Homemakers & Nurses Services

The Homemakers and Nurses Services Program (HMNS) is a community-based service operated by the City of Toronto. It provides homemaking services through community agency contracts to individuals who require assistance with household activities and who have limited financial resources.

Services include:

  • Light housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Shopping
  • Meal preparation

Program eligibility:

  • 18 years of age or over (priority is given to applicants who are seniors)
  • Must be a resident of the City of Toronto
  • Have limited income and limited liquid assets, as determined by a financial assessment
  • Have a physical disability or mental condition that a physician confirms, in writing, is not expected to improve; OR are sixty-five years of age or over and have a sustained or periodic impairment
  • Is unable to carry out homemaking tasks that are necessary to maintain independence, health and well-being
  • Have a stable medical and/or mental health status, is compliant with a medically recommended treatment plan, and is able to self-direct their care
  • Unable to access homemaking assistance through other formal or informal supports
  • Live in a self-contained unit* within the City of Toronto (*self-contained unit excludes a rooming house, shelter, transitional housing, retirement home, etc.)
  • Live in a home that does not pose an environmental risk to service providers (i.e. infestation, severe clutter, state of disrepair, etc.)

Applicants must undergo a financial assessment, including income and liquid assets, in order to determine eligibility for service.

Step 1

Contact the HMNS program at 416-392-8579. Staff will explain the program and requirements for eligibility. You can complete a referral over the phone.

Step 2

The Intake Caseworker will call you at a later date to complete a telephone screening with you to determine if you are eligible for the program.

If you are eligible, the Intake Caseworker will place your name on the program wait list.

    Step 3

    When your name comes up on the wait list, you will be contacted by a Caseworker who will set up an appointment to visit you at your home. This visit will include:

    • Completing a financial and functional assessment
    • Reviewing your client rights and responsibilities
    • Developing a plan of service with you
    • Answering any questions you may have

    After this visit, the caseworker will then seek approval for your subsidy and service.

    Step 4

    If your subsidy and service are approved, you will receive a letter that verifies your eligibility and confirms the name of the agency that will be providing service to you, as well as what service will be provided.

    Step 5

    The caseworker will discuss your service needs with the agency providing service to you and will work together with the agency on an ongoing basis.

    The agency will contact you to schedule the homemaker at a mutually convenient time and day.

    The caseworker and agency staff will contact and visit with you to reassess your homemaking needs on a regular basis.

    The HMNS program is funded by the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario.