A Detailed Guide for Families Exploring Flexible Home Care Options
For Winnipeg families exploring long term care options at home, understanding government funded programs is essential. One important option available locally is the Self and Family Managed Care program offered through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Home Care Program.
This guide explains how the WRHA Self and Family Managed Care program works, who qualifies, how funding operates, and what responsibilities families must consider before enrolling.
What Is the WRHA Self and Family Managed Care Program?
The Self and Family Managed Care program, often referred to as SFMC, is an alternative option within the WRHA Home Care Program. It allows eligible individuals or their families to take full responsibility for coordinating and managing non professional home care services.
There are two available options:
1. Self Managed Care
The individual receiving care becomes the Self Manager. They are responsible for organizing, directing, and managing their own non professional home care services.
2. Family Managed Care
A designated family member becomes the Family Manager and assumes full responsibility for coordinating and managing the client's non professional home care services.
Instead of receiving scheduled staff directly arranged by WRHA, approved participants receive funding and manage their own care arrangements.
Who Is Eligible for the SFMC Program?
To qualify, individuals must meet WRHA Home Care eligibility criteria.
Basic eligibility requirements:
- Must be a Manitoba resident
- Must be registered with Manitoba Health
- Must require assistance with activities of daily living
- Must require support to remain safely at home
- Must require more help than current supports or community resources provide
Eligibility is determined through a formal assessment by a WRHA Home Care Case Coordinator.
How Do You Apply?
The application process depends on whether the individual is already receiving WRHA Home Care services.
If already receiving WRHA Home Care:
- Contact your assigned Home Care Case Coordinator
- Discuss interest in Self or Family Managed Care
- Determine if SFMC is appropriate based on assessed needs
If not yet a WRHA Home Care client:
- Contact the WRHA Home Care Intake Line at 204 788 8330
- Complete an eligibility assessment
- Once approved for Home Care services, discuss SFMC as an option
You can find more information through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Home Care Program website.
How Funding Works Under SFMC
Once approved, the Self or Family Manager signs a contract with WRHA and receives funding based on assessed care needs.
Key funding principles:
- Funding is determined by a formal care assessment
- Funds must be used only for approved non professional services
- A reassessment occurs regularly or when care needs change
- Clients remain eligible for professional services such as nursing and community therapy
The funding amount reflects the type and number of hours of assistance required.
Responsibilities of Self or Family Managers
The SFMC program offers flexibility, but it also carries significant administrative responsibility.
Self or Family Managers must:
- Coordinate and schedule care services
- Hire staff directly or contract a care agency
- Ensure backup care arrangements
- Maintain a separate bank account solely for SFMC funds
- Submit semi annual reports
- Comply with audit reviews
- Adhere strictly to the contractual agreement
Failure to comply with the contract can result in termination from the program and reassignment to standard WRHA Home Care services.
Hiring Options Under SFMC
Participants have two primary staffing choices:
Option 1: Hire a Home Care Agency
- The agency provides personal care services
- The agency manages payroll and staffing
- Reduces employer responsibilities
Option 2: Directly Employ Staff
If choosing to hire privately, the Self or Family Manager becomes the legal employer.
This includes responsibilities such as:
- Registering with Canada Revenue Agency
- Managing payroll and deductions
- Paying Employment Insurance and CPP
- Registering with Workers Compensation
- Handling scheduling and performance management
Some families choose to hire payroll companies to manage administrative obligations.
Important Program Limitations
There are specific provincial policies that families must understand:
- Hiring family members is generally not allowed except in rare cases with WRHA approval
- One year enrollment in standard Home Care may be required if care stability concerns exist
- Backup coverage planning is mandatory
- Funds must be used strictly according to the approved care plan
These safeguards ensure accountability and client safety.
Support for Self and Family Managers
Families are not left entirely on their own. The Independent Living Resource Centre offers guidance and support to individuals participating in the SFMC program.
The ILRC provides:
- Individual consultations
- Group training on budgeting and staffing
- Administrative guidance
- Peer support networks
They can be contacted at 204 947 0194 or through their website for additional resources.
Is SFMC Right for Every Family?
The Self and Family Managed Care program works best for families who:
- Want full control over staffing and scheduling
- Are comfortable managing budgets and payroll
- Have time to coordinate care logistics
- Prefer customizing care arrangements
However, it may not be ideal for families who:
- Cannot manage employer responsibilities
- Need immediate backup staffing guarantees
- Prefer minimal administrative oversight
Each family's situation is unique, and consultation with a WRHA Case Coordinator is essential before deciding.
How This Differs From Private Home Care Services
It is important to distinguish between government funded SFMC and privately arranged home care services.
Private providers, such as Prime Home Health, typically:
- Handle all staffing and scheduling
- Manage payroll and employer obligations
- Provide flexible short term or long term support
- Offer supplemental care alongside WRHA programs
Some families use private home care to complement SFMC funding or to provide interim support during assessment periods.
Final Thoughts for Winnipeg Families
The WRHA Self and Family Managed Care Program offers flexibility and autonomy for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities who wish to remain at home. It provides funding control but requires strong administrative commitment and responsibility.
Before enrolling, families should carefully evaluate:
- Time capacity for managing care
- Comfort with employer obligations
- Long term stability of the client's needs
- Availability of backup support
Understanding the full scope of the program helps families make informed decisions that protect both safety and sustainability in the home environment.
If you are exploring home care options in Winnipeg, starting with a WRHA assessment ensures you understand all available pathways, including both publicly funded and private care solutions.
To learn more about ILRC and their services; including the Peer Support Network contact:
