NiagaraShares.com - Resources for seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers. |
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Services CAREGIVERS - If the caregiver isn't a family member it has to be someone from outside the home. Finding caregivers can be a task and a half. Call CCAC (below) for caregivers who come into the home on a regular basis depending on the need. Private agencies also supply caregivers who are bonded and reliable. DO NOT hire someone out of the newspaper as they could be interested only in the drugs a sick or dying person needs. Do a police check on anyone you hire privately. People who steal drugs and who have been reported for elder abuse DO watch for newspaper ads looking for caregivers. There is a free online magazine for caregivers - see publications - online. Peer Support Niagara Retire-At-Home-Services - This is franchise business that is ownd by Arie Vrugteveen and provides home health-care services including personal nursing and companion care, housekeeping and property maintenance. Their website is at www.retireathomestcatharines.com. Check with CCAC before hiring services. they ay be able to help you out in soe ways and services such as Retire-At--Home can fill in the services you are missing. The Powerhouse Project - for young carers COMMUNITY
Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) Tel: 905-684-9441 or 1-800-263-5480 for more information.
For services en francais 905-684-460
CCAC is the starting point for those searching for help in Niagara. They can support you and will likely know where you can go if they can't help you. The CCACs were established across the province in the mid 1990s to provide Ontarians with better access to government-funded community-based health services, such as home care, access to nursing home and long-term care beds and numerous social services on behalf of the health ministry. The centres are a starting point for anyone seeking information and needing help in maintaining health, independence and quality of life whether at home, school or a long-term care facility. Maybe you’ve been released from hospital and need assistance recuperating at home, or you have a child who needs the support of a health professional, or an elderly relative or neighbour who can no longer live alone. From a problem with continence to bedsores, there are specialists available. Whatever the circumstance, the CCAC can help. Support is available for all age groups, from newborns to elderly residents, whether it is for acute illnesses and disabilities or for placement in long-term care facilities.Anyone can make a referral to a CCAC: an individual, family member, caregiver, friend or physician.
Port Cares – Community Resource Centre (CRC)
The resource centre links individuals in Port Colborne and Wainfleet with services they require.
Services include: emergency support and financial assistance, employment information, emergency food assistance, sexual health resources and abuse resources. Total confidentiality is assured.
Some of the CRC programs offered include:
Adopt-A-Family, which runs all year round with special emphasis on the winter and Christmas season
Koats For Kids - from October to December
Income Tax Clinic, which is free for those meeting the requirements
Discretionary Funds Program – a one-time financial assistance program used to pay medical prescriptions and supplies
Emergency Food Services
For full details on all available services and supports, contact the CRC at 905-834-3629.
The CRC operates on a drop-in basis and no appointment is necessary. The hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 92 Charlotte St., Port Colborne.
Donations are welcome for any or all of the above programs. Call Judy at 905-834-3629.
Further help is available with CRC partners as follows:
Addiction Recovery and Issues, clothing, food and groceries, housing, legal and justice issues, mental health, sexual assault or abuse and transportation.
Tel: 905-834-3629 for further information
FINAL ARRANGEMENTS Full Service Funeral Homes in Niagara Alternatives to a full service funeral in Niagara Cemeteries - As well as those listed below there are also small church cemeteries all over Niagara. Government Services
Retirement Income
There are several levels of government financial assistance for seniors in Canada and each one must be applied for. They are not handed out automatically once you reach 65 years of age.
Old Age Security (OAS)
Old Age Security is the largest public pension plan in Canada. This monthly pension is generally paid to persons 65 years of age and a resident of Canada for at least 10 years following their 18th birthday. It is suggested you apply for this pension six months before your 65th birthday. OAS is a taxable benefit.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan provides a monthly retirement pension -- as early as age 60 in some cases -- for persons who have contributed to the plan. The CPP is also a taxable benefit and must be applied for. There are three kinds of CPP benefits: the retirement pension; disability benefits for contributors with a disability and their dependent children; and survivor benefits, including the death benefit, survivor’s pension and the children’s benefit. According to the CPP Investment Board, the CPP is expected to remain sustainable for a minimum 75 years, based on current contribution rates and expected investment returns.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
The Guaranteed Income Supplement is an additional benefit for low-income pensioners. To receive this supplement you must be receiving Old Age Security pension and meet certain income requirements. You must apply for this benefit.
Allowance and Allowance for Survivor
The Allowance provides money to low-income seniors whose spouses or common-law partners receive or are entitled to receive the OAS pension and the GIS benefit, who are 60 to 64 years old, and who meet residency requirements. The Allowance for the Survivor provides money to low-income seniors whose spouses or common-law partners have died, who are 60 to 64 years old, and who meet residency requirements.
For more information on any of the above programs call:
Toll-Free: 1 800 277-9914
TTY: 1 800 255-4786
Other Benefits Available to Persons 65 +
Home Adaptation for Seniors’ Independence (HASI)
This program helps homeowners and landlords pay for minor home adaptations to extend the time low-income seniors can live in their own homes independently.
Call CMHC Toll-free 1-800-704-6488
Emergency Repair Program
This program assists low-income homeowners or occupants in rural areas to make emergency repairs (ie: heating, foundations, roofs, electrical, etc.) required for the continued safe occupancy of their houses.
Call for details on eligibility: Toll-free 1-800-704-6488
Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
A community based legal clinic for low-income senior citizens. ACE is funded through Legal Aid Ontario and is the first legal clinic in Canada to specialize in the legal problems of seniors.
Call (416) 598-2656
The Assistive Devices Program
To financially assist Ontario residents with long-term physical disabilities to obtain basic, competitively priced, personalized assistive devices appropriate for the individual’s needs and essential for independent living.
Call Toll-free 1-800-268-6021
Ontario Drug Benefit Program
This covers most of the cost of prescription drug products listed in the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Formulary.
Call the ministry INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 for eligibility information.
International Pension Benefits
You may be eligible for social security (pension) benefits if you or your deceased spouse or common-law partner lived or worked in another country.
Call Toll-free 1 -800-454-8731
The Care Guide
A free and comprehensive resource to help you make informed decisions about seniors’ housing, care services and related matters for you or a loved one. (See Publications)
Call Toll-free 1-800-311-CARE (2273)
Email: info@thecareguide.com
GROCERY SHOPPING Grocery Pal www.grocerypal.ca info@grocerypal.ca 905-892-5326 Having a tough time getting out to buy you groceries? Donna Pohran runs Grocery Pal and she’ll shop for your groceries in the Welland and Pelham area and deliver them to your home. How much? She charges $17 per order. There are seven stores in the area from which to choose, and if you’d like her to go to more than one, she charges an extra $5 per additional store. Her website at www.grocerypal.ca has a sample grocery list you can print off and add to and the site allows you to pick the store you’d like her to shop, type in your grocer list, the day and time you’d like them delivered and the method of payment: cash, cheque or paypal. If you’re not familiar with Paypal, it is done right through your computer. If you don’t have a computer, you may call Donna at 905-892-5326 and she’ll take your order over the phone. This is an excellent service and we hope it expands to the rest of the peninsula. See also Raham'sTransportation under Personal Services HEALTH Just about every condition known to man has an organization working for it to give consumers information about their health and/or disease condition. A quick look on Google or Yahoo will give you more than you can use. Be careful what you take as gospel. Look to known organizations for credible information. Informationniagara.com has all of the local organizations listed . You can call the at 211or 1-800-263-3695 or go to the website www.informationniagara.com. Alzheimer Society The Alzheimer Society is a national not-for-profit health organization dedicated to helping people affected by the disease. The society has numerous resources and support programs for people with the disease and their caregivers. The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region offers individual support, educational workshops including a seven-week series for family and friends, support groups and much more. There is a great selection of brochures available dealing with every aspect of the disease from the early warning signs to the Alzheimer wandering registry and reducing caregiver stress as well as friendly visiting. The society also has a vast lending library of information.
Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region
403 Ontario St., Unit 1
St. Catharines, ON L2N 1L5 Tel: 905-687-3914 Fax: 905-687-9952 E-mail: niagara@alzheimerniagara.ca [Service available in French]
Wellspring Niagara - 3250 Schmon Parkway in Thorold plus Stevensville - see below 905-684-7619 or visit www.wellspringniagara.ca
Wellspring Niagara is a local centre that provides free supportive care programming to people who are coping with any type of cancer, at any stage. Their mission is to provide free social, emotional, psychological, informational and spiritual support to individuals living with cancer, their families and close supporters. Since opening their doors in June 2001, Wellspring Niagara has registered more than 19,000 program attendances from men, women and children who are living with cancer in Niagara. Their free programs and services include individual and group support (based on members needs), coping skills (Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga, Relaxation & Visualization, Meditation, etc.), expressive therapies (Art Therapy, Drumming, Journaling), energy work (Reiki, Therapeutic Touch), educational workshops, presentations and a lending resource library. They have more than150 trained volunteers who offer their time, talents and personal experiences to provide members with comfort, support and encouragement at a very difficult and traumatic time in their lives. Wellspring Niagara is also proud to be the official Niagara host of the Look Good Feel Better™ workshop, a program designed for women undergoing chemotherapy and the New Voice Club of Niagara, a group for laryngectomy patients and their families. As a not-for profit, charitable organization, Wellspring Niagara receives no core or government funding. They must rely solely on the financial support from the community they serve – the Niagara Region. Every dollar raised in Niagara stays in Niagara, and is needed to help Wellspring continue to meet the needs of its growing membership and ensure that its programs and services remain free of charge.
