Excel Care Headstrong News-Oct09

8/14/2019 Excel Care Headstrong News-Oct09

1/14

The thought of making a life change can be so intimidating t

though you want to be the master of your own destiny, youll en

nothing or settling for less than you deserve simply because you

of that change.

From the time we are born, we go through many changes, some

others, but all of them contribute to who and what we become in

The human spirit is a powerful thing. It allows you to cope withmany ways. This publication will highlight the many facets of c

it can be incorporated into your life.

Below are some quotes that deal with how some great people in

welcomed change and allowed it to make a positive mark in thei

lives of those who surround them.

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplis

who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all.

Dale Carnegie

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to cont

counts.

Winston Churchill

In order to get from what was to what will be, you must go thro

Anonymous

Patience and perseverance surmount every difficulty.

Anonymous

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through

trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, a

inspired and success achieved.

Helen Keller

Celeste Gallant, Executive Director, Excel Care

The Hamilton Brain Injury Association Headstrong Newsletter is pro

Excel Care. Should you have any questions or feedback, we would lo

you. Please contact us at [email protected] o

[email protected]

HEADSTROOctober 2009

3RD ANNUALFUNDRAISINGDINNER

NOVEMBER 19, 2009 DUNDAS VALLEY GOLF CLUB10 WOODLEYS LANE, DUNDAS

COCKTAILS @ 6

GRAND BUFFET DINNER @ 7

DATE LOCATION TIME

Providing support to individuals andfamilies living with the effects of an

acquired brain injury.

Single Tickets $125Table of Eight $1000

Contact Melissa @

905-333-0072


2/14

HEADSTRONG October 2009

2

Contact Us:

Hamilton Brain Injury

Association (HBIA)

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

www.hbia.ca

Newsletter Committee

Sandra BestNurse Case Manager/PresidentExcel Care

Celeste GallantCase Manager/Executive DirectorExcel Care

Ashlynn PerryCase Manager

Excel Care

Dave GaylorVolunteerHamilton Brain Injury Association

Nala NdawanaCo-ordinator of Support ServicesHamilton Brain Injury Association

Ben Van Berkel

VolunteerHamilton Brain Injury Association

Loreigh MitgesBoard MemberHamilton Brain Injury Association

Inside Stories:

H.B.I.A. Organization .........................................................3

My Perspective............................................ ..4

Interview with Nala Ndawana, Support Services CoordinatorA Fond Farewell to Milinda Alexender..................5

Article by Dave Gaylor

My

Perspective........6

Walk Run 2009 by Robert HarpwoodWalk-Run 2009 Updates & Photos..............................................7-9

Annual Barbeque 2009 Updates & Photos..............10-11Article by Dave Gaylor

Rehabilitation Perspective.........................................12New Regional Rehabilitation Centre by Sandra Best

Mind, Body & Spirit...........................................................................................13Coping with Change by Sandra Best

Medical Perspective........................................... .........14Seasonal and H1N1 Flu by Ashlynn Perry

Changes to the Legislation.15Bill 118: Cell Phone Ban by Ashlynn Perry

Legal Perspective...................................................................16-17

Ask the Experts.Paid Advertisements.................18-19

Provincial Perspective20Ontario Brain Injury Association Update by John Kumpf

A Thank You to Our Sponsors..21

Autumn Word Games.22-23

Upcoming Events Calendars........................24-25

3rd

Annual Fundraising Dinner Information......26-27

Sponsorship Information Ticket Order Form

Please complete the following and remit with payment to:

Hamilton Brain Injury Association

c/o Storrie, Velikonja573 Maple Ave., Unit 2

Burlington, ON L7S 2E8

Name

Organization

Address

Telephone # Fax # Email address

I would like to support this very worthwhile organization by:

Sponsorship:

_____ Platinum sponsorship @ $2,000 $ _____________ _____ Gold sponsorship @ $1,000 $ _____________ _____ Silver sponsorship @ $750 $ _____________ _____ Bronze sponsorship @ $500 $ _____________

Table:

_____ Tables of 8 @ $1,000 $ _____________

Individual tickets

# of tickets ______________ @ $125 $ _____________

Cash Donation of $_____________ $ _____________

Total Remitted $ _____________

Please make your cheque payable to: Hamilton Brain Injury Association

Your kindness and commitment is truly appreciated by the HBIA.

