Willow - Financial Guide - Windsor Regional Hospital

Transcription

CO P I N G W I T H YO U R
F I N A N C I A L CO N C E R N S
WHEN YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER
FIFTH ONTARIO
EDITION
Sponsored by
Willow’s Services
About Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
All of Willow’s services and programs are provided free of charge
WILLOW’S PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
For over 15 years, Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada has provided free,
survivor-driven support and information to anyone affected by breast cancer.
From the individual diagnosed, to their family and caregivers, Willow makes
sure no Canadian faces breast cancer alone.
Survivorship needs are increasing. Through a peer support model, Willow’s
Peer Support staff and volunteers are trained to share expertise and personal
knowledge with anyone affected by breast cancer. They provide the information
and skills necessary to help navigate the complex health care system.
For more information visit www.willow.org or call 1-888-778-3100
WILLOW’S INFORMATION SERVICES
This booklet was generously sponsored by Sun Life Financial.
It is also available online at www.willow.org.
Willow has a full-time health librarian who oversees one of the most complete
consumer-focused breast cancer libraries in Canada. Willow provides critical
and tailored information to answer clients’ unique questions and disseminates
this information to them anywhere in Canada.
Willow’s Support Group Program
Willow teaches survivors to start and manage support groups within their
communities across Canada. This allows those living with breast cancer
access to crucial, accurate and important psychosocial support from a
trained survivor.
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization
providing a diverse range of wealth accumulation and protection products
and services to individuals and corporate customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun
Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets around
the world.
At Sun Life Financial, we always work with our customers’ best interests in
mind; partnering with them directly, or through their employers, to provide
sound financial solutions that will meet their changing needs throughout
their lifetimes. We are deeply committed to giving back to the communities
in which we live, work and do business, and we have a strong interest in overall
health issues – especially in the area of health promotion and illness prevention.
Sun Life Financial is proud to support Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
through this valuable resource, Coping With Your Financial Concerns When You
Have Breast Cancer.
WILLOW’S EDUCATION PROGRAM
Breast cancer affects not only those diagnosed but also their family, friends
and business associates. Willow offers unique seminars providing useful
information and tips for dealing with breast cancer in the workplace.
For more information about Willow and its programs call or visit us online.
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
30 St. Patrick Street, 4th Floor
Toronto ON M5T 3A3
1-888-778-3100
E-mail: [email protected]
www.willow.org
contents
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8
Introduction
25 There’s
Help Out There
25 Childcare
What If I Can’t Work?
25 Home Help
8 Disability Income Insurance
26 Hospice/Palliative Care
9 Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits
27 Transportation
10 Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits
10 Canada Pension Plan
30 Help
12 Disability Tax Credit
31 Power of Attorney
12 Ontario Works/Ontario Disability Support Program
32 Wills and Living Wills
14 Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation
32 Legal Aid
With Financial And Legal Concerns
15 Breast Cancer Action Kingston
15 Front Line Collingwood Foundation
16 Veteran Affairs Canada
16 Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund
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When It’s Not Covered By OHIP
17 Group Health Care Insurance
18 Interim Medical Coverage for Refugee Claimants
18 Ontario Drug Benefit Program
19 Trillium Drug Program
21 Free Drug Service for Oral/Subcutaneous Drugs
21 New Drug Funding Program
22 Assistive Devices Program
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Appendix: Community Information Centres
Coping With Your Financial Concerns – Ontario
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Introduction
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The words “you have breast cancer” mark the beginning of a journey.
No matter what stage you are at, you may have serious worries about your
personal finances.
This booklet contains information about programs and services to help you
address your financial concerns. You may discover that you qualify for programs and services you didn’t even know existed. Although Willow cannot
endorse any one of the specific programs, services or agencies listed, we can
offer some general advice:
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We encourage you to speak with your doctor and ask what his or her
expectations are regarding your course of treatment, how long you
might be off work and what limitations you may encounter.
Oncology social workers are trained to help people with cancer
connect to the resources they need, including financial aid. Talk to
a member of your healthcare team to get a referral.
It’s a good idea to examine and evaluate the various definitions of
disability for the programs you may be accessing and determine how
your illness and situation fits within those programs.
If you are in the first stages of diagnosis and find yourself worrying
about your financial future, take this time to find out what insurance,
sick days, leave of absence and/or individual employer policy applies
to your situation. While this may take some time, knowing
in advance what you are entitled to claim can be reassuring.
If you have supplemental health and/or disability insurance, either
through a workplace benefits package or carried independently,
make sure you are familiar with the terms and conditions of your
coverage. Many disability policies require a waiting period prior to
the start of coverage, so you may need to notify them immediately
of your situation.
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Before using your RRSP or the equity in your home to pay for
expenses, consider speaking with a financial advisor.
If you are worried about meeting payments on your credit card, loan
or mortgage, consider speaking with your bank or lender to develop
a new payment schedule.
If friends or relatives offer to help or assist, try to accept their offers
in the same spirit you would accept a gift. They are concerned for
you and do want to help in any way they can.
Remember, there is always help available at Willow. Just call us
toll-free at 1-888-778-3100 for free information and support.
What If I Can’t Work?
This first section addresses income replacement from insurance,
federal government support, provincial government aid programs
and registered charities.
If you carry your own disability policy, review it carefully. If it is not completely clear, check with the agent who sold it to you. If you purchased
coverage directly from an insurance company, you may need to check
with the company.
Other Insurance Coverage
Review your own personal insurance holdings or check with your agent to
determine if you have purchased other insurance coverage, such as critical
illness insurance or long-term care insurance.
Your agent can help you determine if your condition will qualify you to
receive benefits.
