Already a Circle of Care client and have questions?
Call our live agent line at 416-635-2860.
About Personal Care
Circle of Care provides flexible services, 7 days a week, with 24-hour telephone support. Our Personal Support Workers (PSWs) provide practical, day-to-day support, including:
- Personal care: bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting
- Homemaking: meal preparation, light cleaning, laundry, shopping
- Relief for caregivers
- Specialized training, including for dementia care, mental health, and end-of-life challenges
Read more on what PSWs can and cannot do.
Getting Started – Your Options
Option 1: Government-Subsidized Services
You or your loved one may be eligible for no-cost, government-funded personal care hours through Ontario Health atHome.
Step 1: Call Ontario Health atHome (OHaH) at 310-2222 (no area code) to speak with a Care Coordinator and discuss your care needs. OHaH’s website speaks about “Making a Referral” – that’s their term for requesting services. You don’t need a doctor’s referral; anyone can make a referral to Ontario Health atHome on your behalf and with your consent – including a friend, family member, caregiver, neighbour and even you, yourself. More information on the process can be found on their website.
Step 2: Once you are assessed by Ontario Health atHome, you may be approved for a certain number of weekly hours of government-funded personal care per week.
Step 3: Based on your needs, location, and availability, Ontario Health atHome assigns a local service provider to deliver personal care to home. This could be Circle of Care or another approved home care provider.
Option 2: Private Services with Circle of Care
If you are not approved for government-funded hours, or want additional support beyond government hours, please book a phone appointment with us so we can discuss your needs and costs. Pricing depends on the number of hours required.
Service Boundaries Map
We provide Personal Support services within Toronto and the surrounding area. Please click the link below to view our exact boundaries for services.
Service Feedback
Do you have feedback about the services you are receiving? Share your feedback with us by filling out our Feedback Form.
Scope of PSW Duties
Circle of Care PSWs perform duties within their scope to ensure safety and quality care. They typically provide:
- Bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting
- Light cleaning of approved areas (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room)
- Laundry (machine only, during visits of 2 hours or more)
- Meal preparation, shopping
- Caregiver respite
Prohibited Tasks
PSWs and Homemakers must work within their defined scope of practice. Tasks that fall outside this scope are strictly prohibited, and clients should not request or expect workers to perform them.
Examples of prohibited tasks include:
- Heavy or detailed cleaning (walls, doors, furniture, waxing floors)
- Lifting or moving furniture or any large or heavy objects, as well as carrying large or heavy loads of laundry
- Pet care, including cleaning or removing pet excrement or pet hair
- Ironing or steam pressing laundry or linens
- Taking down or hanging drapes/curtains
- Cleaning mirrors (except for bathroom mirror with supervisor approval), light fixtures, basements, garages, balconies, or unapproved rooms
- Outdoor tasks, including snow removal, lawn care
- Emptying ashtrays
- Using appliances with frayed cords or using appliances near water
- Handling paint or hazardous chemicals
What Our Clients Are Saying
“My father started receiving PSW services from Circle of Care after my mother passed away and we needed some support to help him continue to live independently in his home. The team at Circle of Care, from coordinator, supervisor, scheduler and PSWs were always so professional and compassionate. The team also spoke highly of your organization which is a strong endorsement of the wonderful culture you have built within Circle of Care.”
-Iona, client’s daughter
