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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We’re not open yet, but once we launch we aim to start care within 5–7 days of onboarding — and same-week placement for urgent situations like post-hospital discharge.
Join the waitlist and you’ll be first in line when we do.
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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Can I start with a one-time visit before committing to a plan?
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Yes — once we launch, many families will start with a one-time visit at $45/hr (3-hour minimum) to feel out whether Hearthlane is right for them before committing to a plan.
Join the waitlist to be first to know when we open.