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SICKNESS BENEFITS
Employment Insurance (EI) provides sickness benefits to individuals who
are unable to work because of sickness, injury or quarantine.
Generally, you need to have worked 600 insured hours in the last 52 weeks
and prove that your earnings have been reduced by at least 40% to qualify
for sickness benefits.
To see whether you meet the sickness benefits criteria, you will need to submit:
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DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE
Disability insurance either may be part of your employee benefits package
or carried independently. It provides for partial replacement of your regular
income should you become seriously ill or disabled. The terms and conditions of these policies vary widely. If you are covered at work or covered
under a spouse or partner’s workplace plan, ask the plan administrator for
complete coverage details. If it is still unclear as to what is covered and for
how long, ask the insurer for clarification. You do not have to discuss details
of your particular situation at this point.
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a medical certificate,
an application form
records of employment from all employers you have worked for in the
last 52 weeks or since the start of your last claim (whichever is the
fewest)
Employers are obliged to provide these records within five days of your
notification. It’s important that you file your claim within four weeks or
you may lose benefits. If you are unable to obtain these records within four
weeks, you may file your claim using pay stubs or T4 slips to verify your
employment history.
Coverage may last for up to 15 weeks. After the coverage ends, you may
be able to receive regular EI benefits if you are able to show that you have
regained the ability to work and have no job to return to.
For more information and application forms contact:
Service Canada
Toll free: 1-800-206-7218
Website: www.servicecanada.gc.ca
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EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE COMPASSIONATE CARE BENEFITS
This program provides for up to six weeks of benefits to those with EI coverage who must look after a gravely ill partner or family member. It requires
both EI qualification and a medical certificate confirming the severity of
the patient’s illness (generally this means a patient who is at risk of dying
within six months). It may be shared amongst qualified family members so
careful planning prior to filing may help optimize the benefits.
a flat rate amount is combined with a calculated amount that is based on
the number of years paid into CPP and the level of those contributions.
Benefits start four months after the date you become eligible. Benefits end
when you turn 65 and start to access CPP retirement pension benefits,
return to work, or pass away; however, benefits paid to dependent children
continue under the same terms until those children leave school or reach
25 years of age.
There is also a variety of other programs that work in conjunction with
care leave: regular EI benefits, parental or maternity benefits and/or
sickness benefits.
CPP benefits might affect other benefits you are receiving, so it’s best for
you to contact any other benefit programs you are enrolled in before applying for CPP benefits.
Service Canada
Toll free: 1-800-206-7218
CANADA PENSION PLAN
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides basic monthly benefits when a
plan contributor becomes disabled, retires or in the event of the contributor’s death, survivor benefits. Disabled is defined by CPP as either a physical or mental condition that is severe and prolonged. “Severe” means your
condition prevents you from working regularly at any job, and “prolonged”
means your condition is long-term or may result in your death.
To qualify, you must:
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be under age 65
have contributed to the CPP for a minimum number of years
(generally this means four of the previous six years and at a level of at least
10% of each year’s maximum pensionable earnings of approx. $37,000)
meet the disability criteria
If you do not appear to have enough yearly contributions, there are some
provisions that make exceptions for years spent raising young children at
home. You may also qualify if your application has been delayed due to
illness or if you acquired contribution credits from a former spouse or
through foreign employment.
A CPP disability pension does not prevent you from receiving a surviving
spouse or common-law partner’s pension benefit; the two payments are
combined to equal the maximum amount payable under the disability pension. The disability pension payment amount is based on two components:
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Service Canada
Toll free: 1-800-277-9914
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DISABILITY TAX CREDIT
The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that can be used to
reduce the amount of income tax you have to pay. If partial use of this tax
credit reduces your federal tax payable to zero, you can transfer the remainder to your spouse, common-law partner or another supporting person. It is
not available to all persons with disabilities and is not automatically given to
those receiving CPP disability benefits or disability benefits from insurance.
You may be able to claim the Disability Tax Credit if:
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you have a severe mental or physical impairment that causes you to
be markedly restricted in any of the activities of daily living (walking,
speaking, thinking, hearing, feeding and dressing, elimination) and
the impairment is prolonged. or
you require life-sustaining therapy and dedicate time specifically for
this therapy (at least three times a week to an average of 14 hours a
week for a period of at least 12 months) or
you are blind, even with the use of corrective lenses or medication,
and the impairment is prolonged (at least 12 months)
Any of the above must be certified by a qualified caregiver (e.g., physician,
optometrist, audiologist, occupational therapist, psychologist, speech-language pathologist).
For more information contact:
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
Toll free: 1-800-959-8281
Website: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca
ONTARIO WORKS/ONTARIO DISABILITY SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Ontario Works program provides income and employment assistance
for people who are in temporary financial need. Ontario Works requires
that those receiving benefits actively seek employment, contribute to their
community on a volunteer basis, or enroll in marketable skill enhancement
programs. However, single parents with young children, seniors, or a person
with a disability are not required to participate in Ontario Works employment services programs, nor is someone who is ill or caring for an aged
family member on a regular basis.
The Ontario Disability Support Program provides financial help for people
with disabilities. It can help pay for living expenses, like food and housing.
You may qualify for income support if you:
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The amount of income support you receive will depend on your:
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are in financial need
are 18 years of age or older
live in Ontario, and
have a substantial physical or mental disability that: is expected to
last a year or more, and makes it hard for you to care for yourself,
take part in community life or work.
family size
income
assets, and
housing costs.