For further information, please contact Melissa @ Storrie, Velikonja or [email protected].

TICKET ORDER FORMHBIA 3rd Annual Fundraising Dinner

Thursday, November 19th

, 2009

Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club

10 Woodleys Lane, Dundas


3/14

HEADSTRONG Octobe

3

Hamilton Bra in Inju ry Association

The Hamilton Brain Injury Association (HBIA), a non-profit charitable association formed by bra

persons, their families, interested friends, care-givers, and community professionals, is dedicated to p

support and education, information sharing and raising awareness. The Hamilton Brain Injury Ass

affiliated with The Ontar io Brain Injur y Association. We are a self-supporting, volunteer-driven o

Our goal is to improve support, education, and appropriate treatment opportunities available for indi

with the effects of acquired brain injury. For more information please feel free to visit our website a

www.hbia.ca .

Through education, support and advocacy we are committed to serving the needs of survivors of bra

*promoting their interests *enhancing the quality of their lives *promoting safety and prevention.

Services Provided

Survivor Peer Support Group

Caregiver/Spousal Support Group Quarterly Publication of Headstrong Newsletter Public Awareness Promotion

Fundraising Projects

H.B.I.A. Annual Run-Walk Event H.B.I.A. Annual Fundraising Dinner

Our Board of Directors

Jane Grech President (Chair of the HR Committee)

Ted Newbigging Vice President (Chair of the Walk / Run Committee)

Diana Velikonja Secretary (Chair of the Education Committee/Member of the HR Com

Shannon Moffat Treasurer (Member of the Education Committee)

Francesca Rollo Director (Member of HR Committee)

Patty Petter Director (Book keeper)

Wayne Bender Director Member

Loreigh Mitges Director (Member of the Newsletter Committee)

Maike McCaskell Director (Member of HR Committee)

Brent Piper Director

HBIA Third Annual Fundraising DinnerSponsorship/Donation Opportunities

On Thursday, November 19th

, 2009, we are hosting our Third Annual Fundraising Dinner at theDundas Valley Golf and Curling Club. The money raised through this event will be used to run the survivor and

spousal support groups.

We hope that you will support the important work of HBIA by:

Sponsorship Platinum sponsor $2,000 Gold sponsor $1,000 Silver sponsor $ 750 Bronze sponsor $ 500

***Your generosity will be acknowledged throughout the eveningand in our newsletter and on our website***

Cash Donations We appreciate any donations that you are able to make and will note your generosity in our

newsletter.

Table Purchasing a table for 8 for $1,000 Bring your staff (&/or associates) out for a great evening of dining and mingling

Tickets Individual tickets can be purchased for $125 each

This event promises to be a fun evening of socializing with all the people you deal with

throughout the year!! Join us for.

Cocktails @ 6:00 & buffet dinner @ 7:00

Seating is limited so order as soon as possible to ensure you have your

seating. Sponsor by November 5th, to have your donation recognized!!


4/14


4

My Perspective

Interview with Nala Ndawana, New Support Services Co-ordinator

What is your background Nala, that b rings you here to your new position?

Having previously studied in Horticulture in my home country, Zimbabwe, and after staying in Canada for a

while, I decided to continue my education. Due to the extremely different climatic conditions here, I decided toseek a different career path and discovered a therapeutic recreation degree program at Concordia University in

Montreal. Personal experiences influenced me to choose this program that specializes in working with

marginalized populations.

Whilst working towards my degree at Concordia, I have worked part time in various fields; sales, IT, and

customer service. Within the past two years I have also worked in geriatrics as part of a Therapeutic recreation

team and have volunteered within the community, working with children with physical and mental disabilities.

So what attracted you to Hamilton and this position in particular?

