ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the topic of home-based community service provision by reflecting on the main characteristics of Quebec’s system. It explains the manner in which services affect caregivers. The chapter examines the interrelationship between service provisions and discusses the importance of ongoing needs assessments to insure appropriate service provision. It describes the financial dilemma common to many health-care agencies is considered; that is, the problem of securing adequate program funding and containing costs during a time of rising health-care costs. The chapter addresses the three main points: the development and promotion of autonomous community organizations, the provision of a “high quality of life” to community residents, and local participation in the program development and implementation. The home-care services provided by the Local Community Services Centers have multiple functions. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the direction of home-care services in assisting caregivers who support older community-dwelling family members.