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If you qualify for income support, you and your family may also qualify for
other benefits, such as:
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drug coverage
dental coverage
vision care
transportation to medical appointments
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Toll free: 1-888-789-4199
Website: www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/
Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation
The Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation’s Snow Run for Fun Trust was
established in 1999 by the late Kelly Shires (then just diagnosed with breast
cancer) and her best friend Suzy Cayley. They wanted to find ways to ease
the financial stresses confronting women undergoing breast cancer treatment so they started the Snow Run for Fun, a sponsored snowmobile ride
that has been an amazingly successful fundraising event.
The Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation offers up to $1,000 per application to qualifying individuals and you can apply up to four times a year
(lifetime financial assistance is capped at $10,000).
Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation
Toll free: 1-877-436-6467
Website: www.kellyshiresfoundation.org
Speak to a breast cancer survivor who understands how you
feel and can share information on how to cope with your
financial concerns.
Call Willow at 1-888-778-3100
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Breast Cancer Action Kingston
Breast Cancer Action Kingston offers financial assistance to women in the
Kingston area to help with expenses such as medications, prostheses and
bras, wigs, special garments and transportation to appointments. They can
also help with some costs of daily living such as food, accommodation and
utilities. Applicants are expected to canvass other sources of funds available
in the community as well.
Breast Cancer Action Kingston
Telephone: 613-531-7912
Website: www.bcakingston.org
Front Line Collingwood Foundation
Front Line Collingwood Foundation is a charitable organization supporting
women and men in the Georgian Triangle area who have a demonstrated
financial need and are undergoing breast cancer treatment. Funds are available to assist with short-term expenses incurred by patients undergoing
breast cancer treatment.
The eligibility requirements are:
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demonstrated financial need
currently undergoing breast cancer treatment
resident of the Georgian Triangle or receiving treatment for breast
cancer from doctors within the Georgian Triangle
Front Line Collingwood Foundation
Telephone: 705-443-8539
Toll Free: 1-866-308-2436
Website: www.frontlinecollingwood.ca
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Veteran Affairs Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada provides treatment and other health-related benefits to veterans and their survivors/dependents. Benefits include medical,
surgical and dental care, prosthetic devices, home adaptations, supplementary benefits such as travel costs for examinations or treatment, and other
community healthcare services and benefits.
Veteran Affairs Canada
Toll free: 1-866-522-2122
Website: www.vac-acc.gc.ca
Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund
Current and former members of the Naval Forces of Canada and their
dependants may qualify for financial assistance from the Royal Canadian
Naval Benevolent Fund. Benefits may take the form of either a loan or
grant depending on your circumstances. Applications are available at
Veterans Affairs Canada offices or Royal Canadian Legion branches.
Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund
Telephone: 613-996-5087
Toll free: 1-888-557-8777
Website: www.rcnbf.ca
Other Options to Explore
When it’s not
covered by OHIP
Treatment for breast cancer may involve additional medical and drug costs
beyond those covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). These
costs may be as small as a single prescription for pain relief after surgery or
a prescription for cortisone cream during radiation. However, your medical
and drug costs may be much higher should you undergo extensive chemotherapy or suffer from lymphedema after treatment.
GROUP HEALTH CARE INSURANCE
For those covered by supplemental health insurance, either through a group
plan at your place of employment or your partner’s place of employment, or
carried independently if you are self-employed, many of the additional costs
you might face may be covered. However, the level and duration of such
coverage varies greatly from policy to policy.
The only way to find out what coverage you have is to carefully check your
policy and any accompanying handbooks or guides. If you are still uncertain
as to what is or is not covered, check with a human resources officer in your
workplace. You do not need to discuss any personal medical details at this
time.
• Are you a member of a professional association or union? Emergency
loans or financial assistance may be available to members.
Should you carry extended health coverage independently, read the information provided at the time of enrolment. If it is not absolutely clear, talk
to either the agent who sold you the policy or the insurance company itself.
• If you belong to a religious congregation (e.g., church, synagogue, mosque,
temple), financial assistance may be available to you. There may also be a
faith-based social service agency in your city (e.g., Jewish Family Services)
that may be able to offer you financial assistance.
Areas that may be covered are drugs, semi-private or private room accommodation in hospital, assistive devices, home nursing care and prostheses.
Some policies may also include acupuncture, physiotherapy or massage therapy.
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Should you have an insurance-related complaint that you cannot resolve
with your insurance company, you can contact the Canadian Life and
Health Insurance OmbudService (CLHIO). CLHIO is an independent
service that assists consumers with concerns and complaints about life and
health insurance products and services. Their objective is to provide fair
and prompt resolution of problems.
Canadian Life and Health Insurance OmbudService (CLHIO)
Toll free: 1-888-295-8112
Website: www.clhio.ca
INTERIM MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR REFUGEE CLAIMANTS
Refugee claimants and their dependent children in Ontario receive essential medical care coverage through the Interim Federal Health (IFH) program run by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The program provides
essential medical care for the treatment or prevention of serious medical
and dental conditions. Lowest cost drug coverage is available for essential
prescription medications and life-supporting drugs.
Also eligible for coverage are refugee claimants and their dependent
children appealing a negative decision or awaiting deportation. The IFH
program covers convention refugees and those with permanent resident
status while their OHIP applications are processed.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Interim Federal Health (IFH)
Toll free: 1-888-242-2100
ONTARIO DRUG BENEFIT PROGRAM
If you are an Ontario resident with a valid OHIP card, you are eligible for
coverage under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program if you are:
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at least 65 years old or
resident in a long-term care facility/home for special care or
receiving professional services under the Home Care program or
recipient of benefits under the Trillium Drug program or
receiving social assistance (Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support)
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With certain deductibles or for a nominal fee, this program provides qualifying drug products. These drugs must be prescribed by authorized Ontario
prescribers and purchased from an Ontario pharmacy online with the Ministry of Health’s Health Network or an Ontario doctor licensed to sell such
drugs. Qualifying products include approximately 3,100 prescription drugs,
some limited use drugs and nutritional supplements (if the patient meets
the functional impairment criteria) and some diabetic testing strips.
