The provincial government is providing up to $5 million to help home support workers and family support workers dealing with the higher transportation costs of serving clients.

This funding will allow about 4,200 home support workers and 1,100 family support workers to receive one-time support for mileage costs. The funding will be distributed to workers through their employers. More details on the payment process will be communicated directly to agencies and workers.

Home support workers provide in-person care to seniors and people with disabilities. Their services can help with daily activities such as personal care, light housekeeping and meal preparation. These services can also include relief to caregivers.

Family support workers have training and education to help people with exceptional needs, including children. Their services are goal-driven and focus on skill-building, behavioural issues, social inclusion activities, recreation or therapeutic activities, role modelling, parenting support and relief care for the client’s family.