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Navigating the Health Care System

Council on Aging Windsor-EssexJuly 2014

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635 Mc Ewan AvenueWindsor Ontario

N9B 2E9

Phone (519) 254-9342Fax (519) 254-1869Email Information@councilonaging.ca

Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County

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The Council on Aging Windsor-Essex County would like to thank;

New Horizons for Senior Programs Canada

Council on Aging, Frontenac-Kingston

Jeanette Ware-Mikhael Researcher

Alison Butler Co-ordinator

Acknowledgements

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The purpose of this guide is to prepare and give you helpful hints on a possible visit to

the hospital. It will also contain a list of community resources and support services

that are available in you area.

Purpose of the Guide

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What to discuss with your Doctor BEFORE your hospital stay;

Understand your condition and what will occur so you can make informed decisions about your health care

You have the right to accept or decline any assessments or treatments

Pre-admission will provide you some education to increase your understanding of the procedure and this may address any concerns you may have

Ask any question about your stay and discharge

Your Rights and Responsibilities

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1. How will I feel before, during and after?

2. What are the possible and potential complications?

3. What will happen if I don’t have the treatment or if I delay making a decision?

4. What are my other options?

5. What medications will be required (before/after) and what are the side effects?

6. What are the cost for the medication or other related costs?

Questions to ask

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7. What are the times and dates of any follow up appointments?

8. What will I be able to do when I return home if that is possible?

9. What activities will I need help with at home?

10. How long will I need this help?

11. Are there any services available to me at home?

Questions Continued

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Talk with your health care providers and talk to them about;

Do you live alone? Do you have relations or friends that can help you

when you return home? Do you concerns about your memory? Do you have any concerns about returning home? Do you have any other health issues?

Important Information to Disclose

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Your OHIP number Supplementary insurance (e.g. Green Shield) All medication in the original bottles including; non-

prescription, over the counter, herbals and creams Advanced Directives for Personal Care Personal toiletries Eyeglasses and hearing aids (extra batteries) Assistive devices i.e. walker or cane Small amount of money for incidentals

Do not bring valuables, credit cards, jewelry or perfumes

What to bring

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This is a team effort with you, CCAC (Community Care Access Centre) and health

care professionals.

What is the anticipated date of discharge? What will I be able to when I get home? What assistance will I need and for how long? Will I need special equipment? Ask for a list of contact names, numbers service

providers and applicable fees?

Discharge Planning

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Insurance Medications Power of Attorney Education about your condition Tell your family and close friends you are

going to be in the hospital Directions and plan of care

Check List

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There are two types;

Power of Attorney for Personal Care

Power of Attorney for Property

Power of Attorney

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CCAC staff can assist you by;Helping you understand your optionsProviding information about LTC homes and costsDetermining suitability and eligibility for placementProviding assistance in the application process

CCAC Windsor Office5415 Tecumseh Road East (2nd floor)

Windsor, ON N8T 1C5519-258-8211 or 1-888-447-4468

CCAC

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CCAC can help with community care providers and co-ordinate the following services. They offer a wide range of options.

Nursing Personal support Physiotherapy Occupational therapy Speech therapy Social worker Nutritional counseling Medical supplies and equipment

In Home Support

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Meal delivery and dining programs Homemaking and home help Caregiver relief Transportation Community dining Friendly visiting Supportive housing Adult day Programs

Community Support Services

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When it is not longer possible to live independently, CCAC will coordinate applications to LTC homes. Long Term Care Homes are funded and regulated by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. You can visit their website for information on homes in your area or call CCAC.

Retirement Homes Provide light assistance Are privately owned and operated Do not receive funding from the Ministry of Health and Long term care

Nursing Homes Are funded and regulated by the Ministry of Health and Long Term

Care

Long Term Care Homes

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Making this decision is extremely difficult, especially in a time of crisis.

Ask someone you trust to recommend and/or accompany you to appointments to visit the facilities of your choice.

Talk with your CCAC Case Manager to help you narrow down your choices and what specific facilities can meet specific needs (i.e. oxygen, scooters).

Make a list of questions you want to ask.

Check the facility Review Summary Report at www.health.gov.on.ca

Choosing A Home

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There are many questions to ask, theses are just a few. Is the staff warm, friendly and concerned? Do the residents look content and well cared for? Is there a tone of dignity and respect? Is the home accredited? What does the cost include? What is extra? How is billing

arranged? Is it convenient for family and friends to visit? What is the policy re vacations and leaves? Are family members involved in planning for the residents care? Is there flexible visiting hours and private areas for visitors? Does the home support an active Family Council? Is you family Doctor able to continue providing care?

Care Home check list

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Is the home able/willing to meet you religious, cultural language and dietary needs?

Do the activities sound appealing? Is there transportation available for outing’s and appointments? What is the cost?

Does clothing have to be labeled before admission? What is the policy re meals, guests, having food

brought in? What is the policy re smoking, non-smoking, and

alcohol? What special needs can be accommodated? Can you bring your own furniture?

Care Home check list Continued

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Health Care Connect Clinics Urgent Care Clinics Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics Community Health Centres City Centre Health Centres Family Health Teams

Other Health Care and Community Supports

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211 is a three-digit phone number and website that provides information and referrals to community and social services in Ontario

It has information on 56,000agencies and services

It is open 24 hours a day and is available in more than 150 languages

www.211ontario.ca

Community Information

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Community Support Services help to maintain your safety and independence while living at home.

Services can be delivered in your home or at different locations in the community (profit, non-profit or private companies).

These services encompass; medical, education, nursing, personal support and social services. This includes assistance with essential activities of daily life.

Community Support Service Agencies

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Services are provided for crisis intervention and support for active seniors, seniors with physical limitations, cognitive impairments, and/or complex needs.

A Registered Social Worker will assist and support you by offering counseling, intervention and referral information. This usually conducted in your home, however other locations maybe arranged.

Client Intervention and Assistance Program Elder Abuse Prevention Program Family Services Windsor-Essex ABC’S of Fraud

Crisis

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There are community agencies that provide transportation for older adults. Please note there is usually a fee associated for services.

There maybe restrictions, call for details and accessibility.

Transportation

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There are many Elderly Person’s Centres that offer health related and community services

Activity Programs day centres

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Assistive Device Program (ADP) provides consumer centered support and funding. Enabling Increased independence through access to assistive devices.

ADP cover over 8,000 pieces of equipment or supplies. ADP may pay up to 75 percent of the cost or may be a fixed amount. Equipment must be through venders registered with ADP.

Other sources; Client Voluntary/charitable organizations Social Services Veterans Affairs Canada Insurance Policies Relatives/friends

Assistive devices

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To be eligible, you must: Live in Ontario Have substantial impairment that is expected to last one year

or more and makes it hard for you to take care of your self, take part on community life or activities

Qualify financially

Sources of funding;

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance for Disabled Persons Home and Vehicle Modification Program Insurance

Home and Vehicle Modification

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Disability Income Support Program (ODSP) Gains Income Supplement Ontario Tax Credits OAS GIS

Finances

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Please note that information presented in this publication was deemed to be accurate at the time of printing.

The Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County cannot be held responsible for changes, listed programs, or agency availability.

In Conclusion