Clinical teams recommend Buddy Services with confidence because we operate with a clearly defined non-clinical scope, maintain professional communication with all stakeholders, and offer affordable, flexible scheduling. Our model is built specifically to align with Ontario’s discharge safety priorities, acting as a reliable, professional extension of the patient’s transition plan.

We aim to accommodate requests for a buddy of a specific gender, and you have the final say in the selection process, however, based on our experience, best alignment occurs when gender of buddy and senior match. Additionally, we can adjust the hours your buddy works to match your changing needs.

Buddy Services functions as a community-based support option designed to complement— not replace — publicly funded HCCSS pathways. We recognize that HCCSS is the primary provider of post-discharge support; however, when those services are delayed, insufficient for 24-hour needs, or limited in availability, we provide a seamless private-care bridge to ensure patient safety is maintained.

Buddy Services should be considered whenever there is a gap between a patient’s clinical readiness for discharge and the immediate availability of public home supports. Key indicators include:
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- Publicly funded HCCSS services are currently delayed or limited in hours.
- The patient requires immediate same-day or within 24-hour discharge coverage.
- Family members are unavailable or unable to meet the high supervision needs of the patient.
- Overnight or 24-hour supervision is required to support a safe transition home.

We prioritize responsiveness to accommodate the high-velocity nature of hospital discharges. Once a referral is received, our intake team reviews the requirements and contacts the family or substitute decision-maker promptly. Urgent referrals, including same-day or within 24-hour discharges, are prioritized to ensure the discharge window is met.

We require a non-clinical summary of the support needed and the family's contact information. To protect patient privacy and comply with data standards, we ask that hospital staff do not include confidential clinical charts or sensitive medical history in the initial referral. Our intake team coordinates specific care needs directly with the family and substitute decision-makers.