Misconception 1: "If we had more need, the CLSC would already know"

Many families assume the CLSC monitors their file and will increase services automatically when needs grow. In practice, CLSC workers manage many files and cannot observe changes at home.

What's true: You need to contact the CLSC and request a reassessment. Changes are not automatically detected. The responsibility to flag a change in condition belongs to the family or the person's physician.

Misconception 2: "We can't ask for more hours because my father is 'managing'"

Families sometimes minimize difficulties — either out of pride, concern for the CLSC's time, or fear of being seen as demanding. They present the best version of their situation rather than the reality.

What's true: The purpose of an assessment is to understand daily life as it actually is — not on a good day. Describe the bad days. "He manages" may be technically true but obscures that managing takes three times as long as it used to, or requires you to be physically present the whole time.

Misconception 3: "If we hire a private caregiver, we lose our CLSC hours"

Some families worry that using private care will cause the CLSC to reduce its services, as though the total hours are fixed.

What's true: CLSC services are based on assessed professional and personal care needs. Hiring a private worker for additional hours does not, by itself, reduce your entitlement to CLSC services. The two systems operate independently.

Misconception 4: "The assessment decision is final"

Families sometimes accept a care plan that seems insufficient, believing the outcome cannot be changed.

What's true: You have the right to request a formal review, submit a complaint, and request a new assessment. The care plan is not permanent and is not legally binding in the same way a court order would be. If you disagree, you can — and should — say so. See the Appeals section for more detail.

Misconception 5: "Family presence means we don't need as many CLSC hours"

Some families are told (or assume) that because family is involved, they don't qualify for as many hours. This leads families to downplay how much care they actually provide, or to avoid mentioning that they are struggling.

What's true: Family caregivers have their own capacity limits. Caregiver burnout is a recognized risk factor that the CLSC should be taking into account. If the informal care system is under strain, that is a legitimate and important thing to communicate during a reassessment.