Since November 2026, seniors with a loss of autonomy and family caregivers in nine Quebec regions can contact a social economy home care enterprise (EESAD) directly for personal assistance or respite, with financial help from the PEFSAD. The Quebec government made the expansion official through a decree published on August 5, 2026, in the Gazette officielle du Québec.
What changes for seniors and family caregivers
Aging at home, safely, remains the wish of the vast majority of Quebec seniors. Until now, personal assistance services such as help with bathing or dressing were paid 100% by users who had not been referred by the health network. With the expansion of the pilot project, eligible people can now receive financial help for these services through the Financial Assistance Program for Domestic Help Services (PEFSAD).
The most concrete change is direct access: going through the CLSC access point is no longer always required to get help. Seniors and their families can contact a recognized EESAD in their region themselves.
Which home care services are covered?
The enhanced PEFSAD covers three main types of services:
- domestic help: housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation and grocery shopping;
- personal assistance: help with bathing and hygiene, getting up and going to bed, dressing and moving around the home;
- in-home respite: someone on hand so family caregivers can take a break.
The amount of financial help depends on each person's situation and the services requested. For 2026-2027, Quebec has set aside a budget of $39.3 million for the program.
The nine regions and rollout timeline
Simplified access was first tested in 2026 through showcase projects run by three enterprises in Alma, Rimouski and Belœil. About forty social economy enterprises then joined, on the following schedule:
- September 2026: Bas-Saint-Laurent, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Montérégie-Est;
- October 2026: Laval, Lanaudière and Laurentides;
- November 2026: Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Outaouais and Chaudière-Appalaches.
How to get in-home care for seniors through the PEFSAD
To benefit, you must be covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec, live in one of the nine regions and receive services from a recognized EESAD. The process is simple: contact the EESAD in your area, which will assess your needs and explain the financial help available. Seniors aged 70 and over can also check whether they qualify for the tax credit for home-support services for seniors.
Why home care is a priority in Quebec
This measure is part of the national home-support policy presented earlier this year by Sonia Bélanger, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Seniors. Present in every region for more than 30 years, EESADs already provide more than 2 million hours of personal assistance and respite each year, according to the EESAD cooperation network. Help with bathing or getting around also helps prevent falls, a common cause of hospitalization among seniors. The stakes are all the higher because many families have not yet planned for these needs: according to the Longevity Preparedness Index, Canadians score only 40 out of 100 on care planning (Canadians score 40/100 on long-term care planning: are you ready?).
When staying at home reaches its limits
Even with more help, staying at home is not always the best option, for the senior or for the family caregiver who supports them. When loneliness sets in, home upkeep becomes a source of worry or health needs call for closer supervision, a retirement home can offer independence, a social life and care that adapts as needs change. To weigh the pros and cons, read our guide Family caregivers or senior residence: what is the best choice?Bonjour Résidences senior housing specialists also guide families free of charge. Contact us at 1 (844) 918-1020 or submit an online accommodation request.
