Cost is usually the first question families ask, and it is often the hardest to get a straight answer to. This guide explains the two main ways to arrange private home care in Metro Vancouver, what affects the cost, and how hiring a caregiver through HomeCare Bridge works.
Option 1: Hourly Care From an Agency
Most private home care agencies employ their caregivers and bill your family by the hour. A rate guide published by a Vancouver home care provider in August 2026 puts private home care at roughly $42 to $60 an hour, depending on the type of care, and overnight care at about $320 to $380 a night. Some agencies also set a minimum visit length.
Option 2: Hire Your Own Caregiver Through HomeCare Bridge
With HomeCare Bridge, your family hires a screened professional caregiver directly and becomes their employer. You agree the caregiver's pay rate, hourly or daily, within BC Employment Standards Act rules. HomeCare Bridge finds, screens and introduces candidates, sets up your CRA and WorkSafeBC accounts, and provides the agreements you need. You choose between Permanent Placement, or Placement with Administration Service.
What You Pay With a Placement
- The caregiver's wages, which you agree with them
- Employer costs, such as CPP and EI contributions, WorkSafeBC premiums, and vacation and statutory holiday pay
- The HomeCare Bridge placement fee: 50% when the agreements are signed, and the remaining 50% at the end of the three-month trial if both parties are happy to continue
- The cost of the administration service, if you choose Placement with Administration Service
Which Option Costs Less?
It depends on how much care you need. Because your caregiver is your employee, you pay their wage directly rather than an agency's hourly rate, which also covers the agency's overhead. For families who need many hours of care each week, such as live-in or regular overnight care, hiring through a placement is often the lower-cost option over time. For a few hours of occasional help, an hourly agency may be simpler. During your free consultation, we will help you compare both, with no obligation.
What Affects the Cost of Care
- How many hours a week you need
- Day, overnight or live-in care
- The level of care, from companionship to dementia or palliative support
- The caregiver's experience and qualifications
- Placement only, or placement with administration
How Hiring Through HomeCare Bridge Works
- Free consultation: we learn about the person who needs care and recommend a care plan.
- Matching and screening: we find, screen and interview qualified candidates, then arrange interviews with your family.
- Employer setup: we set up your CRA and WorkSafeBC accounts and provide agreements that comply with the BC Employment Standards Act.
- Three-month trial: your caregiver starts with a three-month trial so you can be sure the fit is right.
Learn how placement and costs work
Talk to Us About Care
Book a free, no-obligation consultation. We will learn about your situation and explain your options.
Or call us at 604-725-9014.