Wellspring Niagara is located at 3250 Schmon Parkway in Thorold and is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday and some evenings and Saturdays. Wellspring Niagara also has a satellite centre in Stevensville that is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information about the programs and services offered at Wellspring Niagara, please call 905-684-7619 or visit www.wellspringniagara.ca
Hospice Niagara 403 Ontario Street, Unit 2, St. Catharines, Ontario L2N 1L5 Tel: (905)984-8766 Fax: (905)984-8242 e-mail: info@hospiceniagara.ca www.hospiceniagara.ca Hospice is not a place - it is a concept of care. Hospice Niagara aims to improve the quality of life for people with a life-limiting, progressive illness from the time of diagnosis. The focus is on caring, not curing, and on life, not death. Hospice care extends to family members and caregivers, helping them to care for their loved one and to care for themselves. Hospice Niagara's programs and services (with the exception of pharmaceuticals) are free to residents of Niagara, thanks to the goodwill and charitable donations of members of the community. We'll put questions frequently asked questions of Hospice Niagara, plus a few of our own, here. Q: Where is the centre located? A:On Ontario Street in St. Catharines on the grounds of Linhaven Home for the Aged.
Q: Why is the building called The Stabler Centre? A: It is in recognition of our generous benefactors, Gwen and Eric Stabler. Q: Who uses the centre: A: When a person who lives alone is dying and is unable to cope or caregivers are overwhelmed and all of the services available cannot manage a person's care at home, then the centre is an alternative for home to provide quality care and comfort until the person dies. Q: How many beds at the centre for those who are dying. A: There are ten bedrooms. Q: Is there a resident physician? A: Dr. Brian Kerley is our physician. Q: Does my doctor continue to be responsible for my care once I am admitted to the residence? A: No. Your doctor is welcome to visit you, but our Medical Director, Dr. Brian Kerley, is the responsible physician and will provide medical care to you during your stay. Q: Are medical procedures done on-site?: A: A few medical procedures are done on site for comfort measures only. Q: How long is a person usually at hospice? A: We are usually able to judge how long a person; will be with us according to a functional assessment tool that we use when a person is admitted. For instance, a person with cancer might be with us a shorter time than someone with heart disease or respiratory disease. To date, the longest a person has been with us is six months. What is the average length of stay in the residence? The average length of stay is 10 days. Please note, this is an average only and not intended as a guide. Q: What kind of care is provided? A: There is 24 hour nursing care. Q: Can a loved one stay with the dying person? A: Yes. Family can be present at any time. There is a pullout couch on every room. We try to make the place as much like home as possible. There is a kitchen for patient meals and another for family so they can prepare something special for themselves and their loved one. People often meet other families here. Q: What are the criteria to become a Resident of Hospice Niagara? Who can make the referral? A: Anyone can contact CCAC to make a referral. A CCAC Case Manager will meet with the client in the community or hospital to complete the information required. A potential resident must meet the following criteria:
• Be 19 years of age or older and have a life-limiting illness
• Have a valid Ontario Health Card
• Be eligible for CCAC services and unable to cope at home with the services that they provide
• Their care-giver is unable to cope at home with the services that CCAC provides
• Hospice Niagara must be able to meet the care needs of the individual
• Be agreeable to becoming a resident of Hospice Niagara
• A valid “Do Not Resuscitate” order must be in place
• The goal of care should be comfort and quality, not curative
Q: How does one “get on the list” for a residence room? Do you have to wait until your name comes to the top of the list? A: The referral is completed by a CCAC Case Manager once they deem that the person is eligible for our services. The individuals on the list are prioritized according to their needs. Generally, a community patient will take priority over a hospital patient depending upon circumstances and needs. Once prioritized, offers are made until the available bedrooms are filled. Individuals can decline a bed offer at any time, and their name will remain on the list if they so wish.Q: Why is it necessary to sign in and out at the Welcome Desk? A: We ask all visitors to sign in for the privacy and safety of our residents. It allows us to know who is in the building in case of emergency so we can ensure the safety of all.
