caregiver Tax Credit is an annual refundable personal income tax credit that can be claimed by any Manitoban who is providing ongoing voluntary care to a family member, a friend or a neighbour in Manitoba. The care recipient must be assessed by the Regional Health Authority or a health care professional (for example nurse, social worker, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or physician), as requiring the equivalent of Home Care Level of Care 2, 3 or 4. Contact the Manitoba Tax Assistance Office located at 809 - 386 Broadway, Winnipeg MB R3C 3R6, call 204-948-2115/800-782-0771 or email.
What circumstances do I use a Primary Caregiver Tax Credit (PCTC) Form or a Level of Care Equivalency Guideline Form and who do I submit the form to?
- If you are currently receiving services through home care, submit your PCTC form to your case coordinator.
- If you are not currently receiving services through home care, submit the Level of Care Equivalency Guideline form to a health care professional who usually treats this person, request to have it completed and forward c/o: Southern Health-Santé Sud, Community Health Services – Steinbach, c/o Administrative Assistant, 200 381 Stone Bridge Crossing, Steinbach MB R5G 2P8
Who do I contact if I have questions/concerns about my care plan?
Contact your case coordinator to inquire or voice your concerns regarding your care plan.
Can I appeal a decision regarding my eligibility, type of service or level of service?
- You are encouraged to first contact your case coordinator to discuss your concerns.
- Alternatively, you may discuss the matter with the Director - Home Care, Palliative Care & Seniors by calling 204-428-2767.
- If resolve is not reached, you may appeal to the Manitoba Health Appeal Board Administrator who will provide assistance to you in trying to resolve your concerns with the provincial regional health authority home care office or call 204-945-5408/866-744-3257.
Who hears the home care appeals?
The Manitoba Health Appeal Board is a body that is independent of the department and hears appeals from individuals referred for or receiving home care services.
Who can file an appeal?
Manitobans who are currently receiving home care services or who have applied for home care, family members, friends, primary caregivers or other providers may file an appeal when they have the home care user’s written consent.