There were many reasons that influenced me to move to Hamilton. Last summer, my family visited some friends

here and were attracted to the family friendly li festyle where there is easy access to numerous bi king and hiking

trails, attractive waterfalls, a great harbour and where traffic j ams are almost non-existent, compared to Montreal

or Toronto and the absence of a language barrier. The position of HBIA Coordinator, Support Services matched

my life goals of helping people in a caring profession. It matched my education focus and I was also looking at

working with a non-profit organization. I was also very interested in working with people with an acquired brain

injury and gaining more experience with this population.

And how have you found it so far in the short time you have been here?

Well, there have been lots of challenges: adjusting to Hamilton, getting to know the support group members and

cultivating new relationships, helping the support group members adjust to relocating to the new venue at the

General Hospital from Chedoke. It is a varied position with many facets and certainly non-routine. I enjoyed the

administrative aspect, facilitating the support group and I am looking forward to the fundraising activities as well

as cultivating existing and new relationships within the community. I always look forward to the support group

meetings, as I continue to learn so much about the members and hope that my presence has and will continue to

have a positive impact in their lives. I feel honoured to be allowed to be part of their lives. The position allows me

to constantly grow and evolve as a person, as I deal with new issues every day.

And what ar e your hopes for the p osition?

I hope to be able to bring my diverse personal experiences and professional expertise in Therapeutic Recreation

to benefit the support group members and the Hamilton Brain Injury Association. I look forward to continuing to

build on the position and bring growth to the services that the Association offers the community of Hamilton.

Thank you very much for this Nala. As a member of one of the suppo rt groups I think you are well on your way

to your goals for the position and think we are fortunate to have you.

Dave Gaylor, H.B.I.A. Volunteer

HEADSTRONG Octobe

6

25

December 2009

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri

1 2 3

HBIA Annual

Christmas Party

Peer Support1:30 3:30

4

6 7


8 9 1 0

Spousal Support

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

11

H

13 14

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

15 16 17

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

18

20 21

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

22 23 24

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

25

Christmas B

27 28

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

29 30 31

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

** Please note that the Monday Peer Support Group i s currently accepting new members.


5/14

HEADSTRONG Octobe

5

A Fond Farewell

Milinda Alexander has left The Hamilton Brain Injury Association to pursue a full-time position at

Hospital. The following is an abridged version of a farewell speech given by Dave Gaylor at the su

barbecue.

It seems like you have been part of our lives for such a short time Milinda. Part of the reason for t

has just flown by since you started in January 2008 because such an incredible number of things hav

that you were involved with. You continued where Caresse left off and raised the level of fundraisi

walk/run events; you introduced a couple of car wash fundraising events; and got us to go on a mem

Hamilton Harbour Cruise that had never happened before either.

Of course you still had the traditional things to do like the June 1st vigils, summer barbecues, Fall f

dinners, Christmas parties, contribution to the newsletter and a whole pile of organization and follow

in between them all. I know the Board has appreciated all of this too and the fact you are still invol

while taking on your new position. Yes even while you were doing that you continued with the M

Thursday support groups, advertised and helped interview for your own replacement and helped eas

the position.... and here you are helping today at the barbecue too... Well Milinda true to a one of o

expressions in the Thursday support group, I have to say: It's your fault.

Yes it's your fault that both groups work well and each person feels they have a place there... It's yo

everyone in both groups looks forward to coming every week. It's your fault that you have providedto use our abilities to help make the group work better or to stretch ourselves in the community at la

it's your fault, Milinda that you will be so fondly remembered by all of us here in the support group

miss you a lot. Thank you so much for being part of our lives.



6 24

Oc t o b e r 2 0 0 9

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12

ThanksgivingDay

13 14 15


16 17

18 19

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

20 21

Lunch & Learn

22

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

23 24

25 26

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

27 28

Provincial

Acquired Brain

Injury Conference

29

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

Provincial ABIConference

30

Provincial

Acquired Brain

Injury Conference

31

Halloween

No v e mb e r 2 0 0 9

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

1 2

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

3 4 5

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

6 7

8 9


10 11

RemembranceDay

12

Spousal Support

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

13 14

15 16

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

17 18 19

HBIA Dinner

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

20 21

22 23

Peer Support

1:30 3:30

24 25 26

Thanksgiving

(U.S.A.)