Q: Why does Hospice Niagara not give tours of The Stabler Centre? A: We are responsible for protecting the privacy of our residents and their loved ones. This is their home, and tours are not appropriate. A photo album of our residence is available at the front desk and we would be happy to discuss any questions you may have. Please make an appointment to ensure we can assist you with your questions.
Q: Can you tell me who is currently in residence at The Stabler Centre? A: Due to the Privacy Act, we cannot identify who our residents are to anyone not directly related to their care. Q: Are pets allowed in the residence? A: We allow well-behaved pets to visit during the day. Pet owners are required to leash their pets at all times, and clean up after them. If a pet is disturbing other residents or causing allergic reactions among other residents, we will require the pet owner to remove the pet from the premises.
Q: Are all the programs and services of Hospice Niagara free of charge? What items are not covered? A: In general, the programs and services are free, however, there are sometimes costs associated with medications, laboratory services, or therapeutic equipment not covered by CCAC or private insurance. Q: What is the criteria to become a client of Hospice Niagara? Who can make a referral? A: Clients of Hospice Niagara have been
diagnosed with a life-limiting illness for which there is no cure. Anyone can make a referral to Hospice Niagara provided they have the
consent of the individual.
Q: If you have received a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, at what point can you become a client of Hospice Niagara? A: You can become a client of Hospice Niagara at the time of diagnosis. Once we receive your referral, our Client Services Coordinator will make a visit and do an assessment to determine your needs and how best we can meet them. While you are living at home in the community, Hospice Niagara can offer volunteer visits and a weekly Day Hospice program.
Q: What does the Day Hospice program involve? A: Day Hospice program is neither a full day nor is it an actual program. Our community clients who are living with a life limiting illness, generally arrive about 10:30 on Tuesday morning, delivered either by family members or by a Hospice Niagara volunteer driver if required. Our morning begins with coffee or tea and good things to eat. We have either a Registered Massage Therapist, a Reike practitioner, or a Therapeutic Touch practitioner available on a rotational basis to offer their skill to those who wish to avail themselves of this type of support. Generally, some individuals like to play cards, or work at a jigsaw puzzle, have a manicure or engage in some good conversation with other clients or the volunteers who are on hand to assist those who are in need. At lunch, clients, volunteers and staff all sit down together to enjoy a meal together, which has been prepared by our chef. The presentation and quality of meal is comparable to a 4-star restaurant. After lunch, some type of entertainment or activity is scheduled. Recently, Walter Ostanek came to play. We have had children's groups come to sing or recite poetry, travelogues, crafts, the Red Hat Society ladies, belly dancers, etc. The idea behind such a program is that when an individual is living with a life limiting illness, often their day revolves around concerns of their illness: treatment appointments, care provider visits in the home and so on. For a brief moment in time, Hospice Niagara aims to provide some respite to the client from their illness. The side benefit is that their caregivers also have about 3-4 hours of respite to do with as they wish. There is no charge for any of our services. Admission to this and our Visiting Volunteer program is through the Client Services Coordinator. Q: Am I going to be visited by many different volunteers? (I see so many different people in my house now!) A: Depending on your individual needs, you may be assigned more than one volunteer. Typically, it is just a single individual which therefore provides better opportunity to establish a more meaningful relationship.
Q: If Hospice Niagara is becoming involved, that must mean that I am dying soon! A: Every illness has its individual trajectory and many hospice clients have been accessing services for years. We are able to provide support throughout the course of your illness, however long or short that may be.