Depending on annual income, single seniors who have an annual income
of $16,018 or more and senior couples with a combined annual income of
$24,175 or more may be asked to pay some portion of their prescription
drug costs. For example, a deductible of $100 plus up to $6.11 toward the
dispensing fee each time they fill a prescription after the deductible has
been paid. All other ODB eligible patients may be asked to pay up to $2.00
each time they fill a prescription.
The Ministry of Health may also consider requests for coverage of drugs not
listed if your doctor submits a written request on your behalf. This is called
an individualized clinical review. The physician’s request must include:
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the patient’s name, date of birth and Health Card number
the clinical rationale for using the unlisted drug
the doctor’s telephone and fax numbers
Pre-approval must be granted before purchasing the unlisted drug if a receipt
for an unlisted drug is going to count towards an applicant’s annual deductible.
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Drug Programs Branch
Toll free: 1-866-811-9893
Connect with others and share your story.
Join Willow’s online social networking community at:
www.willow-talk.org
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Once you have met your deductible, you may pay up to a $2.00 co-payment
per prescription for drugs that fall under the Trillium Drug Program. If
coverage for unlisted prescription drugs is desired, the same individualized
clinical review procedure described in the previous Ontario Drug Benefit
section can be followed under the Trillium Drug Program and the same
limitations apply.
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Trillium Drug Program
Toll free: 1-800-575-5386
TRILLIUM DRUG PROGRAM
The Trillium Drug Program is an annual program that starts August 1 and
ends the following year on July 31. It is designed to help individuals and
families who spend a large portion of their income on prescription drugs.
Applicants must re-apply each year to renew their Ontario Drug Benefit
(ODB) eligibility (see the previous section that outlines the ODB criteria).
To apply for the Ontario drug benefits under the Trillium Drug Program,
you must have:
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a valid OHIP card
either no insurance plan which covers prescription drugs or a plan
which does not cover all costs of your drugs
spent a large percentage (after amounts recovered under an insurance
plan) of your income on drugs
After you spend a certain amount on prescription drugs each year (known
as the “deductible”) you will be eligible. The program looks at the number
of people in your household and net income. Original prescription receipts
must be submitted (or, if some expenses are covered under private insurance, copies of the receipts and original insurance statements).
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FREE DRUG SERVICE FOR ORAL/SUBCUTANEOUS DRUGS
Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) runs this program for those in need of either
oral or subcutaneous chemotherapy drugs or other adjuvant drugs on a
fairly restricted basis for anyone unable to meet the deductible and co-payment expenses required under the Trillium Drug Program. To qualify, you
must be under 65 years old with no private insurance or coverage granted
through any other assistance program. Income level must be verified
through either a social worker or a public health nurse. Not all drugs are
covered in this program so contact CCO for a complete listing.
Cancer Care Ontario
Telephone: 416-971-9800
Website: www.cancercare.on.ca
New Drug Funding Program
This is another Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) program that ensures new effective chemotherapy drugs are equally available to everyone throughout Ontario, regardless of
the local care facility’s drug budget. It ensures that new treatments are introduced in a
standard manner throughout the province. Drugs funded under the New Drug Funding
Program are listed on the CCO website.
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Cancer Drug Benefits Navigator (CDBN)
Cancer Care Ontario offers a toll-free support line to help answer your questions about
your drug coverage options. You can call CDBN to find out how you can get drug coverage through both public and private channels, including industry-sponsored programs.
CDBN staff can investigate the reimbursement options available to you and help you in
applying for financial assistance.
Cancer Drug Benefits Navigator (CDBN)
Toll-free: 1-877-681-6551
ASSISTIVE DEVICES PROGRAM
Lymphedema Garments
For Either Lymphedema Garments or Prostheses
Purchase of your required equipment must be from a vendor registered with
ADP. ADP has proscribed costs for these items. As long as the cost of your
item does not exceed the maximum amount set by ADP, you will pay approximately 25% of the cost and ADP covers the remaining 75%.
Should your items exceed the ADP guidelines, you will be responsible for
the coverage. Discuss this with the vendor before purchasing. They are very
accustomed to dealing with ADP and are familiar with the billing procedures and cost guidelines.
If you have extended health insurance, remember to check to see if any of
your costs are covered.
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is part of the Ontario Ministry of
Health. ADP contributes towards the cost of medical equipment including
breast prostheses and compression garments for chronic (secondary) lymphedema. You are able to apply for assistance if you are an Ontario resident,
have a valid OHIP card and require a device or garment for at least six
months of regular daily use.
Replacement
ADP forms can be accessed through a medical specialist, such as an oncologist or plastic surgeon. Your specialist will also refer you to an authorizer to
assess your specific needs and prescribe the appropriate equipment or supplies. An “authorizer” may be an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist
registered with ADP.
Prostheses may be replaced after a minimum two-year period unless your
doctor verifies a change in your medical condition. Check the limitations
on replacement items carefully. Note that ADP will not replace lost, stolen
or abused equipment within the minimum replacement period.
Prostheses
ADP will contribute to the cost of one or two prostheses depending on
whether you have had a single or double mastectomy or lumpectomy. It will
not cover bras, temporary prostheses, silicone nipples or breast implants.
The prostheses vendor must provide you with a written warranty against
manufacturer’s defects for at least two years, as well as guarantee the fit for
at least two years, barring changes in your size or medical condition. Should
you change sizes, your doctor will have to re-file the form.