27 28

29 30



6/14


6

My Perspective

4th Annual 5km Classic Race and 1 mile Walk

Last year, I attended the 3rd

annual HBIA 1km walk for brain injury and saw a woman named Rachel Dendekker

speak about her experience. She was one of the most amazing people Id ever seen. I found out that she was also

attending S.L. Hunter and Associates, where I go for SLP services, and I got the chance to meet her. I was very

lucky to gain an amazing new friend.

My case manager Jane Grech asked me to talk at this years walkathon. Rachels story and inspiring speech last

year gave me the courage to get up and talk. This was my first time ever speaking in public wi th so many

people boy was I nervous! I was also very happy at the same time because I felt tons of love from all of the

people who were there supporting us. All of the people who showed up helped give me the courage to get up

there and speak. I fought through the nervous feelings and said what I wanted to say to everyone. I was very

happy about the turnout and I knew the ones who couldnt be there were there in spirit.

After I was done giving my speech, I met a guy named Wayne and his family. Wayne also has a brain injury. He

came up to me and told me that i t was so perfect when I mentioned that you cant see if somebody has a brain

injury. He agreed that sometimes, when you say something wrong, people jump to conclusions about you because

they cant see your injury. More people need to be aware of how a brain injury can affect somebody. I would like

to meet Wayne again sometime.

Id love to participate again next year. Ill definitely be walking, but who knows, maybe I can give another talk,

help organize things or even run.

By Robert Harpwood

HEADSTRONG Octobe

23

1 2 3

4

5 6

7 8 9

10

11

12 13

14

15 16

17

18 19

20

Across

2. Big orange vegetable thata vine.

4. Another word for autumn.

7. The month in the middle o

8. Many birds do this in autu

10. A scary celebration in au

13. The food that the farmer

15. It protects the crops from

17. These turn color in fall.

18. The first month of autum

20. Another word for cool.

Down

1. A fall color.

3. The last month of autumn.

4. Someone who harvests crops.

5. Fall weather.

6. A fall color.

9. A feast in fall.

10. Gather all of the crops.

11. Red fruit.

12. A yellow vegetable that comes from a

tall plant.

14. Kids wear this on October 31st.

16. The opposite of city.

19. A fall color.


7/14


7


22

Find these autumn words:

apple

brown

chilly

cold

colors

corn

country

crops

fall

farmer

fruit

grain

harvest

hay

leaf

leavesmaple

migrate

November

October

orange

pear

pumpkin

red

rice

scarecrowSeptember

sweater

vegetables

yellow


8/14


8

4th Annual 5km Classic Race and 1 mile Walk

Saturday, June 20th

, 2009

In June of 2004, the Hamilton Brain Injury Association began the tradition of Walk a Mile in My Shoes, a 1Km walk, in recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month. In 2006, an idea was presented to include a 5 KmClassic Race with the walkathon in an effort to expand the event and increase public awareness of our cause. Forthe past 3 years, the 5km race and 1 mile walk have provided a wonderful opportunity for our members and theirfamilies to mingle happily with others from the community.

This years event occurred on June 20th

, 2009 and once again was a success.

Winners of this year' s race were:

Alec Braithwait of Brantford with a time of 17:23 Janie O'Brien of Ancaster with a time of 20:29 The Paradigm Team regained the corporate title with a team time of 1:34:40, just missing the old

Paradigm record set in 2006 by only 6 seconds.

Also, we had two new records set this year:

Diane Cooke of Burlington set a record for Women 50 -59 with a time of 24:50, the old record was set lastyear at 27:37

John Carrroll of Oakville set a new record for Men 60+ with a time of 23:03, beating our own WayneBender's record time of 26:53 set in 2006

Wed like to thank everyone for participating in and supporting this years Walk-Run event. We hope to seeeveryone back again next year!

