A website of Dominion Lending Centres Homestead Financial · Independently Owned and Operated · Brokerage Licence #11711 # Home Care Whitby: Paying for Extra Help at Home | ReverseMortgageWhitby.ca > How Whitby homeowners 55+ pay for extra care at home: Ontario Health atHome, Town of Whitby supports, and a reverse mortgage. Free estimate, no sales pressure. URL: https://reversemortgagewhitby.ca/paying-for-home-care-whitby/ # Paying for extra home care in Whitby The home care Whitby residents get through Ontario Health atHome follows a plan set by a care coordinator. Extra private hours are paid for by the family. A reverse mortgage can cover those hours as a lump sum, scheduled deposits or both, with no required monthly mortgage payments, and the money doesn't reduce OAS or GIS. [Get My Free Estimate](https://reversemortgagebroker.ca/estimate/?utm_source=reversemortgagewhitby&utm_medium=satellite&utm_campaign=paying-for-home-care-whitby) [Use the Whitby calculator](/tools/reverse-mortgage-calculator-whitby/) No cost · No credit check · No sales pressure - Every owner on title 55 or older - No required monthly mortgage payments - You keep the title to your Whitby home - The money is tax-free - Your own lawyer explains it before you sign On this page - [Start with publicly funded care](#start-with-publicly-funded-care) - [Help the Town of Whitby already offers](#help-the-town-of-whitby-already-offers) - [Using a reverse mortgage for private care hours](#using-a-reverse-mortgage-for-private-care-hours) - [When care at home is no longer enough](#when-care-at-home-is-no-longer-enough) - [Other ways families make room for care](#other-ways-families-make-room-for-care) - [Getting a recommendation](#getting-a-recommendation) [ReverseMortgageWhitby.ca](/) sets out how Whitby homeowners 55 and older can pay for more help at home. Public care comes first. Town and Durham Region services fill some gaps. A reverse mortgage is one way to pay for the private hours that are left. ## Start with publicly funded care **Ontario Health atHome is the provincial agency that arranges publicly funded home care.** You can reach it at 1-833-515-1234 or through [ontariohealthathome.ca](https://ontariohealthathome.ca/). Your doctor or another health care professional, including a hospital team before you go home, can also refer you. A care coordinator works with you to decide the type and level of service you need. That plan sets what the public system provides and how often. **Help beyond the plan is paid for privately.** Families often add extra hours of personal support, overnight help or housekeeping through a private agency. Ontario Health atHome says it doesn’t usually provide housekeeping, and its staff can point you to private-pay or subsidized services. ## Help the Town of Whitby already offers ### Free snow clearing at the end of your driveway **The Town clears the snowbank at the end of your driveway for free**, along with the Town-owned sidewalk beside your property. Whitby residents 65 and older qualify, as do people whose doctor certifies they are unable to clear snow. It applies only when no one under 65 in the home is able to help. Registration for winter 2026-27 is open from September 14 to November 1, 2026, online at whitby.ca/WindrowApp ([Town of Whitby, 2026](https://www.whitby.ca/payments-and-services/parking-roads-and-transportation/snow-and-windrow-clearing-services)). The crews come after 10 cm of snow for the driveway end and 5 cm for sidewalks. ### The Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre **Membership costs $22.86 plus HST a year** for ages 55 to 89, and it’s free for residents 90 and older. The centre is at 801 Brock St S, with more 55+ programs at the Brooklin Community Centre and Library on Vipond Rd ([Town of Whitby, 2026](https://www.whitby.ca/community-and-people/55plus-programs-and-services/where-to-find-us/)). The centre also runs a **free income tax clinic** for low-income seniors from March 1 to April 30. It’s for single people earning under $35,000 and couples under $45,000, with drop-off at the centre ([Town of Whitby, 2026](https://www.whitby.ca/community-and-people/55plus-programs-and-services/support-and-resources/)). ### Rides from Durham Region Transit **Durham Region runs Specialized Services, an accessible ride service for people who can’t use regular buses.** Eligibility depends on whether a disability stops you from using scheduled transit. It isn’t based on age or income, and a temporary disability can qualify ([Durham Region Transit](https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/routes-and-schedules/eligibility.aspx)). ## Using a reverse mortgage for private care hours **With a reverse mortgage, you borrow against your Whitby home and make no required monthly mortgage payments.** To qualify, each owner on title has to be 55 or older, and the home has to be your main residence. Property tax, home insurance and upkeep stay your responsibility. ### Three ways to receive the money - **A lump sum.** Lenders typically ask for a first amount of roughly $20,000 to $25,000. - **Scheduled deposits.** These often start at around $1,000 a month, paid into your bank account on a set schedule. - **A mix of both.