ADP will pay for replacement items as your needs change or as wear and
tear take their toll. However, this too is on a limited basis. Although the
funding formula is the same as it is for the initial purchase, generally,
lymphedema compression garments (i.e., three sets, two garments each)
can be replaced every 12 months.
For more information or forms contact:
Assistive Devices Program
Toll free: 1-800-268-6021 (within Ontario only)
Website: www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/adp/adp_mn.html
Other Programs for Assistive Devices
Ontario March of Dimes offers an Assisted Devices Program that provides
partial funding for the purchase and maintenance of equipment such as
wheelchairs, walkers, braces and communication devices.
Ontario March of Dimes - Assistive Devices Program
Toll free: 1-866-765-7237
Website: www.marchofdimes.ca
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MODmobility, a partnership between Motion Specialties Inc. and March of
Dimes Canada, is a service that offers recycled mobility equipment for sale
to the public.
MODmobility
Toll free: 1-866-976-6632
Website: www.modmobility.ca
Canadian Red Cross operates a Health Equipment Loan Program. For
everything from wheelchairs to commodes to walkers, your local Red Cross
may be able to lend it to you temporarily.
Canadian Red Cross - Ontario Zone
Telephone: 905-890-1000
Website: www.redcross.ca
There’s Help Out There
This section covers a variety of support services that can help you, and
your family, get through a difficult time.
CHILDCARE
You may find that you need some extra help in caring for your children or
may want to have some quiet time for yourself. This is an excellent time to
explore some of those “if you need anything, just call” offers.
If family and friends are not an option or can’t provide what you need,
there are several places to call to find out what child care options are
available in your area. Community Information Centres (see appendix)
are a good place to start. CICs do not supply any services directly but can
give you information about services in your community, including child
care. Ask about afterschool care programs, part-time daycare geared to your
financial limitations, recreation programs or community centre programs
centered on either specific activities or straightforward daycare.
If you need child care during your appointment at a cancer centre, check to
see if on-site care is offered. Where offered, this care is provided at no charge.
HOME HELP
If you need home help, contact your local Community Care Access Centre
(CCACs). Created as the first step towards providing care in the home/
community rather than in the hospital, they are designed to handle many
issues that arise when a patient is ill at home. Services that CCACs can
provide include personal care attendance, home physiotherapy, nursing,
social work and visiting. You must have a valid OHIP (Ontario Health
Insurance Plan) card to qualify for CCAC services. They will assess your
situation and arrange for the support services you need.
Community Care Access Centres
Telephone: 310-CCAC (2222)
Website: www.ccac-ont.ca
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If you are not covered by OHIP, check to see if there is a Community
Health Centre in your area. They too can refer you to community services
and medical care that you might otherwise have a hard time accessing.
Association of Ontario Health Centres
Telephone: 416-236-2539
Website: www.aohc.org
You can also try contacting your local Community Information Centre
(see appendix) or the Canadian Cancer Society information line at
1-888-939-3333 if the CCAC has not been able to provide the service
you are seeking.
Hospice/Palliative Care
Palliative care specializes in the relief of the pain, symptoms and stress of
serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for patients and their
families. Palliative care is appropriate at any point in an illness. It can be
provided at the same time as active treatment that is meant to cure your
illness. A key benefit to palliative care is that it customizes treatment to
meet the needs of the individual patient.
Care is provided by a team of experts that may include palliative care doctors, nurses and social workers. Chaplains, massage therapists, pharmacists,
nutritionists and others might be part of the team.
Palliative care teams provide:
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expert treatment of pain and other symptoms
clear and concise communication
help navigating the health care system
guidance with difficult
Hospices are community-based volunteer organizations dedicated to helping people
who are living with a life-threatening or terminal illness. Their mission is to help people
live at home, wherever that may be, or in a home-like setting as comfortably and fully
as possible. They provide support to families and friends, with a range of services focused
on quality of life until the end of life, as well as bereavement support for loved ones.
Sponsored by
Hospice care always provides palliative care, however it focuses on patients
who no longer seek curative treatments and often have a life expectancy
of less than one year. By preventing and relieving pain and suffering, it
provides comfort and improved quality of life for patients and their families
during the time of dying and death and for a bereavement period. Hospice care is directed towards meeting physical, psychological, social, and
spiritual needs. It also encourages involvement of loved ones in planning
treatment and care. A team of family, friends, healthcare professionals and
volunteers can provide care in any setting – at home, in hospital, in nursing
homes or in a hospice.
While services provided vary somewhat from organization to organization,
the range of services provided includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
at-home nursing care
respite care and caregiver relief
complementary therapies
trained volunteers to visit and provide support
help with practical needs like shopping or appointments
counseling to help adjust to pain or loss
ongoing bereavement support after the death of a loved one
The Hospice Association of Ontario has member agencies in more than
200 communities across Ontario.
Hospice Association of Ontario
Toll free: 1-800-349-3111
Website: www.hospice.on.ca
How about a break from everything once your treatment is over?
Cottage Dreams provides cancer survivors the chance to spend a
week in a donated cottage in Ontario’s cottage country.
Cottage Dreams
Telephone: 705-457-9100
Website: www.cottagedreams.org
27
28
TRANSPORTATION
Depending on where you live, you may be looking for transportation
assistance in getting to medical appointments either locally, out of town
or out of country.
Local Medical Appointments:
The Canadian Cancer Society offers transportation assistance. Call their
information line at 1-888-939-3333 to find out how they can help you access public transportation options or provide you with a volunteer driver.
The Canadian Red Cross also provides subsidized transportation to and
from medical appointments. Call Canadian Red Cross at 905-890-1000 for
more information.
