I. Overview
‘Attendant services’ is a general term for various types of assistance provided to
persons with physical disabilities to assist with activities of daily living. These services
are also called personal support services. Services can include bathing, washing,
transferring, toileting, skin care, essential communications, meal preparation and light
housekeeping. Specific types of services included under the title “attendant services” or
“attendant outreach services” can vary among agencies and providers.^1
In Ontario, attendant services are provided by both private suppliers and public
agencies. Most services are provided in the home but certain types of services can be
provided at a place of employment, school or university. In Ontario, most public services
are co-ordinated by local Community Care Access Centres (CCAC), although a variety
of agencies may provide the services on behalf of the local CCAC, and some agencies
provide services independent of the CCAC.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care funds attendant services through Local
Health Integration Networks. These are provided at no cost to the recipient.^2 There are
also private agencies providing services for a fee. An important alternative to attendant
services provided by agencies is the Direct Funding Program which offers persons with
disabilities funding to hire their own attendants. This article deals with public (no cost)
services available through the CCAC or other government programs, such as Direct
Funding.
Attendant services refer specifically to types of physical assistance with activities of
daily living. These services can be provided together with professional services and
homemaking services, but there are separate eligibility requirements for each category
of service.^3
(^1) This paper uses definitions and terms as outlined in the Home Care and Community Services Act and/or
CCAC Client Services Policy Manual (Sept. 2006). 2
3 See Home Care Complaints and Appeals (CLEO, 2010) p. 1.^
See O Reg 386/99.