** For example, a first amount for a bathroom change, then monthly deposits for a caregiver. Interest is charged only on money you’ve received. Some lenders charge a small fee for each extra amount you ask for later, and the rate on later amounts differs by lender. ### How much and at what rate **The most you can borrow rises with age**, from about 46% of your home’s value at 55 to about 60% from age 78. Anything still owing on the home is paid off first from that same amount. The [Whitby reverse mortgage calculator](/tools/reverse-mortgage-calculator-whitby/) gives a first figure. On September 17, 2026, the four lenders were advertising five-year fixed rates between 6.23% and 6.94% ([reversemortgagebroker.ca, September 2026](https://reversemortgagebroker.ca/reverse-mortgage-rate-increase-september-2026/)). The one-time costs, including the appraisal and legal fees, are set out in the [guide to reverse mortgage costs in Whitby](/guide/reverse-mortgage-cost-whitby/). ### The money is not income **Reverse mortgage money doesn’t reduce your OAS or GIS**, because it’s a loan. No tax slip is issued. Interest earned on a lump sum left sitting in savings does count as income, so scheduled deposits suit care bills that arrive month by month. RRIF withdrawals work differently: the Canada Revenue Agency taxes them as income in the year you receive them ([CRA](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/registered-retirement-income-fund-rrif.html)). ### Your home and your estate **You can never owe more than your home is worth** (its fair market value) when the mortgage comes due, as long as property taxes, insurance and upkeep are kept up. Whitby homeowners get this protection, typically called the no negative equity guarantee, from all four lenders. Over time, interest is added to the balance. Rising Whitby home prices can make up for part or all of that interest, so your family’s equity isn’t certain to shrink. Recent prices are in the [Whitby home prices guide](/guide/whitby-home-prices/). ## When care at home is no longer enough **A permanent move of the last borrower into long-term care makes the mortgage due.** If your spouse is also on the mortgage and still lives at home, nothing changes. Families commonly have up to a year to sell or repay. Long-term care applications also go through Ontario Health atHome. Costs, local homes and waiting lists are covered in the [Whitby long-term care guide](/guide/long-term-care-whitby/). ## Other ways families make room for care Some families bring a relative or caregiver to live close by, in a [secondary suite on the same Whitby lot](/secondary-suite-whitby/). Others change the house itself with [renovations that make it safer to stay in your home](/accessible-home-renovations-whitby/), such as a main-floor bathroom. Property tax is still due with a reverse mortgage. The Town’s rebate for low-income seniors on GIS is explained in the [Whitby property tax guide for seniors](/guide/whitby-property-tax-seniors/). ## Getting a recommendation **Richard Hopkins, Mortgage Broker, compares every reverse mortgage lender in Canada for your Whitby home.** Home equity lines of credit, refinances and regular mortgages are part of his work too. Once each one is weighed, you get a recommendation based on your situation, even if it’s not a reverse mortgage. Whitby families deal with Richard by email and phone, and your children can be copied on every message. You never need to visit an office. The [short reverse mortgage assessment](/tools/reverse-mortgage-assessment/) is a simple place to begin. ## The parts Richard takes care of - Works out how much your Whitby home could provide at your age - Compares every reverse mortgage lender in Canada for you - Sets up a first amount, scheduled deposits or both, to match your care costs - Explains how the money affects your OAS, GIS and tax return - Looks at a home equity line of credit or refinance as well - Copies your children on every email, if you want them involved - Helps you choose a lawyer near you for your independent legal advice appointment (ILA), and contacts them for you - Explains what happens to the mortgage if a move to long-term care comes later ## Your choices next to each other **Three ways to pay for extra care at home (general features; your own figures depend on your age, home and income)** | Question | Reverse mortgage | Home equity line of credit | Savings or RRIF withdrawals | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Monthly payments | No required monthly mortgage payments | Payments required, and they rise when the prime rate rises | None, you spend money you already have | | Qualifying | Every owner 55 or older; no bank-style income test | Income-tested, with a stress test | Nothing to qualify for | | Interest | Added to the balance; nothing leaves your bank account | Charged at a variable rate tied to prime | None, but the money stops earning returns | | Effect on OAS and GIS | None, the money is a loan | None, the money is a loan | RRIF withdrawals are taxable income and can reduce GIS | | How much is available | Up to about 60% of the home's value, depending on age | Up to 65% of the home's value, if income qualifies | What you have saved | ## Related Whitby guides - [Long term care in Whitby: homes, waiting lists, costs and your house](/guide/long-term-care-whitby/) - [Reverse mortgage cost in Whitby: one-time fees, interest and an example](/guide/reverse-mortgage-cost-whitby/) - [Whitby property tax for seniors: 2026 rates, due dates and relief](/guide/whitby-property-tax-seniors/) - [Whitby house prices in 2026, and what your home could provide](/guide/whitby-home-prices/) ## Where these figures come from Checked 2026-10-16. 