Out Of Town Appointments:
If your medical treatment is not available locally (within 40 km) and you
must travel to get treatment elsewhere, you may be able to claim vehicle
expenses (including gas) on your income tax. If you have to travel more
than 80 km for treatment, you may also be able to claim the cost of your
meals and accommodations.
You can also claim travel expenses for someone to accompany you if a
medical practitioner certifies in writing that you are unable to travel without assistance.
Canada Revenue Agency
Toll free: 1-800-959-8281
Website: www.cra-arc.gc.ca
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care also provides grants to help
defray the costs of transportation and accommodation for eligible residents
of Northern Ontario who must travel long distances within Ontario or to
Manitoba to receive medical services.
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Toll free: 1-866-532-3161
Website: www.health.gov.on.ca
Sponsored by
Hope Air is a volunteer organization that flies patients for out-of-town
treatments. Either through their own licensed volunteer pilots or with
seats donated by commercial airlines and corporations, Hope Air’s service
is primarily within Canada but flights to the U.S. may also be possible.
Hope Air
Telephone: 416-222-6335
Toll free: 1-877-346-4673
Website: www.hopeair.org
Out of Country Appointments:
If you are going to the U.S. (or elsewhere) for treatments that are not
available in Canada, check with the Canadian Cancer Society. Depending
on the nature of these treatments they may be able to assist you with costs.
Hope Air may also be of assistance if no other help is available.
Other Options to Explore
• Lost weight? Gained weight? Don’t think it will be permanent
but in the meantime, nothing fits? You may want to consider
buying some low-cost clothes at a thrift store or second-hand
clothing store.
• Food banks can provide supplementary items to your strapped
food budget. Call a Community Information Centre (see appendix)
to find out how and where to access one.
• Pet food banks are a fairly new concept and might not exist in
your community but it’s worth checking with your local SPCA
or Humane Society. Some food banks may have a pet food section
as well.
• Your local public library is a great place for you to access free
resources – books, videos, magazines and the Internet.
29
Help with Financial
and Legal Concerns
You may be feeling overwhelmed by your debts and are worried about your
financial situation. Getting assistance with managing your finances may help.
The kind of help you need will be an individual choice. You may start with
your current financial advisor or accountant. They are probably already
aware of your situation and the familiarity of dealing with someone you’ve
known for a long time can make things easier.
You may want to consider asking for financial advice from a friend or family
member. Quite often family and friends are uncertain how best to help and
support you; this may be the opportunity for them to feel really useful and
for you to get the help you really do need.
Here are some other options that you may want to consider:
• Have you developed a relationship with a social worker at your
hospital or treatment centre? If not, now is the time to do so. Not
only are they familiar with services available in your area, they can
also direct you to other services and entitlements that might help
ease your situation.
•
•
Are you a member of a support group? Check with people there;
they may have already gone through this and may be able to give
you advice.
Your local Community Information Centre (see appendix) may be
able to inform you of what financial counseling services are available
in your area.
Legal counseling may be required if you are having very serious debt
problems. However, you may be able to resolve the situation with your
financial counselor or even on your own. Speak directly to your creditors,
mortgage holder, or landlord. Be frank about your situation. Generally,
you’ll find people sympathetic and wanting to be helpful.
Sponsored by
POWER OF ATTORNEY
If you are feeling unable to cope with the day-to-day business of bills, think
about assigning limited power of attorney to someone you trust. A limited
power of attorney describes exactly what the holder has authority to deal
with. It can itemize as specifically as taxes and utility bills but not credit
card or mortgage payments or whatever you might need. It protects you to
the extent that, for instance, someone with power of attorney for utility
bills cannot sell your house or access anything other than a designated
bank account and even then, only in regard to the listed responsibilities.
A full power of attorney gives the assignee full access to every aspect of
your life and should be done, obviously, with careful consideration. Power
of attorney forms that you can complete yourself are available free from
the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (1-800-366-0335 or
www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/pgt/).
31
32
WILLS AND LIVING WILLS
Legal help may also be required if you are writing your will or transferring
assets. However, if your estate is modest and fairly straightforward, you can
buy a will kit (sold in office supply and book stores) which you can use to
make your own legal will.
A living will is a document in which you specify what you want to happen
if you are in a condition in which you can’t communicate your wishes
about your treatment and personal care. Forms for creating a living will
are available through your oncologist or hospital social worker.
LEGAL AID
Legal Aid is available to low income individuals for a variety of legal
problems. If you qualify for Legal Aid, you are eligible for free legal advice,
information and/or representation.
Legal Aid Ontario
Telephone: 416-979-2352
Toll Free: 1-800-668-8258
Website: www.legalaid.on.ca
Appendix:
Community Information Centres
Community Information Centres (CICs) do not supply any services
directly. Their purpose is to help you find community, social, health and
government services in Ontario. Try them if you’re looking for anything
from home help to counseling, meals on wheels to respite caregivers, child
care to dental care.
