Overview

CLSC home care services cover a wide range of health and social needs. The specific services a person receives depend on what is identified during the assessment — not every person receives every service.

Services are provided by a multidisciplinary team and are coordinated through a single care plan.

Professional health services

Nursing care

• Wound care and dressing changes
• Monitoring vital signs and chronic conditions
• Medication management and injections
• Post-surgical follow-up
• Catheter and colostomy care
• Palliative care

Physiotherapy

• Assessment of mobility and physical function
• Exercise programs to improve strength, balance, and gait
• Falls prevention guidance
• Rehabilitation after surgery, fractures, or stroke

Occupational therapy

• Assessment of ability to perform daily activities (ADLs)
• Recommendations for home modifications and adaptive equipment
• Cognitive assessment (memory, executive function)
• Driving cessation support
• Assessment for assistive devices

Nutritional counseling

• Dietary guidance for specific medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, etc.)
• Malnutrition risk screening
• Consultation on tube feeding if required

Personal care and support services

Personal hygiene assistance

• Help with bathing, showering, or bed baths
• Hair washing, grooming, and skin care
• Oral hygiene assistance
• Dressing and undressing

Assistance with meals

• Meal preparation in some CLSCs
• Supervision or assistance during eating for those at risk of choking

Social services

Social work

• Assessment of social situation and family dynamics
• Coordination of community resources
• Emotional support and counseling
• Help navigating financial programs and benefits
• Support for family caregivers
• Crisis intervention

Respite services

Some CLSCs can arrange respite care — temporary relief for family caregivers. This may be in the form of in-home support while the caregiver is away, or referrals to day programs.

Respite is not always directly provided by the CLSC and may involve coordination with community organizations or the L'Appui network.

What CLSCs do not typically provide

• Full-time (24/7) home care
• Housekeeping or domestic cleaning unrelated to care
• Transportation
• Companionship visits without a health or social purpose
• Grocery shopping

These gaps are often filled by private home care agencies, community volunteer organizations, or family members.

How are services determined?

The care plan specifies which services, how often, and for how long. The number of hours per week is based on assessed need — not preference.

If needs increase over time, a reassessment can lead to additional services. Families should not assume the care plan is permanent.