HEADSTRONG Octobe

21

Maximum Independence

Michelle Fletcher Nurse Case Management

Motion Physiotherapy

Paradigm

Meet Our Sponsors

The Hamilton Brain Injury Association is very lucky to have some great sponsors, and without their support

have our glowing record of accomplishments. Please view the list of our sponsors below. For more informatfantastic people and local businesses, please visit our website (www.hbia.ca).

Walk Run Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Findlay Law OfficesSilver Sponsors

Kidomo Morris Law Group Ross & McBride, LLP

Bronze Sponsors ABI Community Services AssessNet Inc. Bayshore Home Health B.I.S.H. Canadian Tire Financial Services Dell Pharmacy Entwistle Health Solutions Excel Care Focus Rehab Consulting Genesis Community Rehab Inc Lawlor Therapy Support Services

Inc Residential Inc.

Progressive Case Management The Back Shop

Friendship Sponsors

N.R.I.O. Adaptable Design Group McKeller Structured Settle Rich Rotstein Chartered

Accountants

Acclaim Ability Managem Grand Erie Business Centr SL Hunter & Associates Dr. John Davis D.T Publishing

Summer Barbeque Spon

Mackesy Smye, L


9/14


9


20

Provincial Perspective

Updates from the On tario Br ain Injur y Association

1. The Ontario Brain Injury has developed a New Provincial Survey to gather data on the status of people living

with a Brain Injury. This Survey replaces the CISL survey that OBIA used for 15 years and which manysurvivors and family members completed annually. The development of the new survey was funded by theOntario Neurotrauma Foundation, which hosted a two day Think Tank comprised of representatives of survivors,caregivers, researchers, insurers, and the Ministry of Health. After it was determined what kind of data wouldlikely be useful to researchers, funders, and policy makers, a professional survey writer from the University ofToronto was hired to create both an Adult version and a Child and Youth version. Both versions include a piecethat will reflect the effect of the Brain Injury on Caregivers. Several drafts were run by the participants in theThink Tank, and then 30 of each form were piloted with both former respondents and new respondents along witha Feedback sheet. The result is that we now have a survey that I think will effectively gather information on theeffects of Brain Injury over the life span which will be of use to researchers, funders, and policymakers.Of course all information is kept in the strictest confidence and each year statistical reports will be published.

This survey is available on the Internet or by calling the OBIA office at 1-800-263-5404. Participants will begiven a free membership in the Ontario Brain Injury Association.

2. The Ontario Brain Injury Association of Niagara, the Ontario Brain Injury Association, and the Community

Support Network is hosting a Provincial Brain Injury Conference on October 28th, 29th & 30th in NiagaraFalls. The response has been overwhelming. We budgeted for 350 registrants and the count as of this morningwas 508.

3. Education continues to be a key goal for OBIA. We have a number oftraining programs scheduled:

November 6 7, 2009: Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury Level 1 Course, St. Catharines,Ontario

November 19 20, 2009: Brain Basics Education Course, Mississauga, Ontario February 22 25, 2010: Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery and Function in Every Day Life

Following Brain injury Level 1 Course, St. Catharines, Ontario

For information on any of the above, please contact us at:

Ontario Brain Injury Association

Telephone: (905) 641 - 8877Email: [email protected]: www.obia.on.ca

John Kumpf, Executive Director, Ontario Brain Injury Association


10/14


10

H.B.I.A. Annual Summer Barbeque

September 17th

, 2009

The annual HBIA summer barbeque took place Thursday, September 17th, 2009 at Chedoke Hospital, outside theHolbrook building and was sponsored once again by Mackesy Smye law firm.

Approximately 80 people attended the event and excellent food was provided once again this year by Zarkys. As

can be seen by the pictures, a good time was had by all. However, there were many mixed feelings this year. It

was the last event at Chedoke before the move to the General Hospital by HBIA as well as ABI services. Support

groups have been meeting at Chedoke Hospital for many years now and it was a sad occasion to have this as the

final event. It was also the final event for Milinda Alexander, former support group coordinator, who was

honoured this day. Both she and new coordinator, Nala Ndawana, both diligently worked the event and awarded

the many door prizes.