Residents of some Ontario areas have the option of using the free 211
telephone service, which has been designed to answer questions across
the entire social services spectrum. Dial 211 to speak to an Information
& Referral Specialist who can provide you with information on services
and/or programs that meet your needs. The 211 service is offered in many
languages and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The 211 service is currently available in Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara, Simcoe
County, Halton, Peel, Windsor/Essex and Thunder Bay. You can also find
out about services in these areas by searching the online databases available
at www.211ontario.ca
The following is a list of CICs in Ontario, in alphabetical order by city/town:
Acton
211 Halton
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Halton.ca
Acton
Links2Care – Acton Branch
47 Mill St. E.
Telephone: (519) 853-3310
www.links2care.ca
Addington
See Kingston
Alliston
211 Simcoe County
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211SimcoeCounty.ca
Sponsored by
CONTACT - South Simcoe Community
Information Centre
Telephone: (705) 435-4900
www.contactsouthsimcoe.ca
Amherstburg
Amherstburg Community Services
601 Sandwich St. S.
Telephone: (519) 736-5471
www.amherstburg-cs.com
Ancaster
Ancaster Information Centre & Community
Services
300 Wilson St. E.
Telephone: (905) 648-6675
www.ancinfo.on.ca
34
Aurora
Brock
Information Aurora
1 Municipal Drive
Telephone: (905) 727-8214
www.e-aurora.ca
See also Richmond Hill
See Cannington
Ayr
Information Burlington
2331 New St., 2nd Floor
Telephone: (905) 639-4212
www.bpl.on.ca/libinfo/infob.htm
See Cambridge
Barrie
211 Simcoe County
Telephone: Dial 211
Information Barrie - Barrie Public Library
60 Worsley St.
Telephone: (705) 728-1010
www.library.barrie.on.ca/
Belle River
Lakeshore Community Services
571-B Notre Dame St.
Telephone: (519) 728-1435
www.lakeshorecommunity.net
Burlington
211 Halton
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Halton.ca
Caledon
See Bolton
Cambridge
Information Cambridge and North Dumfries
Regional Building, 151 Main St, 2nd Fl.
Telephone: (519) 740-3030
www.informationcnd.org
Cannington
Brock Information Centre
30 Allan St.
Telephone: (705) 432-2636
Chatham-Kent
Belleville
See Tilbury
Volunteer & Information Quinte
Century Place, 199 Front St, Unit 121
Telephone: (613) 969-8862 or 1-866-340-0899
www.viq.ca
Christian Island
Bolton
See Midland
Cobourg
Erin
Kawartha Lakes (City of)
Info Erin
East Wellington Advisory Group for Family Services
45 Main St
Telephone: (519) 833-9696
See Cobourg
Essex
211 Windsor Essex
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211windsoressex.ca
Essex Community Services
35 Victoria Ave., Unit 7
Telephone: (519) 776-4231
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.essexcs.on.ca
See also Windsor
Flamborough
Kent
See Chatham
Killaloe
Community Resource Centre
15 Lake St.
Telephone: (613) 757-3108 or 1-888-757-3108
www.crc-renfrewcounty.com
Kingston
Volunteer & Information Kingston
120 Clarence St.
Telephone: (613) 542-1001
www.volunteerkingston.ca
See Waterdown
Kitchener
Frontenac
Community Information Centre of Waterloo Region
151 Frederick St, Ste 300
Telephone: (519) 579-3800 or 1-877-579-3859
www.waterlooregion.org/cic
See Kingston
Georgetown
211 Halton
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Halton.ca
Links2Care
36 Armstrong Ave, Unit A
Telephone: (905) 873-6502
www.links2care.ca
FourInfo.com
1005 Elgin St W, Ste 203
Telephone: (905) 372-8913 or 1-800-396-6626
www.fourinfo.com
Grand Valley
Collingwood
Haldimand
See Orangeville
Grenville
Lambton
See Sarnia
Lanark
See Kingston
Leamington
211 Windsor-Essex
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211WindsorEssex.ca
Community Connection
275 First Ave.
Telephone: Dial 211; (705) 445-0641
www.communityconnection.net or
See Simcoe
South Essex Community Centre
215 Talbot St. E.
Telephone: (519) 326-8629
www.secc.on.ca
Halton Hills
Leeds & Grenville
See Alliston
Dundas
Hamilton
Bradford
Information Dundas
Grafton Sq. 2 King St. W., Ste 3A
Telephone: (905) 627-5461
www.dundascommunityservices.on.ca
Community Information Services
55 York Blvd., 5th Fl.
Telephone: (905) 528-0104
www.inform.hamilton.ca
Elmira
Innisfil
Woolwich Community Services
73 Arthur St. S.
Telephone: (519) 669-5139 or 1-800-661-7918
See Alliston
211Peel
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Ontario.ca/peel
Caledon Community Services
Royal Courtyards, 18 King St. E., Upper Level
Telephone: (905) 951-2300 or 1-800-985-2471
www.ccs4u.org
Borden - Base
See Alliston
Brampton
211Peel
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Ontario.ca/peel
Sponsored by
See Kingston
See Acton and Georgetown
Haliburton
See Cobourg
See Kingston
Lennox & Addington
See Kingston
London
Information London – Southwest Community Care
Access Centre
356 Oxford St. W.
Telephone: (519) 641-5519
www.thehealthline.ca
Malton
See Mississauga
35
36
Markham
Niagara Falls
Information Markham & Volunteer Centre
101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham, ON L3R 9W3
Telephone: (905) 415-7500
www.informationmarkham.ca
See also Richmond Hill
211 Niagara
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Niagara.ca
See Orillia
Information Niagara-Niagara Falls Branch
5017 Victoria Ave.
Telephone: (905) 356-4636
www.informationniagara.com
Middlesex County
Norfolk
Medonte
See London
Midland
Community Link North Simcoe
67 Fourth St
Telephone: (705) 528-6999
www.communitylink.ca
211 Simcoe County
Telephone: Dial 211
Milton
211 Halton
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Halton.ca
Milton Community Resource Centre Information Milton
1 Chris Hadfield Way
Telephone: (905) 875-4636
Mississauga
211 Peel
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211ontario.ca/peel
Malton Community Information Service
Westwood Mall, 7205 Goreway Dr.