Volunteers
Q: How can a volunteer help me and my family? A: Volunteers are specially trained to provide practical, non-medical assistance and support to those diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, and respite for their caregivers. Respite can also be given to your family through the use of our Day Hospice Program. Q: Am I allowed to pay the volunteers in some way? A: No. Volunteers are not permitted to accept payment of any kind, including anything more significant than a token gift. Q: How does one become a volunteer of Hospice Niagara? A: The first step is to fill out an application which can be downloaded from our web-site at www.hospiceniagara.ca. Once your application has been received and reviewed, the Coordinator of Volunteers will contact you to discuss the various volunteer opportunities that Hospice Niagara has available. Volunteers are extensively screened and trained, and continue to be supervised and receive ongoing education in hospice palliative care. Q: Will volunteers clean my house/do my laundry/clean up after my dog/walk my dog/drive me to my appointments/pick up my groceries/make meals for me? A: Together with the Client Services Coordinator, you will discuss which of your needs the volunteer can best help to meet. While housecleaning is not typically a task that volunteers can do, Hospice Niagara will endeavor to provide assistance with whatever needs you have in order to assist you to stay comfortable and independent in your home. Q: If you are a volunteer for Hospice Niagara does that mean you are also a member of Hospice Niagara? No. Membership in Hospice Niagara is open to all. Members pay an annual fee which entitles them to certain privileges. Volunteers are welcome to become members of Hospice Niagara, however, they are not required to do so. There are different levels of membership ranging from $10 up to a Lifetime Membership of $500. Niagara Community Day Hospice
Q: How do I become a Client of Day Hospice? A: The Client Services Coordinator will complete the required information with you during the home assessment. Once you are on the list, you are welcome to attend each Tuesday, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A volunteer driver will pick you up / take you home if you need a ride. Q: Can my family attend Day Hospice each week with me? A: Family members and caregivers are encouraged to use the time for respite for themselves while you enjoy the day at Day Hospice.
Bereavement Support
Q: Does your family member have to be a client of Hospice Niagara’s in order for you to access Bereavement Support? A: No. Any bereaved individual (child, adolescent or adult) can be admitted to our Bereavement Support programs. They do not have to have a previous connection to Hospice Q: Are there any other residential hospices in the Niagara Region? A: McNally House in Grimsby is a 6-bedroom hospice.
Q: How is Hospice Niagara funded? A: The Ministry of Health funds approximately 60% of our operational costs. We rely on donations and fundraising for the remaining 40%.
Q: How do I make a donation to Hospice Niagara? Do you hold annual fundraising events? A: You can make donations to Hospice Niagara via cheque, cash, credit card, mutual funds, in your will or through our online system www.canadahelps.org. Hospice Niagara has a number of annual fundraising events such as Hike for Hospice, Dine Out for Hospice and Gift Wrapping at the Pen Centre during the holidays. For an up-to-date listing of these and other events, please check our website at www.hospiceniagara.ca.
Q: If I make a donation to Hospice Niagara, am I entitled to a charitable receipt for income tax purposes? A: Yes. Hospice Niagara is a registered charity and issues tax receipts for donations of $10.00 or more.
LEGAL How important is it to have a will and power of attorney (POA) papers drawn up for yourself? There is no amount of emphasis that can be put on these documents that can be drawn up easily in an afternoon and carry your wishes for many years. Talk about peace of mind. If you have an accident and are injured, if you have a sudden stroke or heart attack, even something as simple as a bee sting can immobilize some people, you need someone to speak for you in hospital and anywhere medical questions pertaining to your care need answering. That's what a medical power of attorney is for. To allow someone of your choosing to speak for you when you can't. The first thing the folks at the hospital ask is who has power of attorney? Until that is established, no one can really speak for you - there is no one go to person who acts on your behalf. You need to have that established or else your care could suffer. The same goes for a finincial power of attorney. If you become incapacitated someone you choose and trust can take charge of your finincial matters, pay your bills, make deposits in the bank for you, make sure things are taken care of until you are better. Power of attorney documents are easily drawn up by a lawyer according to your wishes and it doesn't cost an arm and leg. You keep a certified copy of both at home and fax them or mail copies to those who need them. When my brother had a stroke, I was faxing and mailing POA papers all over the country. Now that he has cancer, I am asked for them regularly. Being established as Power of Attorney for someone isn't a job, it's a labor of love. You can only hope someone who loves or cares deeply, will do the same for you. The same goes for a will. Being responsible for your life means taking responsibility for it to the very end...and beyond. If you have specific wishes as to how your assets will be divided and you care about how your remains will be handled you must have a will. Again, a lawyer can easily draw up a will for you. If you are a member of a union, check wth your representative. Sometimes a will can be drawn up for you for only a few dollars through your legal representative. Any law firm in Niagara has someone who will draw up powers of attorney papers and a will for you or can send you to one who can. These are things that should be put off. If you aren't sure about what you want to say in your will, get the powers of attorney papers drawn up. They'll make it so much easier on everyone if you get sick or become incapacitated. Lying there, you can think about your will...if there's time. Don't mean to be an alarmist but putting these things off can really make for hard times when they are needed. - Linda Guardian Angels Program This program is a volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing the life of residents in long term care. They advise residents or their caregivers of their rights when living in long term care homes and endeavor to raise the awareness of the general public and all levels of government of changes required in the system that manages the provision and operation of these homes. This charitable organization accepts tax deductible gifts as well as offering annual Guardian Angels memberships for $15 for seniors and active members and $25 for supporting members. Volunteers are always needed.
