What qualifications do your caregivers have?
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Every caregiver on our team has verifiable hands-on experience working with older adults, passes a thorough criminal record check (enhanced Police Vulnerable Sector Check), and completes a multi-step reference review before their first placement. Some of our caregivers hold PSW (Personal Support Worker) certification or equivalent training — we highlight this where relevant and can match you with a certified caregiver if that’s important to your family. What every caregiver shares: a track record, a clean background check, and references we’ve personally contacted and verified.
How much of this is covered by insurance or tax credits?
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More than most families realize. Our receipts qualify for the federal Medical Expense Tax Credit, which typically returns 15–25% of the eligible amount depending on your income. Most major Ontario extended-health plans (Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, etc.) cover a portion of non-medical home care — usually $1,500–$5,000 per year per insured. We generate the receipts automatically and email them monthly so your reimbursement is one-click. We’re not accountants, so we recommend confirming the specifics with your CPA or HR/benefits team, but in practice most families recover 20–40% of what they spend.
Why do consistent visits make such a difference?
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Because the relationship between your loved one and their caregiver is where the real value of in-home care lives. A familiar face on a predictable schedule reduces anxiety, builds trust, and lets a caregiver notice subtle changes over time — the things a new person would never catch. For older adults with memory loss or anxiety, consistency isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s what makes care feel safe.
What if the caregiver isn't a good fit?
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You meet your hand-matched caregiver before your first paid visit. If it’s not right at the meet-and-greet, we re-match before any charge. And every plan includes a 14-day fit guarantee: if the first two weeks don’t feel right, we re-match free or refund the unused days. We’d rather take the time up front than have anyone in your loved one’s home who isn’t right.
Can I pause my weekly plan?
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Yes. With 7 days’ notice you can pause your plan for travel, a hospital stay, or any reason at all. We hold your caregiver’s spot for up to 6 weeks. No fees, no negotiations — just send a note to your coordinator.
Can I change my plan if my parent's needs change?
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Of course — we expect needs to evolve. You can upgrade, downgrade, or add hours at any monthly billing cycle. If a sudden change is happening (recovery, decline, hospital discharge), your coordinator can adjust immediately and we’ll true up billing.
What if I need care this week — can you start fast?
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In most cases, yes. Same-week placement is possible when there’s a caregiver available in your area — usually for post-hospital discharge or sudden caregiver-relief situations. Call
(647) 655-2883 and mention "urgent placement" and we’ll tell you immediately what’s possible.
Do you provide medical care?
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No. Hearthlane provides non-medical support: companionship, personal care, light housekeeping, meal prep, transportation, medication reminders. We work alongside your loved one’s nurses and doctors, but we’re not a substitute for clinical care.
What areas do you serve?
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We currently serve the Greater Toronto Area, including Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton, Halton, and central Toronto. Not sure if you’re in our area? Mention your postal code in the intake form and we’ll confirm right away.
Can I start with a one-time visit before committing to a plan?
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Yes — many families do. A single visit at $45/hr (3-hour minimum) is a great way to feel out whether Hearthlane is right for you. About 70% of one-time families end up moving to ongoing care within their first month.
