Simply Maria (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of all clients under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Ontario. This notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard Personal Health Information (PHI) within our home-care services.

Under PHIPA, PHI includes any identifying information about your health or the care you receive. This may include:

• Name, address, phone number
   
• Health conditions, limitations, or care needs
   
• Health history or relevant personal information
   
• Records of services provided
   
• Contact information of substitute decision-makers
   
• Any information shared to support safe care delivery
   

Simply Maria provides non-medical home-care services, but may still collect limited health-related information necessary to support your care and safety.

We may collect PHI:

• Directly from you
   
• From a family member, caregiver, or SDM (with your consent when required)
   
• Through assessments, service requests, or care planning
   
• When coordinating non-medical home support services
   

We use your PHI only for purposes that relate to providing safe, effective, and appropriate non-medical home-care services, including:

• Assessing your needs
   
• Creating and updating your care plan
   
• Communicating with you and your authorized caregivers
   
• Ensuring your safety and well-being
   
• Managing administrative and operational tasks
   
• Complying with legal or regulatory requirements
   

We do not use your PHI for marketing or advertising without your explicit consent.

We may disclose your PHI:

• To family members, caregivers, or SDMs involved in your care
   
• To community agencies or service partners involved in coordinating support
   

Only when necessary for:

• Preventing serious harm
   
• Safety or emergency situations
   
• Legal or regulatory compliance
   
• Requests from authorized government bodies We do not sell or trade PHI.

You have the right to:

• Access and review your personal health information
   
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
   
• Withdraw or limit your consent (subject to legal obligations)
   
• Be informed of any breaches where your privacy is at risk
   
• Ask who has accessed or disclosed your PHI (in accordance with PHIPA rules) To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.

Simply Maria uses appropriate physical, administrative, and electronic measures to protect PHI from:

• Unauthorized access
   
• Loss or theft
   
• Misuse or disclosure
   
• Alteration
   

All staff are trained in privacy and confidentiality, and access is limited to those involved in your care.

We keep your records only as long as required by PHIPA and applicable regulations. When no longer needed, information is securely destroyed or anonymized.

In the event of a privacy breach, we will:

1. Take immediate steps to contain the breach
    
2. Notify affected individuals as required
    
3. Report to the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) if required
    
4. Take corrective actions to prevent future incidents
    

If you have questions about this PHIPA Privacy Notice, want to access your information, or wish to make a privacy-related complaint, please contact:

Simply Maria Home Care
705-257-0415
simplymariass@proton.me

If your concern is not resolved, you may contact:
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC)

This Breach Response Policy outlines how Simply Maria identifies, reports, manages, and prevents privacy breaches involving Personal Health Information (PHI), in compliance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

A privacy breach occurs when PHI is:

• Lost
   
• Stolen
   
• Accessed without authorization
   
• Used or disclosed improperly
   
• Altered or destroyed without permission This includes intentional and accidental incidents.

• Misplaced or lost client documents
   
• Unauthorized caregiver viewing a client’s file
   
• Email or text messages sent to the wrong person
   
• Caregiver discussing client information publicly
   
• Device with client information being stolen
   
• Improper disposal of documents containing PHI
   

• Immediately report any suspected or confirmed breach to management
   
• Not attempt to fix or hide the breach
   
• Follow all privacy and security policies
   

• Investigate all breaches promptly
   
• Notify the affected client(s) as required
   
• Document and record all breach details
   
• Notify the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) when required
   
• Apply corrective actions and staff retraining
   

• Secure records
   
• Disable access if necessary
   
• Retrieve any improperly shared PHI
   

Caregivers must report the breach as soon as it is discovered, including:

• What happened
   
• What type of PHI was involved
   
• Who was affected
   
• When the breach occurred
   

Management will review:

• Cause of the breach
   
• Type and sensitivity of PHI involved
   
• Whether PHI was accessed, copied, or disclosed
   
• Risks of harm to the client
   

Clients must be notified as soon as reasonably possible, and the notice will include:

• Description of the breach
   
• What information was involved
   
• Steps Simply Maria is taking to address it
   
• Steps the client can take
   
• Contact information for concerns
   

A report will be made to the IPC if the breach involves:

• Theft
   
• Intentional breach
   
• Significant risk of harm
   
• Repeated breaches
   
• PHI not returned or recovered
   

All breaches will be recorded in a Breach Log including:

• Date
   
• Description
   
• Individuals involved
   
• Corrective actions
   
• Notification details
   

After resolution, Simply Maria will:

• Identify vulnerabilities
   
• Update policies
   
• Provide additional caregiver training
   
• Implement corrective measures

Simply Maria is committed to providing compassionate, reliable, and high-quality non-medical home-care services. This Service Policy explains what clients can expect from our services, what is included, and the guidelines we follow to ensure safety, respect, and professionalism.

Simply Maria provides non-medical home-care services such as:

• Assistance with daily living activities
   
• Light housekeeping
   
• Meal preparation
   
• Companionship
   
• Medication reminders (non-clinical)
   
• Mobility assistance
   

Services are available to clients who:

• Require non-medical support at home
   
• Can safely receive services in a home environment
   
• Participate in a care assessment to determine appropriate service needs
   

We may decline service if safety concerns or inappropriate care needs are identified.

Service hours may vary and are scheduled based on:

• Caregiver availability
   
• Client needs
   
• Agreed-upon service plan
   

Changes to scheduled hours must be requested in advance.

Each client receives a personalized care plan outlining:

• Tasks to be completed
   
• Frequency and schedule
   
• Safety considerations
   
• Preferences and special instructions
   

Care plans may be updated as needs change.

Our caregivers are required to:

• Maintain professionalism and respect at all times
   
• Follow safety protocols
   
• Protect client confidentiality
   
• Report concerns or hazards to management
   
• Not lift clients beyond safe handling limits
   
• Not perform tasks outside their training or role
   

Clients and family members must also maintain a safe and respectful environment.

Payment terms (if applicable):

• Services must be paid according to the agreed-upon schedule
   
• Late or missed payments may affect service delivery
   
• Additional or extended services may incur added charges
   

If you want, I can create a separate Payment Policy for clarity.

Clients may cancel or reschedule with appropriate notice.
Short-notice cancellations may incur a fee depending on your business rules (I can customize this if you want).

Simply Maria respects client privacy. All personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Simply Maria is not responsible for:

• Medical outcomes
   
• Accidents caused by unsafe home conditions
   
• Situations that arise due to lack of accurate information provided by the client or family
   
• Events outside our reasonable control
   

We strive to provide safe and reliable support but cannot guarantee outcomes.

For questions about services, changes, or concerns, please contact:
Simply Maria Home Care
705-257-0415
simplymariassm@proton.me

Simply Maria provides non-medical home-care services designed to support clients with daily living activities. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, nursing, or professional healthcare advice.

Although we strive to keep all content accurate and up to date, Simply Maria makes no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

Home-care needs vary from person to person. Visitors should consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical, nursing, or therapeutic guidance specific to their situation. Our services do not replace medical care, emergency services, or the advice of licensed clinicians.

Simply Maria is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from use of this website or from any action taken based on the information provided.

External links, if included, are provided for convenience only. Simply Maria has no control over the content or availability of those sites and does not endorse or assume responsibility for their content.

By using this website, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.