1. [Ontario Health atHome, home page and provincial line (accessed 2026-10-16)](https://ontariohealthathome.ca/) 2. [Ontario Health atHome, Home care (accessed 2026-10-16)](https://ontariohealthathome.ca/home-care/) 3. [Town of Whitby, Snow and windrow clearing services, winter 2026-27 (accessed 2026-10-16)](https://www.whitby.ca/payments-and-services/parking-roads-and-transportation/snow-and-windrow-clearing-services) 4. [Town of Whitby, 55+ programs: where to find us and membership (accessed 2026-10-16)](https://www.whitby.ca/community-and-people/55plus-programs-and-services/where-to-find-us/) 5. [Town of Whitby, 55+ support and resources, tax clinic (accessed 2026-10-16)](https://www.whitby.ca/community-and-people/55plus-programs-and-services/support-and-resources/) 6. [Durham Region Transit, Specialized Services eligibility (accessed 2026-10-16)](https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/routes-and-schedules/eligibility.aspx) 7. [Canada Revenue Agency, Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/registered-retirement-income-fund-rrif.html) 8. [reversemortgagebroker.ca, Reverse mortgage rate update, September 17, 2026](https://reversemortgagebroker.ca/reverse-mortgage-rate-increase-september-2026/) ## From a first question to money in your account, in seven steps Everything runs by email and phone apart from two visits: the appraiser comes to your home once, and you meet your own lawyer before signing. You can stop at any step. 1. 1 Free estimate Answer a few questions about you and your Whitby home, which takes about 90 seconds. Your credit isn't affected. 2. 2 Every lender compared Richard Hopkins, Mortgage Broker, checks all four Canadian lenders against your home and goals. In his first email you see how much you could get and the lenders that fit, and he asks how much you'd like. You never have to take the full amount. 3. 3 Application Once you've chosen an option, fill out a quick form and send a few documents. Your credit is checked once, and your application goes only to the lender you choose. 4. 4 Approval The lender usually sends its mortgage commitment letter within a day or two. 5. 5 Appraisal One visit from an appraiser confirms your home's value for the lender. 6. 6 Independent legal advice You meet a lawyer of your own choosing for your independent legal advice appointment (ILA). Before you sign, that lawyer, who works for you alone, explains every page. 7. 7 Closing The lender sends the money to the lawyer or title company doing the closing. They pay off your current mortgage, any other debts on the home and the costs, then deposit the remaining money into your bank account. ## Questions and answers **Can a reverse mortgage pay for a private caregiver every month?** Yes. **Scheduled deposits** can pay a caregiver as the bills arrive. They often start at around $1,000 a month, and you can add a first lump sum as well. Interest is charged only on money you've received. There are no required monthly mortgage payments, so the deposits go straight to your care. **Does reverse mortgage money reduce OAS or GIS?** No. A reverse mortgage is a loan, so the money isn't income and **doesn't reduce your OAS or GIS**. One detail matters: interest you earn on a large lump sum left in a savings account does count as income for GIS the following year. Deposits you spend as care bills arrive avoid that. **Who qualifies for the Town of Whitby's free windrow clearing?** Whitby residents 65 and older qualify, and so do people whose doctor certifies they are unable to clear snow, as long as no one under 65 in the home can help. Registration for winter 2026-27 runs **September 14 to November 1, 2026**. People away more than 45 days in a row over the winter don't qualify. **What happens to a reverse mortgage after a move into long-term care?** A permanent move of the **last** borrower into care makes the mortgage due. If your spouse is also a borrower and still lives in the home, nothing changes. Families commonly have up to a year to settle. Read the [Whitby long-term care guide](/guide/long-term-care-whitby/) for costs and waiting lists. **Is Richard's help free for Whitby homeowners?** Yes. You never pay Richard. When your mortgage funds, the lender you picked pays his brokerage, and the four lenders all pay the same amount, so his pay is the same, no matter which lender he recommends. You do pay for the appraisal and your own lawyer, and you see those costs before you sign. ## More ways Whitby homeowners use a reverse mortgage [Renovating to stay in your home Main-floor bedrooms, walk-in showers and stair lifts for Whitby family homes, and a way to pay without monthly payments.](/accessible-home-renovations-whitby/) [Adding a suite for family Town rules, fees and deadlines for a basement apartment or garden suite, and a way to pay for the build without monthly payments.](/secondary-suite-whitby/) [Helping your child buy a home Whitby first-home prices, how a gift reaches your child's down payment, and what to settle with your lawyer first.](/help-your-child-buy-a-home-whitby/) Date modified: 2026-10-16 --- Free reverse mortgage estimate (no sales pressure): https://reversemortgagebroker.ca/estimate/?utm_source=reversemortgagewhitby&utm_medium=satellite&utm_campaign=paying-for-home-care-whitby Operated by Dominion Lending Centres Homestead Financial, a mortgage brokerage licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario, brokerage licence #11711. Independently Owned and Operated. ReverseMortgageWhitby.ca is a website of Dominion Lending Centres Homestead Financial, not a separate brokerage. Richard Hopkins, Mortgage Broker, licence M16000896.