Caregiver Jobs in Canada

Pay & schedule at a glance

This page describes a typical Caregiver role in Canada. Exact tasks and requirements vary by employer, province, and whether care is provided in a private home or a facility.

Gross pay means before standard deductions. Actual pay depends on province, experience, shift premiums, union/non-union policies, and overtime rules.

How we hire (hiring story)

Care roles are often filled quickly because employers need dependable people who can join a rota without gaps. Our shortlisting focuses on reliability, clear communication, and real-world caregiving exposure (family care, home care, facility work, or adjacent healthcare support).

• Step 1: CV review (skills, setting experience, availability, preferred province/city).
• Step 2: Matching to the care setting (home support vs facility support) and shift pattern.
• Step 3: Short call/interview focus: safety, boundaries, and practical scenarios.
• Step 4: Employer checks (may include background checks and reference confirmation where required).

Tip: a short “care tasks list” in your CV (what you actually did) tends to outperform generic summaries.

What you’ll do day to day

Core caregiving tasks

• Support with activities of daily living (ADLs): mobility assistance, dressing, hygiene, toileting support (role-dependent).
• Meal preparation, hydration reminders, and basic household support (light cleaning, laundry—scope depends on setting).
• Companionship and routine support: keeping the person engaged, calm, and safe.
• Medication reminders (where permitted by employer policy); documenting observations and handovers.
• Basic safety checks: fall-risk awareness, safe transfers, and keeping pathways clear.

Typical settings

• In-home care: more independence, strong boundaries, and clear communication with family members.
• Facility support: structured routines, teamwork, faster pace, and formal reporting.

Skills, experience, and certifications

Typical requirements

• English communication: A2+ recommended (you must be able to understand instructions and report issues).
• Reliability, empathy, and professional boundaries.
• Comfort with shift work and routine-based tasks (where applicable).
• Ability to follow safety procedures for transfers and mobility assistance.

Nice to have

• First Aid / CPR (often preferred by employers).
• Experience with elderly clients, dementia care, or mobility support.
• Care-related training certificates (home care, PSW-style training, caregiving courses).

Physical & practical expectations (role-dependent)

• Standing/walking for extended periods; occasional lifting or assisted transfers.
• Comfort working in a private home environment (respecting privacy and household rules).

Requirements vary by employer and province; some roles emphasize companionship and home support, while others are more hands-on.

Work authorization & documents (Canada)

To work legally in Canada, you typically need a valid work permit. Depending on your situation and the employer, this can be employer-specific (tied to a role/employer) or open (not tied to a single employer).

Common document checklist (general)

• Passport/identity documents valid for the intended employment period.
• Proof of relevant experience (references, employment letters, or a clear CV with tasks described).
• Background checks where required (for example, vulnerable-sector style checks may apply for some care settings).
• Any role-specific certificates requested by the employer (e.g., First Aid/CPR).

Important: employers’ compliance requirements differ by province and care setting. Always follow the employer’s onboarding instructions.

Candidate fit

You are a good fit if you…

• Can communicate calmly and clearly, especially when something changes suddenly.
• Respect privacy and boundaries in a home or facility environment.
• Prefer routine, reliability, and steady work over constant novelty.
• Document observations and follow instructions without improvising unsafe shortcuts.
• Can handle a rotating shift pattern when needed.
• Have real exposure to care tasks (family care counts if described clearly).

This role is not for you if you…

• Dislike repetitive daily routines or have low tolerance for shift work.
• Struggle with personal boundaries, confidentiality, or professional communication.
• Are not comfortable with hands-on support tasks (where required by the role).
• Expect “guaranteed” outcomes without meeting legal and employer requirements.