Individualized funding (IF) is an option under the Regional Health Authority (RHA) home care program that provides funding directly to a person (or their guardian) to arrange and manage their own support services.

Individualized funding is designed to provide people with increased choice and flexibility in the way their needs are met through the home care program.

Funding amounts are based on assessed need, up to a maximum.

Funding is used for approved support services, typically available from home care, such as personal care or home management.

Professional health services such as registered nursing or therapies are not included in individualized funding. These services are available through the home care program if required.

Anyone who is eligible for home care support services and has long term care needs may be eligible for individualized funding. Interested people should contact the home care program of their RHA for complete details.

Together with the individual, the RHA will assess the care needs. The RHA will determine the type of service and funding level for each individual.

If an eligible person chooses the individualized funding option, they accept the responsibility of arranging, managing, and accounting for their support services.

The individual is responsible for things such as:

• Recruiting, hiring (cannot hire family members, and in some cases, RHA employees), training and terminating their staff;
  
• Scheduling and payroll (including deductions such as Income Tax, Canada Pension, Employment Insurance, etc.);
  
• Applying for coverage under The Workers Compensation Act;
  
• Abiding by relevant legislation such as The Labour Standards Act, The Occupational Health and Safety Act, The Income Tax Act, etc.;
  
• Establishing a backup care plan that is not reliant on the RHA home care program;
  
• Reporting to the RHA on a regular basis; and
  
• Paying the applicable home care fees.

The individual signs an agreement with the RHA which outlines their services, funding level, accountability and reporting requirements, and other details.

For some people, individualized funding will provide increased flexibility and control in how their support services are provided, compared to the regular home care program.

An individual must be willing to accept the responsibilities and be able to spend the time and effort to manage this option successfully.

Individualized funding is one option of the home care program. If it does not work out, an individual can end the agreement and then consider other alternatives such as the regular home care program or other living arrangements.

Individuals can contact the home care program of their RHA for more detailed information, and to see if individualized funding might be an option.

A number of community based agencies are familiar with the new individualized funding option and may be able to provide support and information:

• Regina and District Association for Community Living, (306) 790-5680
  
• Saskatchewan Voice of People with Disabilities, (306) 569-3111
  
• South Sask. Independent Living Centre, (306) 757-7452

Health regions can refer to section 13.1 of the Home Care Policy Manual, for further information about administering Individualized Funding requests.

Once an individual has discussed individualized funding with the RHA, and is ready to pursue the option, the following agencies may be of assistance:

Saskatchewan Labour Toll Free: 1-800-667-1783 or see related links at the bottom of the page.

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, Business Inquiry at 1-800-959-5525 or see related links at the bottom of the page.