Let's compare the options, honestly.
Before deciding, see all three paths side by side. Figures updated 2026, based on Quebec public programs and our experience since 2004.
CLSC home support
Quebec's public network — Local community health services
- Presence: 1 to 5 hours/week (per evaluation)
- Continuity: Rotating staff
- Location: Your parent's home
- Cost: Free or income-based contribution
- Wait time: Often several months
Best for: very light needs, occasional support
Regency live-in caregiver
One dedicated person at your parent's home
- Presence: Daily — 40 to 60 hours/week
- Continuity: One person, 2 to 4 years
- Location: Your parent's home
- Caregiver wage: from $19.27/hr (2026 TFWP rate)
- Lead time: 8 to 9 months (TFWP)
Best for: constant daily support, home preservation
Senior residence (RPA) or CHSLD
Private senior residence or public/private long-term care
- Presence: 24/7 but shared with other residents
- Continuity: Rotating staff, collective setting
- Location: Off-home
- RPA cost: $1,800 to $7,000/month
- CHSLD: income-based — 12 to 24 month wait
Best for: heavy 24/7 medical care unavoidable
Quebec assistance programs — what you should know
These programs can significantly reduce your real cost. We help you navigate them during your free consultation with Ida.
Sources: Revenu Québec 2026, RAMQ, RQRA — indicative figures. Personalized estimates provided during your free consultation.
The human behind the service.
Who she is, what she sees, the jargon that brings her here, and the journey she travels to reach your parent's home.
The person who will care for your parent.
Her name is Maria, Rosario or Eleanor. She's 35 to 50 years old, mostly from the Philippines, Mexico or Latin America, and she has already cared for seniors for 5, 10, sometimes 15 years before coming to Quebec.
She was trained as a personal support worker, licensed practical nurse, or certified caregiver in her home country. She speaks English, and either learns or already speaks French. Before she arrives in your home, she has gone through our verification process: background check, medical references, video interviews with Ida and with you.
She comes here with a 2 to 4 year contract through the TFWP. For her, this is a life project — not a side gig. That's why she settles in, gets attached, and becomes a familiar face your parent waits for every morning.
The moment you knew it was time to act.
For every family, it's different. But there's almost always a trigger. Do you recognize one of these moments?
The fall
She fell. This time she was alright. But you know the next time could be different.
The forgotten medication
You find Tuesday's pills on Thursday. The doctor has called three times this month. She says it's nothing.
The silence
She never complains. But the neighbour calls you. The fridge is nearly empty. And she's lost 10 pounds.
A live-in caregiver sees these signals before they become a tragedy. Not after.
Immigration jargon, explained simply.
No immigration crash course needed. Everything you should know, in plain English.
What is the TFWP (PTET)?
The TFWP (Temporary Foreign Worker Program) is a Canadian federal program that allows a Canadian family to legally hire an international caregiver when local labour is insufficient. For senior care, it's the main path because Quebec is critically short on personal support workers. The work permit usually lasts 2 to 4 years, is renewable, and can lead to permanent residency.
Why $19.27/hr exactly?
This is the minimum hourly wage imposed by the federal government for the "Home support — seniors" category through the TFWP in 2026. The rate is updated yearly by Employment and Social Development Canada. It's non-negotiable — paying less would invalidate the work permit. The rate can be higher depending on the caregiver's profile (experience, certifications).
What is the medical exception (in Montreal)?
Normally, Schedule H restricts international live-in caregivers in Montreal, Laval, Gatineau and Brossard. But if the cared-for person has a documented medical condition, a disability, or loss of autonomy attested by a physician, the medical exception applies automatically and unlocks the TFWP across Quebec, including Montreal. For seniors, the exception is almost always applicable — it's our most frequent scenario.
What is the LMIA?
The LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is the official federal authorization confirming that no Canadian worker is available for the role. Regency handles it for you. Typical timeline: 3 to 4 months. Once the LMIA is approved, the caregiver can file her work permit application.
What is Schedule H and which regions are affected?
Schedule H is the annex of a federal regulation that designates 4 Canadian regions as "high unemployment rate" zones. As a result: the TFWP for live-in caregivers is restricted there unless the medical exception applies. In Quebec, the regions concerned are: Montreal, Laval, Gatineau, Brossard. For seniors with loss of autonomy, the medical exception is almost always applicable.
The 8 to 9 month journey — step by step.
From the moment you fill out the form to the day she steps into your parent's home.
Recruitment & verification
2 to 4 weeksRegency selects, runs background checks, organizes video interviews, and validates the profile with you.
LMIA filed
3 to 4 monthsLabour Market Impact Assessment — Regency handles every step with the federal government.