19


11/14


11


18


12/14


12

Rehab Perspective

The New Regional Rehabilitation Centre

Hamilton Health Sciences

On September 12th

, 2009, the New Regional Rehabilitation Centre began the transition of patients from different

rehabilitation facilities to one multi-faceted site.

The new 100,000-square-foot Regional Rehabilitation Centre will have 91 inpatient beds providing care to stroke,spinal cord injury, amputee, trauma, neurobehavioral and acquired brain injury patients.

The new Centre will give rehabilitation patients access to expanded programs and services in a fully accessible,state-of-the-art healing environment.

The building has many unique features including:

an accessible bridge connection to Hamilton General Hospital allowing patients and staff better access to acutemedical and clinical services and resources; patient rooms designed to accommodate wheelchairs; a four level pool for one-on-one therapy; onsite patient resources including an office of the Canadian Paraplegic Association; outpatient and occupational therapy clinics; and a patient and family resource centre.

In addition, an outdoor therapeutic track, the first of its kind in Canada, will allow patients to strengthen theirmobility on different surfaces such as stone, wood and pavement in all weather conditions.

Construction on the Regional Rehabilitation Centre began in November 2007. At the peak of construction, therewere more than 250 workers on site daily. The official opening of the Centre was on September 1, 2009.

Hamilton Health Sciences News Releasehttp://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/

Sandra Best, Nurse Case Manager/President, Excel Care

HEADSTRONG Octobe

17

Legal Perspective Ask the Experts

1. Are people living with an acquired brain injury considered to be of sound mind in revalidity of living wills that they write?

A majority of people who suffer acquired brain injuries remain competent to manage theirSuffering a brain injury does not automatically reduce ones ability to arrange legal or financconcerns do arise about an individuals ability to manage health care decisions, propertyinstructions to their counsel, then a capacity assessment may be necessary. If capacity maythen the assessment should be carried out before a Will, Living Will or Power of Attorney areassessor should produce a report which then can be held with the legal documents themselvefuture challenges to the legal documents can be dealt with quickly. If a qualified assessor individual has capacity, it would be very difficult to challenge a Will or Power of Attorney. capacity is required to instruct counsel on provisions for a Will or Power of Attorney.

2. If an individual continues to experience chronic pain that is related to past injury, accidenare they eligible to seek or claim compensation to pay for treatment?

Yes. However, requests for compensation must be made in a timely manner. If these requestspromptly, you may loose the right. Thus, it is wise to seek advice on potential remedies as sooIn the case of an injury caused by anothers negligence, there would be the potential for a lathe at-fault party. As well, in the case of a motor vehicle accident there will be accident ben

benefits) available to an injured individual. Both at-fault and accident benefits claims may osource of compensation.

Others suffering with chronic pain (who are not involved in an accident), may also seek compevarious insurance plans (group or long term disability) or government bodies such as OntaSupport Program, Assistive Devices Program or Canada Pension Plan. When someone seekour office we always explore all potential avenues of compensation reasonably available to tAgain, the sooner the injured person receives this advice and pursues their remedies, the better of obtaining compensation.

Allen Wynperle

25 Main St. West, Suite 400,Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H1

Tel: (905) 777-0300Fax: (905) 777-1050

Email: [email protected]


13/14

HEADSTRONG Octobe

13

Mind, Body & Spirit

Coping with Change

If I say the word "CHANGE" how do you feel? Most people remain fearful, anxious and uncomfortable withdespite it being a driving issue in our society. It appears that no matter how much experience we have it doesn

easier. The HBIA has experienced many changes in the last 6 months. New Faces on the Volunteer Board, NCoordinator Support Service Leader, and a New Regional Rehabilitation Facility. Here are some steps to help

transitions in your life:

Recognize that things DO change. Nothing is forever. Neither the good, nor the bad. You will be much less

you accept the change and decide to manage it, rather than desperately try and cling onto the way things used t

Pinpoint the specific change you are going through because any change has a number of implications in dif

our lives. We tend to generalize the change we are going through. Stay focused on one aspect of the change bwhat you are most afraid of losing as a result of this change and then understanding why that loss is uncomfor

example, a new computer system may mean you will no longer feel competent. Feeling incompetent is a very than fighting new technology, and can be easily addressed with training.