Guardian Angels Program
PO Box 905
Virgil, ON L0S 1T0
Tel: 905-468-8895
Government Services
Retirement Income
There are several levels of government financial assistance for seniors in Canada and each one must be applied for. They are nothanded out automatically once you reach 65 years of age.
Old Age Security (OAS)
Old Age Security is the largest public pension plan in Canada. This monthly pension is generally paid to persons 65 years of age and a resident of Canada for at least 10 years following their 18th birthday. It is suggested you apply for this pension six months before your 65th birthday. OAS is a taxable benefit.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan provides a monthly retirement pension -- as early as age 60 in some cases -- for persons who have contributed to the plan. The CPP is also a taxable benefit and must be applied for. There are three kinds of CPP benefits: the retirement pension; disability benefits for contributors with a disability and their dependent children; and survivor benefits, including the death benefit, survivor’s pension and the children’s benefit. According to the CPP Investment Board, the CPP is expected to remain sustainable for a minimum 75 years, based on current contribution rates and expected investment returns.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
The Guaranteed Income Supplement is an additional benefit for low-income pensioners. To receive this supplement you must be receiving Old Age Security pension and meet certain income requirements. You must apply for this benefit.
Allowance and Allowance for Survivor
The Allowance provides money to low-income seniors whose spouses or common-law partners receive or are entitled to receive the OAS pension and the GIS benefit, who are 60 to 64 years old, and who meet residency requirements. The Allowance for the Survivor provides money to low-income seniors whose spouses or common-law partners have died, who are 60 to 64 years old, and who meet residency requirements.
For more information on any of the above programs call:
Toll-Free: 1 800 277-9914
TTY: 1 800 255-4786
Other Benefits Available to Persons 65 +
Home Adaptation for Seniors’ Independence (HASI)
This program helps homeowners and landlords pay for minor home adaptations to extend the time low-income seniors can live in their own homes independently.
Call CMHC Toll-free 1-800-704-6488
Emergency Repair Program
This program assists low-income homeowners or occupants in rural areas to make emergency repairs (ie: heating, foundations, roofs, electrical, etc.) required for the continued safe occupancy of their houses.
Call for details on eligibility: Toll-free 1-800-704-6488
Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
A community based legal clinic for low-income senior citizens. ACE is funded through Legal Aid Ontario and is the first legal clinic in Canada to specialize in the legal problems of seniors.
Call (416) 598-2656
The Assistive Devices Program
To financially assist Ontario residents with long-term physical disabilities to obtain basic, competitively priced, personalized assistive devices appropriate for the individual’s needs and essential for independent living.
Call Toll-free 1-800-268-6021
Ontario Drug Benefit Program
This covers most of the cost of prescription drug products listed in the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Formulary.
Call the ministry INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 for eligibility information.
International Pension Benefits
You may be eligible for social security (pension) benefits if you or your deceased spouse or common-law partner lived or worked in another country.
Call Toll-free 1 -800-454-8731
The Care Guide
A free and comprehensive resource to help you make informed decisions about seniors’ housing, care services and related matters for you or a loved one. (See Publications)
Call Toll-free 1-800-311-CARE (2273)
Email: info@thecareguide.com
Seniors For Seniors
Since its inception in 1985, thousands of junior seniors age 50-65 have enjoyed working and interacting with older seniors, many of whom are in their late 90s. Assistance comes in many forms: drop-in companions, live-in companions, drivers, home cleaners and handypersons. All personnel are bonded and are caring individuals who want to help seniors remain independent in their own homes. It could be as little as dropping in for a chat, to make a cup of tea or go for a walk or at the other end of the spectrum as a live-in companion for someone who wishes to remain in his/her own home. Long-term live-in assignments are split between the same two companions to ensure continuity.
Fees range from $16.95/hour with a three hour minimum for drop-in companions to $110 for a 12-hour overnight stay and $150/day for a stay of one week or more and $160/day for a stay of less than a week. Driver fees are $16.95/hour + 45cents/km and a two-hour minimum. Home cleaning is $18.95/hour with a three hour minimum and the fee for handypersons is $22.95/hour with a three hour minimum. The GST will be added to the above fees. Services are by appointment only and five working days notice would be appreciated.