Work permit
2 to 3 monthsApplication at the Canadian embassy, medical exam, and biometrics. The caregiver prepares her arrival.
Arrival in Canada
2 to 4 weeksFlight, move-in, initial onboarding. Regency stays available throughout the transition period.
2 to 4 year contract
renewableWith the option of permanent residency after the initial contract. A real, lasting presence.
A caregiver for your parent — let's start on the right foot.
30 seconds to answer. We call you back within 24 hours with a first personalized plan.
What you get with Regency.
No commitment · Confidential · Reply within 24 hours
What you experience, from form to arrival.
No mystery. Here's exactly what happens, in order, and how long each step takes.
You fill out the form
30 secondsNo commitment. We just need to know your region, your situation, and how to reach you.
Ida calls you back
24 to 48 hoursFree consultation: eligibility, medical exception, and Quebec assistance programs that apply to your case.
You receive matched profiles
1 to 2 weeksReal caregivers, with senior care experience, certifications, references — pre-screened by us.
You meet them on video
At your own paceYou interview the candidates yourself, ideally with your parent. You choose who fits.
She arrives at your parent's home
8 to 9 months totalOnce selected, Regency handles LMIA, work permit, flight, and onboarding.
All of Quebec. No exception for seniors.
Unlike for nannies, the medical exception almost always applies to seniors — which unlocks the TFWP across the entire province, Greater Montreal included.
All Quebec regions outside Greater Montreal
Quebec City, Saguenay, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Drummondville, Rimouski, and every other Quebec region.
Greater Montreal — unlocked for seniors
Montreal, Laval, Gatineau, Brossard.
The questions we hear most often.
If your question isn't here, just call Ida — she probably has the answer.
📋 TFWP & eligibility
Does the TFWP work in Montreal for seniors?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. While Schedule H normally restricts the TFWP in Montreal, Laval, Gatineau and Brossard, the medical exception applies to seniors with loss of autonomy — which unlocks the program. For seniors, this is our most frequent case.
How long does the process really take?
8 to 9 months total between your first consultation and the caregiver's arrival: LMIA 3-4 months, work permit 2-3 months, flight and onboarding 1-2 months. The timeline is set by the federal government and can't be shortened — but we can start it today.
What happens after the 2-4 year contract? Can she stay?
Yes. After her initial contract, the caregiver can renew her work permit or apply for permanent residency. Many of the families we support keep their caregiver for 5, 8 or even 10 years. For her, it's a life project — not a side gig.
💰 Costs & Quebec assistance
How much does it really cost, after Quebec assistance?
The caregiver's wage is at least $19.27/hr (2026 TFWP rate). Depending on your situation, several Quebec assistance programs can significantly reduce your net cost: home-support tax credit (up to 36% refundable for seniors 70+), CIUSSS Employment Service Cheque, SAPA program. Ida calculates your real net cost during your free consultation.
What are Regency's fees, on top of the caregiver's wage?
Our fees vary depending on your situation, your region, and the caregiver's profile. They cover: recruitment, verifications, full TFWP management (LMIA + work permit + flight + arrival), and support throughout the contract. You receive a transparent quote during your consultation — no surprises along the way.
🛡️ Process & guarantees
What if things don't work out with the caregiver?
First, we're here to help with the transition — most early-week frictions sort themselves out with a bit of adjustment. If the situation is more serious, Regency stays your point of contact and works out a tailored solution. That's why we take the time to match well from the start.
How does Regency verify backgrounds and certifications?
Every caregiver goes through: criminal background check, verification of professional certifications (personal support worker, licensed practical nurse, etc.), references from previous employers, medical exam, and several video interviews with Ida. You receive the full file before you meet her.
🏠 Daily life
Can she care for someone with dementia or Alzheimer's?
Many of our caregivers have specific experience in geriatric care, including dementia and Alzheimer's. You can let us know on the form — we filter profiles accordingly. The continuity (one person for 2-4 years) is also a major asset for people with dementia, who benefit greatly from stability.
How many hours per week does she work? Where does she sleep?
A live-in caregiver typically works 40 to 60 hours per week, depending on the contract. You must provide her with a private separate bedroom and meals. She has weekly days off and daily rest hours — it's all framed by Quebec labour standards.
In case of a medical emergency, who makes the decision?
The caregiver is trained to react to emergencies: call 911, contact the family immediately, follow pre-set medical directives. The family remains the primary decision-maker for any important medical decision. We help you set up a simple protocol with your doctor and the caregiver upon arrival.
Their home stays theirs.
With someone they can count on.
From the first call to her arrival, we're with you every step. Take the first step today — Ida calls you back within 24 hours with a personalized plan.
No commitment · 24h reply · Confidential