Accept the loss factor. Admit to yourself that regardless of whether or not you experience this particular chaor 'bad', there will be a sense of loss. This is the 'better the devil you know' scenario that leads us to put up wit

we know isn't good for us. Clearly define the change and recognize the areas of your life that will not change a

Seek valid information. You will doubt the facts and struggle to believe anything you hear see or feel about Write down what information you need to know and who can provide you with that data. Ask straight question

open to views that may be different to your own and listen to what you are being told.

Recognize the Danger Zone. There comes a point where we choose to move on with the change and discoveopportunities it brings, or to give in to the fear of the unknown and remain fearful, anxious and in denial. Reco

this is normal, and don't allow yourself to succumb. Increasing your small, regular action steps will help you k

forward momentum going.

Identify the benefits. All change has some benefits. A divorce can give us the opportunity to have control ofnew job could teach us new skills and starting your own business can provide you with the chance to follow y

Understand what the benefits of the change are and recognize them for the great gifts they bring you.

Change? What Change? I promise there will come a time when you stop looking at the 'change' as somethin

You will have integrated its challenges and victories into your life and will now feel more stable and open to wmay hold. Remember everything you have learned for the next exciting, exhilarating and, oh ok, scary change

Communicate your concerns. Change is a constant in today's society that you will go through many times in

different situations. If you are having difficulty accepting a change in your life, please tell someone.

Sandra Best, Nurse Case Manager/President, Excel Care


16

Legal Perspective Ask the Experts1. Are people living with an acquired brain injury considered to be of sound mind in regards to the

validity of living wills that they write?

A person living with an acquired brain injury may be considered to have sound mind in regards to a livingwill, last will and testament and/or a power of attorney. Generally speaking, a person is considered to have"testamentary capacity" to give instructions to a lawyer with respect to these wishes if you understand the

nature of the document you are giving instructions on and its effect, the extent of the property of which youare disposing, are able to comprehend and appreciate the legal claims to which you should give effect to.While it is tempting to use a preprinted will kit, it is important to keep in mind that there are special rulessurrounding the drafting and signing of these documents that may affect its validity after the writer haspassed away.

In almost every case the question as to whether a person has testamentary capacity is based on its ownfacts. Accordingly, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer who specializes in estate matters before youmake any decisions in this regard.

2. If an individual continues to experience chronic pain that is related to past injury, accident or disease,are they eligible to seek or claim compensation to pay for treatment?

In most cases, an individual's right to claim compensation for past injuries is time limited. The basiclimitation period is 2 years from the day the claim was "discovered". In other words, the day on which the

person with the claim first knew the injury had occurred and having regard to the nature of the injury, aproceeding would be an appropriate remedy to proceed with in order to obtain compensation. However, thelimitation period does not run during the time the person claiming compensation is incapable ofcommencing an action because of a physical, mental or psychological condition and does not have alitigation guardian.

If the injury occurred as a result of a motor vehicle collision, you could be entitled to claim Statutory Accident Benefits which would include funding for treatment provided the proposed treatment wasreasonable and necessary, the benefit period had not expired or the maximum benefit payable had not beenreached. In non catastrophic cases the maximum benefit payable is $100,000 over a 10 year period. Incatastrophic cases the maximum benefit payable is $1 million for life. All of this of course is contingenton the fact that you have not already settled your accident benefits claim.

It is important that you take the time to consult with a lawyer specializing in personal injury in order todiscuss your specific circumstances and receive full opini on based on your own set of facts.

Stacey L. Stevens LL.B3100-390 Bay Street

Toronto Ontario M5H 1W2Phone (416) 868-3186Fax (416) 868-3134


14/14


14

Medical Perspective

What you need to know about Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Flu

Every fall there is some kind of flu going around. But this year its a different flu season. There will be seasonal flu

and H1N1 flu. Ontario is prepared to protect people from both kinds of flu.