The phone number for the Hamilton, Burlington & Niagara area is 905-572-6162
Health & Home Senior Care
This service provides home-based independence for seniors and peace of mind for family members. Caregivers are fully insured, bonded and specially trained to assist seniors in the comfort of their own home. Home services provide companionship, light housekeeping, basic personal care, laundry, grocery shopping, transportation and pet care among others. If you or your loved one requires the services of a designated health care professional, such as a nurse, one can be assigned to provide foot care, wound and dressing care, palliative care and respite care. Services are provided anywhere from a couple of hours a month to 24-hour care.
Call Health & Home Care at 905-346-2634 or 1-888-262-9687 to arrange for a free consultation.
Lifeline
Lifeline can provide peace of mind to seniors living alone and to their family. It is an easy-to-use personal response service that provides fast assistance in emergencies 24 hours a day. When you need help you just press the personal help button, which can be worn either as a pendant or wristband, and within seconds a Lifeline monitor communicates with you. Even if you can’t answer, the trained monitor will access your complete profile and send help immediately whether it is a neighbor, family member or ambulance.
There is a nominal charge for this service and more information is available by calling Niagara Regional Lifeline at 905-935-4304 or visiting the web at www.lifelinecanada.com
Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS)
Abuse and Neglect of Older or Vulnerable Persons
Working in cooperation with the Niagara Community, the NRPS offers support and confidential advice to seniors and vulnerable persons who are being abused or neglected. The Seniors Support coordinator is specifically trained and dedicated to assisting the older members of the community. Types of abuse and neglect include physical abuse, financial abuse and psychological abuse. Neglect can be intentional or unintentional failure of a caregiver to fulfil care-giving responsibilities or inability of an older or vulnerable person to adequately take care of him/herself. If you or someone you know is being abused, get help, and if someone is hurting you…tell someone.
Phone numbers of local police detachments are as follows, with the ext. 5156:
St. Catharines 905-688-4111
Welland 905-735-7811
Grimsby 905-945-2211
Fort Erie 905-871-2300
Niagara Gatekeepers
The program works to identify isolated or vulnerable seniors who may benefit from support services before a crisis occurs. The goal is to help seniors preserve their independence and quality of life. Anyone and everyone who comes in contact with seniors can be a Gatekeeper, but generally they are usually people who interact with seniors as part of their work or lifestyle. All that is requested of Gatekeepers is that they be aware and alert while conducting their daily activities. The group offers free 30-45 minute presentations to businesses and organizations in Niagara and those dealing with seniors. Through these presentations, literature or word of mouth, Gatekeepers learn to recognize changes in a senior’s appearance or behaviour and then contact the Gatekeeper Intake Line at the Community Care Access Centre Niagara to file a report. Health professionals then take over to see that the senior gets the appropriate services. For more information call 905-684-0968. Services are never initiated without the consent of the individual. Health Cards A resident of Ontario must have a health card to show that he or she is entitled to health care services paid for by OHIP. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care pays for a wide range of services, however, it does not pay for services that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery. You may have a red and white card or a photo health card; both are acceptable for insured health services as long as it is valid and owned by you. If you are visiting another province and need the services of a physician, that province will usually bill the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. In Quebec you may have to pay for physician services and submit your receipt to your local ministry office for reimbursement.
If you are planning to travel outside of Canada it is strongly advised that you take out additional health insurance as Ontario residents insured under OHIP are entitled to very limited funding for a limited range of medical services.
If you need information regarding absences from Ontario, change of address, lost/stolen/damaged cards or if you are new to Ontario call toll free 1-800-664-8988 or you may visit the office at 301 St. Paul St., St.Catharines. If you are renewing or applying for a health card it is best that you phone ahead to see what documents you need to take. If you or someone you care for is too ill or too old to go to the office to renew call the number above and you'll be directed as to how to apply for your new card totally by mail. It will involve having your doctor sign a form but it doesn't involve a visit to the ministry offices.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a not-for-profit organization that relies on volunteers to provide home delivery of hot and/or frozen nutritious meals to eligible adults unable to prepare meals for themselves. Persons eligible for the program include the frail elderly, physical/cognitive disability, palliative, adult convalescents and those suffering acute/chronic illness. Meal deliveries may start with 24 hours notice for the next scheduled delivery day and a 24 hour cancellation notice is preferred. Special diets are also available. Volunteer drivers, assistants and team leaders are always needed. Further information for various cities in the Region is as follows:
