Financial

“One of the most difficult times for anyone is when a loved one is dying or at risk of death. The demands of caring for a gravely ill family member can jeopardize both your job and the financial security of your family. The Government of Canada believes that, during such times, you should not have to choose between keeping your job and caring for your family.

Compassionate care benefits are Employment Insurance (EI) benefits paid to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill and who has a significant risk of death within 26 weeks (six months). A maximum of 26 weeks of compassionate care benefits may be paid to eligible people.”

For further information and specific details on the Compassionate Care Benefits program, please access the Government of Canada Employment Insurance website.

Depending on the patient’s needs, home care services may be set up to help care for the patient at home. Home care is part of the health care system. Many regions in Canada have home care teams and may include health care providers trained in palliative care and symptom management. Funding for individual hospice or palliative care programs varies, so it’s important to contact the programs in your area to learn what services they provide.

Some provinces or territories cover medication costs if patients are registered in a palliative care program. These often have eligibility criteria.