Understanding the Difference Between Caregiver and Care Provider in Manitoba
In Manitoba, terms like caregiver and care provider are often used interchangeably, but in many contexts, they refer to two different roles, especially when it comes to how care is given, regulated, and compensated. Whether you're exploring support for a loved one or looking to provide care yourself, understanding the distinction is helpful.
This article breaks down the key differences between caregivers and care providers in Manitoba and how organizations like Care Possible are helping bridge the gap with flexible, affordable, and inclusive care options.
What Is a Caregiver?
A caregiver is someone—often a family member, friend, or neighbour—who provides unpaid support to someone who is ageing, living with a disability, or managing a chronic health condition.
This support might include:
Helping with cooking, bathing, or dressing
Assisting with transportation or medication
Coordinating appointments or care schedules
Offering emotional and social support
Under the Caregiver Recognition Act of Manitoba, caregivers are formally acknowledged for their essential role in supporting loved ones in the community. Caregivers usually do not receive a salary for the care they provide and are, therefore, at times also referred to as unpaid caregivers, volunteer caregivers, or informal caregivers.
In many families, caregivers also take on the role of care organizer—managing appointments, coordinating multiple providers, and navigating complex health systems.
What Is a Care Provider?
A care provider, on the other hand, is paid to deliver professional care services. These individuals may work in a variety of settings, including:
Home care
Long-term care facilities
Hospitals
Community organizations
Care providers include:
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
Home Care Aides
Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Disability Support Workers
Care providers deliver hands-on support that can range from basic daily tasks to medical care, depending on the individual’s needs.
Where Care Possible Fits In
Care Possible is a Manitoba-based non-profit that offers an innovative and flexible model for in-home care. As a social enterprise of Manitoba Possible, every dollar earned above Care Possible’s costs will be reinvested in magnifying our impact.
Care Possible offers affordable, preference-based services that could be seen as offering the best aspects offered by both care providers and the flexibility often associated with family caregivers. Here's how:
Self and Family Managed Care Support: Care Possible helps self and family managers – those on funded programs and those paying out of pocket - by providing access to independent, security vetted care providers. This includes individuals and families who are approved for the Self and Family Managed Care Program through their RHA. This allows families to organize care their way—choosing who provides it and how it's delivered.
Flexible, Client-Directed Model: While Care Possible works with paid independent care providers, the structure gives families and care recipients the control often found in caregiver-led support systems. Clients can choose providers based on their preferences, needs, and values, including flexible hours with no minimum monthly commitment.
Affordable Rates: As a non-profit, Care Possible operates on a model that allows providers to offer services at affordable rates, making professional care accessible even to those on limited budgets.
By supporting family-managed care while bringing administrative tools and support for independent care providers, Care Possible breaks down barriers for people in need of care and those who provide it. These barriers include access to choice in who you work with, financial barriers, equitable treatment, administrative complexities, and safety concerns.
Resources for Caregivers and Care Providers in Manitoba
For Caregivers:
Primary Caregiver Tax Credit: A refundable tax credit available to eligible caregivers.
Manitoba Caregiver Recognition Act: Acknowledges and supports unpaid caregivers.
Care Possible: Support in organizing care and accessing reliable providers.
For Care Providers:
Training and Certification: Programs to help with credentialing and skills development.
Care Possible Care Community: Independent care providers can join to access client matches and ongoing support.
Final Thoughts
While caregivers and care providers in Manitoba both play vital roles, the biggest distinction comes down to compensation and formalization. Caregivers typically offer heartfelt, unpaid support out of love or responsibility, while care providers are professionals who deliver essential care as a paid service.
Organizations like Care Possible make it easier for families to benefit from flexibility and affordability while ensuring the quality and accountability of professional care.
This type of support can mean a world of difference for informal caregivers who often report the magnitude of their caregiver responsibilities challenging their physical, mental, and financial well-being 1.
Whether you're a caregiver looking for support or a care provider looking to offer your services, explore Care Possible and find the right fit.
About Care Possible
Care Possible is a non-profit social enterprise by Manitoba Possible, dedicated to providing affordable, flexible, and preference-based in-home and respite care services. We support seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families using self and family-managed care in Winnipeg. Our mission is to ensure that every Manitoban who accesses care has an excellent experience.
FOOTNOTE 1: Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence