OPENING DOORS TO RECENTLY DIAGNOSED CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS A GUIDE TO MEDICAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 1

INDEX AND

PROCESS FLOW

Table of Contents

Index and Process Flow Chart ...................................................... 1

Financial Supports ............................................................................ 3

Medical Supports ............................................................................ 9

Medical Support Services ........................................................... 13

Housing ........................................................................................... 18

Child Care ...................................................................................... 19

Transportation ................................................................................ 20

Information ...................................................................................... 21

Please note, every attempt has been made to provide general timely and accurate information in this booklet. No claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this booklet are implied. Every attempt has been made to include the current support services available in our community. These services are subject to change and availability by their funders and the service providers. This booklet was revised in May 2014.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 2

Process for Accessing Financial Supports When Newly Diagnosed with a Significant Health Issue (Adults)

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 3

FINANCIAL SUPPORTS

NOTE: In some instances, it may be advisable to make application for financial support and request medical documentation simultaneously.

Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits

Service Canada

58 Dalhousie St., Floor 2 Brantford, Ontario http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/benefits/sickness/shtml Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218

Employment insurance benefits are paid if you are unable to work because of sickness, injury or quarantine. Eligibility and benefits vary depending on an individual’s contribution circumstances. Please consult your physician. A medical certificate may be required.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 4

Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits

Service Canada

58 Dalhousie St., Floor 2 Brantford, Ontario http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/benefits/compassionate.shtml Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218

Compassionate care benefits are Employment Insurance (EI) benefits paid to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill and who has a significant risk of death within 26 weeks (six months). A maximum of six weeks of compassionate care benefits may be paid to eligible people. Please consult your physician. A medical certificate may be required.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 5

Employment Insurance special benefits for Parents of Critically Ill Children

Service Canada

58 Dalhousie St., Floor 2 Brantford, Ontario http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/pcic /index.shtml Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218

Employment insurance benefits for parents caring for a critically ill or injured child. A medical certificate is required.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 6

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – Disability

Service Canada

58 Dalhousie St., Floor 2 Brantford, Ontario http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/cpp /disability/disabilitypension.shtml Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914

The Canada Pension Plan is a contributory, earnings-related social insurance program. It ensures a measure of protection to a contributor and his or her family against the loss of income due to retirement, disability and death. Please consult your physician. A medical certificate is required. There are three kinds of Canada Pension Plan benefits: disability benefits (which include benefits for

disabled contributors and benefits for their dependent children);

retirement pension; and survivor benefits (which include the death benefit,

the survivor's pension and the children's benefit).

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 7

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

195 Henry St Brantford, Ontario N3S 5C9 http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs /social/odsp/ (519) 756-5790

The Ontario Disability Support Program helps people with disabilities who are in financial need pay for living expenses, like food and housing. This is called Income Support. Employment Support helps people with disabilities who can and want to work prepare for and find a job. The Ontario Disability Support Program is managed and delivered by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Please consult your physician. A medical certificate is required.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 8

Ontario Works

220 Colborne St Brantford, Ontario N3T 5R7 http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs /social/apply_online.aspx (519) 759-7009

Provides financial and employment assistance to individuals and families who are in temporary need of: Funds for food, shelter, clothing and other

household items. Ontario Works can also provide: A monthly drug card to cover the cost of

prescribed medications; or, Other benefits such as dental services for children,

prescription eyeglasses and transportation for medical reasons.

The Ontario Works Program is managed and delivered by the City of Brantford, Social Services Department. Residents of the City of Brantford or the County of Brant can apply.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 9

MEDICAL SUPPORTS

Ontario Trillium Drug Benefit (ODB)

General Info: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs /drugs/programs/odb/odb.aspx Forms: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs /drugs/opdp_forms.aspx Contact Numbers: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs /drugs/drugs_contact.aspx Toll-Free: 1-800-575-5386 Toll-Free: 1-866-532-3161

This program supports individuals with their drug prescription costs. There are specific eligibility requirements for this program. There may be a co-pay requirement for eligible participants.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 10

Exceptional Access Program (through Ontario Trillium Drug Benefit program)

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/drugs_contact.aspx Toll-Free: 1-866-811-9893

Provides coverage for exceptional drugs not normally covered through the Ontario Trillium Drug Benefit program. Please consult your physician. Medical confirmation of need is required.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 11

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

General Information: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip Programs and Services http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs /default.aspx Toll-Free: 1-866-532-3161

This is the Ontario Health Care Program; it is what funds our hospitals, doctors and our overall healthcare to all Ontarians.

Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/adp Toll-Free: 1-800-268-6021

This program provides support and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities. It also provides access to personalized assistive devices appropriate for the individual’s basic needs. Please consult your physician. Medical confirmation is required.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 12

Special Assistance Discretionary Fund

(519) 759-7009

Provides assistance to individuals and families on a fixed income (other than social assistance benefits) for benefits such as dental, vision care, prescription medication, orthotics etc.

Medical Needs for Low Income Families

(519) 759-7009

Provides medical items for low income families to enable them to maintain health and attachment to the workforce. Families are required to complete a needs test before approval.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 13

MEDICAL SUPPORT

SERVICES

Canadian Cancer Society

brant@ontario.cancer.ca Peer Support: 1-800-263-6750 Cancer Information Service: 1-888-939-3333

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to end cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. The purpose of the organization is to provide services to cancer patients, educate the public about cancer and support research. The following services are available to all cancer patients: Cancer information services Peer Support Community services locator to help find

information for more than 4,000 cancer-related services and resources nationwide

Transportation for cancer patients to cancer clinics for treatment or follow-up

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 14

Peer Support - 1-800-263-6750 - is a program designed to give emotional support from others who have had a similar experience. Support is available in person, by telephone, or through support groups. Cancer Information Service 1-888-939-3333 provides information on types of cancer, prevention, treatment, early detection and referral to community services.

Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)

http://www.ccac-ont.ca/ (519) 759-7752

CCAC’s mission is to deliver a seamless experience through the health system for people in our community, providing equitable access, individualized care coordination and quality health care. CCAC serves as a centralized coordinating organization and provider of a number of health care services. Services can include, but are not limited to: nursing, homemaking, personal support and caregiver relief.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 15

Victoria Order of Nurses (VON)

aberdeen@aberdeenhealth.ca (519) 759-7750

VON Brantford Site (formerly Aberdeen Health & Community Services) provides health and community services to people in their homes, workplaces, in clinics or at school. Please consult the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) for a referral.

Revera

http://www.reveraliving.com/ (519-756-4606)

Revera provides nursing, personal and home supports, therapy and rehabilitation to people in their homes. Please consult the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) for a referral.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 16

Stedman Community Hospice

(519) 751-7096 ext. 2500

Provides Hospice care to individuals who are living with a progressive, life-threatening illness. In addition to the residential program, Hospice also provides support to those living at home through the Supportive Care Outreach Inter-disciplinary team, a Day Wellness -Patient program, Grief and Bereavement individual and group support, and community education opportunities. Please consult the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) for a referral.

Canadian Red Cross

http://www.redcross.ca/where-we-work /in-canada/ontario/brantford /community-health-support-services

519-753-4189

Provides programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation for individuals (who are frail, elderly or who have a disability) and community health support initiatives.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 17

Brantford General Hospital (BGH)

http://www.bchsys.org/ (519) 751-5544 ext. 2395

The Brantford General is an acute care facility, providing all of Brantford and Brant County's specialty programs and services for our 120,000+ residents. Patient Relations Coordinator contact information provided, quickly able to address concerns and Hospital Policy. Monthly parking passes are available for purchase at the Cashier’s office (beside Tim Horton’s at the main entrance) or Switchboard.

Consulting a Palliative Care Physician

Anyone can request to consult with a Palliative Care Physician. Ask your family doctor for a referral.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 18

HOUSING

Brant/Brantford Homelessness Prevention Assistance (BBHPA)

(519) 759-7009

Provides assistance to individuals and families on social assistance (Ontario Works/Ontario Disability Support Program) and people who are not in receipt of social assistance to help with rental/mortgage arrears, utility arrears, last month’s rent deposit and beds.

Housing Resource Centre

(519) 759-7009

Provides assistance in accessing emergency accommodation for individuals who are homeless.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 19

CHILD CARE

Child Care Subsidy

www.BrantfordBrantOneList.ca (519) 756-3150

Provides assistance with child care costs at licensed programs in the community, so that families can work, attend school or place a child with special or social needs. Families who are eligible will receive either full or partial subsidy.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 20

TRANSPORTATION

Specialized Transportation

Brantford Lift

(519) 752-4444

Brant Taxi

(519) 756-8584 (Brant Ave) (519)750-0098 (West Brant) (519) 752-1010 (Murray St)

City Taxi

(519) 759-7800

Paris Taxi

(519) 442-7873

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 21

INFORMATION

211

www.211ontario.ca 211

211 is a three-digit phone number, 2-1-1, and website to provide information on community, social, health and government services. It is designed to help residents find support to be resilient and resourceful, no matter what life situation is challenging them. 211 is available help residents find the right service in their community that meets their needs. Service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free, anonymous and confidential. 211’s phone service is available in over 150 languages. Coverage is available Ontario-wide for phone and web.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 22

Health Care Connect

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms /healthcareconnect/public/default.aspx Toll-Free: 1-800-445-1822

Health Care Connect helps Ontarians who are without a family health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) to find one. People without a family health care provider are referred to a family doctor or a nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in their community.

Member of Parliament for Brant (MP)

Office of Phil McColeman Phil.McColeman@parl.gc.ca 519-754-4300

Provides advocacy and problem resolution supports related to Federal government programs. If you have any difficulty printing off forms from websites, please contact the office for assistance.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 23

Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP)

Office of Dave Levac Dlevac.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org 519-759-0361

Provides assistance with any Provincial programs and services. If you have difficulty printing off forms from websites, please contact the office for assistance.

City of Brantford – Social Services Department

220 Colborne St Brantford, Ontario N3T 5R7 http://www.brantford.ca/Pages/default.aspx 519-759-7009 519-759-3330

Provides information and assistance accessing municipal and provincial income support, employment, housing, and child care programs and services.

Medical and Financial Resource Information for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 24

Living with a Disability

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/lifeevents /disability.shtml

Provides an overview and links to applications for Canada Pension Plan, children’s benefits, tax information for people with disabilities, Disability Pensions for Veterans and Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSP).

Speak Up: Advanced Care Planning*

http://www.advancecareplanning.ca/

End of life care and living wills | Hospice Palliative Care | Substitute Decision Makers

*Website offering end of life planning information

To request copies of this booklet, please contact 519-759-3330.

brantford.ca