Welland
Meals on Wheels
76 Division St.
Welland ON L3B 3Z7
Tel: 905-788-3181
Thorold-St. Catharines
Meals on Wheels
Unit 11-3250 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Tel: 905-682-0333
Niagara Falls
Meals on Wheels
5673 North St.
Niagara Falls ON L2G 1J4
Tel: 905-356-7548
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Tel: 905-356-9194
Port Colborne
Meals on Wheels
260 Sugarloaf St.
Port Colborne ON L3K 2N7
Tel: 905-835-1581
Fort Erie
Meals on Wheels
230 Bertie St.
Fort Erie ON L2A 1Z2
Tel: 905-871-9366
People with Disabilities
Niagara Centre for Independent Living 111 Church St., St.Catharines, On L2R 3C9 TEl: 905-684-7111, TTY 906-684-0420 www.abilityforlife.ca Any person 18 years of age and up residing in the Niagara Region who identifies as having a disability is eligible to take advantage of the services offers by the NCIL. Disability can include hidden, sensory or physical disabilities as well as mental health and emotional disabilities. The centre offers programs including: Advocacy, Direct Funding of Attendant Services, Information and Referral, Peer Support, and a Youth Group for those aged 16-30. Also innovative, individually tailored, consumer-driven assistance to persons with disabilities who are seeking employment (regardless of current income). It also offers employment counselling to access the tools required to return to work including: assistance with career decision making; access funding for training or skills upgrading; job search assistance including a job developer; accessing wage subsidies and work experience; workplace accommodations; job resource centre; diagnostic assessments; individual and group workshops; access to the full range of NCIL services; self employment assistance; and more. Professional Work Link staff have extensive knowledge and experience providing consumer centered employment services for persons with disabilities. We also have a wealth of experience for employers wishing to hire and accommodate, or who have hired persons with disabilities. Their services are cost-free to consumers and employers. You can join the NCIL by calling and making a donation. They have a newsletter outlining events, programs and other news regarding disability issues. They Come to You Barbara Daboll Footcare Tel: 905-892-3933 Barbara is a retired registered nurse who will visit you at your home. She can assess the overall condition of your feet and provide footcare including nail trimming, massage, treatment of ingrown toe-nails and callouses. Barbara will also visit clients in retirement homes and in hospital. Linda McLean - hairdresser 905-984-8827 Linda has been cutting and styling hair for 35 years. A longtime employee of a local salon, she now works out of her home, and she’ll also come to you. Whether it’s a wash, cut and set or colour and highlights or a blow dry and the curling iron, she can accommodate you. “Everything but a finger wave,” she says. To book an appointment to have Linda come to you, call her at 905-984-8827 – leave a message if she’s out and she’ll get back to you. Husna Ajmy - hairdresser, aesthetician (905)935-5446 or hajmy@yahoo.com Husna is a graduate of the Niagara Academy of Cosmetology in Niagara Falls. She will come to your home and has several services she can offer hair: wash, cut, blow-dry, roller set and set and she will cut men’s hair as well. Aesthetics: wax eyebrows, chin, upper and lower lip. Nail services: manicure and pedicure and she can provide the polish unless you prefer your own. She does not do nail extensions. Husna chooses to work with seniors and those with disabilities because she has been working as a personal caregiver for the last three years and finds she gets along quite well with everyone concerned. She enjoys it. Husna’s tel. number is (905)935-5446 or you may e-mail her at hajmy@yahoo.com for prices and to make an appointment. Personal Services Grooming - Holly's Companion Pet Grooming Services -professional pet grooming in your home for dogs up to 20 pounds. Special care for puppies and old dogs. Twenty plus years of experience. Breeder of small toy poodles and small designer breeds. Puppies occasionally available. Consults and basic training in your home for your dog. Holly Cheel - 905-957-2726 teddybeartracks@primus.ca Dog guides - Lions Foundation of Canada - - Canine Vision Canada, Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada and Special Skills Dogs of Canada If you can help with resources for dog training, adoption and neutering, please contact linda@lindacrabtree.com Income Tax- to come
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NiagaraShares.com - Disclaimer: The information on this website has been prepared by NiagaraShares.com as a resource to help people with disabilities, seniors and caregivers find what they need to improve their quality of life. We do our best to be as accurate, detailed and up-to-date as possible. If you find an error please contact us. This site relies on public input and we check everything as much as possible but businesses and services close or relocate and don't think to tell us. Always do your homework and call ahead. NiagaraShares.com or any of its sponsors cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions in this site nor can they be held responsible for any inconvenience caused by the information listed. |
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