(formerly: Functional Limitation Programs Access Point)
- What Is the Access Point for Special Care Programs?
- Who Is This For?
- Programs Offered Through the Access Point
- About Home Autonomy Allowance
- Facebook Page & Messenger Use
- How to Apply or Get Support
What Is the Access Point for Special Care Programs?
APSC is the regional gateway to specialized home support and respite services for Nunavimmiut living with a temporary or permanent functional limitation, as well as for the people who care for them.
The Access Point is managed by the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS) and works closely with local health centres, caregivers, and community partners to ensure families are connected to the most appropriate programs and supports.
Who Is This For?
The Access Point supports:
- Adults or children living with a functional limitation
(e.g. physical disability, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, dementia, head trauma) - Informal caregivers (parents, family members, loved ones)
- Employers and care workers hired through the Home Autonomy Allowance
- Health and social services staff involved in assessment and care planning
Programs Offered Through the Access Point
The Access Point oversees several programs designed to increase home support and relieve caregiver burden:
Home Autonomy Allowance
(formerly known in English as Direct Allowance / Cheque-emploi service)
Allows a person living with a functional limitation to hire a care worker of their choice to provide home support. The person receiving care becomes the beneficiary-employer, while the program ensures fair pay, payroll management, and worker protections.
Respite Allowance (Disability / ASD)
Provides caregivers with quarterly financial support to arrange respite care when supporting a loved one living with a disability or autism spectrum disorder.
Lilly’s Fund (Makivvik Corporation)
Offers additional financial assistance to adults or children living with a severe and permanent physical or intellectual disability, helping reduce barriers to care and support family continuity.
Respite Services
These services allow caregivers to rest while ensuring safe and appropriate care for their loved one.
They include several options such as:
- Overnight caregiver respite
- Caregiver respite stays
- User respite stays or camps
About the Home Autonomy Allowance
The Home Autonomy Allowance enables Nunavimmiut to receive support at home from someone they trust, while ensuring care workers are paid fairly and protected.
Key points for care workers:
- Hourly wage: $30/hour (standard deductions apply)
- Pay every two weeks by direct deposit
- Payroll managed by Desjardins HR Solutions, with NRBHSS support
- Flexible schedules agreed upon with the beneficiary-employer
- CNESST coverage for work-related injuries
- Employment relationship is with the beneficiary-employer, not the health centre
Important:
The first payment may take up to four weeks, as registration must be completed before payroll processing begins.
Facebook Page & Messenger Use
A dedicated Facebook Page and Messenger are used specifically for employers and care workers under the Home Autonomy Allowance to:
- Submit timesheets directly for payroll processing
- Ask questions related to pay and timesheets
- Communicate efficiently with the Access Point administrative team
How to Apply or Get Support
Assessments and program requests are completed by health and social services staff in collaboration with families and caregivers. Requests are reviewed by the Access Point team to confirm eligibility, duration, and appropriate program combinations.