Quebec Enhances Home Support Services for Caregivers with New Policy
Quebec has introduced a revamped national home support policy called the Home Autonomy Allowance, with a substantial investment of $107.2 million. Caregivers are now eligible to receive compensation under this new initiative.
Health Minister Sonia Bélanger, who also oversees issues related to seniors and caregivers, revealed the details of the policy during a morning announcement in Pierrefonds.
Formerly known as the employment-service cheque, the allowance has been redesigned to better cater to caregivers, ensuring they are duly recognized and remunerated. Quebec has immediately increased the budget for this program by $1.1 million, with an additional $22.2 million slated for the coming year.
Dubbed “Better at Home,” the policy aims to enhance home support services, enabling seniors to remain in their homes for as long as possible. The government reported a significant boost in provided home support hours, from nearly 23 million in 2019 to around 37 million in the current year.
Minister Bélanger’s office disclosed that approximately 26,000 more individuals are now benefiting from these services, totaling around 395,000 Quebec residents.
In her address, Bélanger emphasized the importance of local community service centers (CLSCs) in efficiently assisting patients.
“Our goal is for CLSCs to once again become the primary point of contact for all citizens,” she remarked. These centers will play an expanded role, including welcoming both the patient and their caregiver and guiding them to the necessary services.