What are the symptoms of seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses?

Flu viruses result in similar symptoms, which range from mild to severe. Symptoms include sudden fever, cough, sore

throat, fatigue and muscle aches. Vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children.

Whos most at risk?

High risk groups for seasonal flu include children 6 to 23 months, adults 65 and older, as well as those with pre-

existing health conditions. High risk groups for H1N1 flu are still being identified.

How do these viruses spread?

They spread when someone with the flu coughs or sneezes and droplets come in contact with another persons nose,

mouth or eyes. When people with the flu cough or sneeze into their hands and contaminate things they touch, other

people can become infected if they touch the same object and then touch their face.

When will the vaccines be available?

Seasonal flu vaccine will be available in October 2009 for Ontarians over the age of 65 and residents of LongTerm Care facilities.

H1N1 flu vaccine will be available later in November 2009 for all residents of Ontario. Seasonal flu vaccine will be available in December 2009/January 2010 for all Ontarians under 65.

When should I seek medical care?

Call your health care provider or Telehealth Ontario if you experience flu-like symptoms and:

Are pregnant; Have heart or lung disease; Have chronic health problems that require regular medical attention; Are elderly; Have an illness that affects your immune system such as diabetes, cancer or HIV/AIDs.

What can you do to stay healthy?

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. Be sure to clean your hands aftersneezing or coughing and after touching surfaces others may have touched.

Keep an alcohol-based sanitizer at work, home or in your car. Cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or a tissue, not your hand. Dispose of tissues immediately.

Keep commonly touched surfaces clean and disinfected. Protect yourself and others by talking to your health care provider about seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines.

Information provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Carewww.ontario.ca/flu

Ashlynn Perry, Case Manager, Excel Care

HEADSTRONG Octobe

15

Changes to the Legislation

Bill 118: Ontarios New Cell Phone Legislation

Ontario's ban on hand-held devices while driving will take effect on October 26, 2009.

The new law will make it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phonhand-held communications and entertainment devices.

Following a three-month period that begins October 26, where the focus will be on educating driversstart issuing tickets on February 1, 2010.

While nine-in-ten Canadian drivers don't approve of using a cell phone behind the wheel, more than hadmit to using one while driving, according to a RBC Insurance/Ipsos Reid survey released in OctobeSunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre (1997) studied 699 Ontario drivers who uphones while driving, finding they were four times more likely to be involved in a collision than drivwere not talking on cell phones. Other studies show that dialing and texting carries the highest degreall cell phone-related activities.

Newfoundland, Quebec and Nova Scotia have all recently introduced new guidelines to prevent drivusing hand-held devices, while the governments of Manitoba and Prince Edward Island are considerlegislation.

Cell phone bans for drivers are currently in place in about 50 countries, including Australia, China, FKenya and Slovenia.

Quick Facts

The following are details regarding the Cell Phone Legislation provided by the Ontario Provincial Po

The act prohibits the use of devices with display screens and hand-held communication and edevices except when these devices are used in a manner prescribed by the legislation.

The legislation doesnt ban the use of these electronic devices in vehicles but rather prohibits way that may cause driver distraction while driving.

Exempt devices include: display screen of GPS navigation devices; hand held communicationdevices as long as they are used as prescribed by legislation (hands-free sets); collision avoidsystems; instrument gauges.

Can you use a hand-held cell phone or other device when stopped in traffic or at a traffic lighBefore drivers may utilize their cells without a hands-free system, the vehicle must be off the

lawfully parked on the roadway, must not be in motion, and must not be impeding traffic. Police, paramedics and firefighters will continue to be allowed to use hand-held devices whe

their duties. All drivers may use hand-held devices to call 9-1-1.

Ashlynn Perry, Case Manager, Excel Care

Excel Care Headstrong News-Oct09

Documents

Transcript of Excel Care Headstrong News-Oct09