Telephone: (905) 677-6585
www.pinet.on.ca
Mnjikaning First Nation
See Orillia
New Liskeard
Information Timiskaming
883356 Hwy 65 East
Telephone: (705) 647-5753
www.tritownchamber.ca
Niagara
See also St. Catharines
Sponsored by
See Simcoe
Northumberland
See Cobourg
Oakville
211Halton
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Halton.ca
Information Oakville
120 Navy St., 3rd Fl.
Telephone: (905) 815-2046
Orangeville
Dufferin Community Services
229 Broadway Ave.
Telephone: (519) 941-6991
www.dufferincounty.on.ca
Orillia
211 Simcoe County
Telephone: Dial 211
Information Orillia
33 Mississauga St. E.
Telephone: (705) 326-7743
www.informationorillia.org
Oro-Medonte
See Orillia
Oshawa
United Way – Information Durham
345 Simcoe St. S.
Telephone: (905) 434-4636
www.informdurham.com
Ottawa
Community Information Centre of Ottawa
11 Rosemount Ave., Ste. 408
Telephone: (613) 241-4636
www.cominfo-ottawa.org
Olde Forge Community Resource Centre
2730 Carling Ave.
Telephone: (613) 829-9777
www.storm.ca/~forge
Sarnia
Penetanguishine
Sault Ste. Marie
See Midland
Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Public Information Dept.
50 East St.
Telephone: (705) 759-5236
www.ssmpl.ca
Petawawa
Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre
10-16 Regalbuto Ave.
Telephone: (613) 687-1641
www.pmfrc.org
Information Sarnia-Lambton
Telephone: (519) 332-2814
www.informationsarnialambton.org
Severn
See Orillia
Peterborough
Shelburne
Community Counseling & Resource Centre
Information Centre
351 Charlotte St.
Telephone: (705) 743-2523
www.fourinfo.com/vip
See also Cobourg
See Orangeville
Port Colborne
211 Niagara
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Niagara.ca
Simcoe
Haldimand-Norfolk Information Centre
40 Colborne St. S.
Telephone: (519) 426-6655 or 1-800-267-9434
www.haldimand-norfolk.info
Simcoe County
See Midland and Alliston
Springwater Township
Port Colborne
See Midland
Port Cares Community Resource Centre
92 Charlotte St.
Telephone: (905) 834-3629
www.portcares.on.ca
Tay Township
Quinte
See Belleville
Ramara
See Orillia
Richmond Hill
Helpmate Community Information & Volunteer
Bureau - Richmond Hill Central Library
1 Atkinson St, 4th Fl.
Telephone: (905) 884-3000 or 1-800-363-2412
www.inforichmondhill.org
St. Catharines
211 Niagara
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Niagara.ca
Information Niagara
301 St. Paul St.
Telephone: (905) 682-6611 or 1-800-263-3695
www.informationniagara.com
See Midland
Thunder Bay
211 OntarioNorth
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211OntarioNorth.ca
Thunder Bay
Community Information &
Referral Centre Thunder Bay
Victoria Ville Centre 125 Syndicate Ave. S.
Telephone: (807) 626-9626 or 1-888-624-1729
www.lspc.ca
Tilbury
Tilbury Information and Help Centre
20 Queen St. N.
Telephone: (519) 682-2268
www.unitedway.chatham-kent.on.ca
Timiskaming
See New Liskeard
Tiny Township
See Midland
37
38
Toronto
Toronto – Parkdale
211 Toronto
Telephone: Dial 211
www.211Toronto.ca
Parkdale Community Information Centre
1303 Queen St. W.
Telephone: (416) 393-7689
www.pcic.ca
Albion Neighborhood Services
Albion Centre 1530 Albion Rd., Ste. 205
Telephone: (416) 741-1553
www.albionservices.ca
Bloor Information & Life Skills Centre
672 Dupont St., Ste. 314
Telephone: (416) 531-4613
www.bloorinfo.org
Toronto – Scarborough
Information Scarborough
4155 Sheppard Ave. E.
Telephone: (416) 321-6912
Vaughan
See Richmond Hill
Waterdown
Community Action Resource Centre
1652 Keele St.
Telephone: (416) 652-2273
www.communityarc.ca
Flamborough Information & Community Services
163 Dundas St. E.
Telephone: (905) 689-7880
1-800-297-3427
www.infoflam.on.ca
Community Action Resource Centre –
Davenport Site
1884 Davenport Rd., Unit #1
Telephone: (416) 654-0299
www.communityarc.ca
Waterloo
Jewish Information Service of Greater Toronto
4600 Bathurst St., 4th Fl.
www.jewishtoronto.com
See Alliston
Toronto
Neighborhood Centre, Secord Community Centre
91 Barrington Ave.
Telephone: (416) 698-1626
Neighborhood Information Post
Parliament Street Public Library
269 Gerrard St. E., 2nd Fl.
Telephone: (416) 924-2543
www.nipost.org
Toronto – North York
Community Information Fairview
Fairview Mall, 1800 Sheppard Ave. E.
Telephone: (416) 493-0752
www.communityinfofairview.org
To obtain breast cancer support
and information, contact:
See Kitchener
Wentworth
See Hamilton
West Gwillimbury
Whitby
Whitby Information Centre
405 Dundas St. W.
Telephone: (905) 668-6531
www.whitbylibrary.on.ca
See also Oshawa
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
30 St. Patrick Street, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON M5T 3A3
Toll free: 1-888-778-3100
Web: www.willow.org, www.willow-talk.org
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and
donors, all of Willow’s programs and services are
delivered free of charge. Help ensure no one faces
breast cancer alone by donating to Willow Breast
Cancer Support Canada at 1-888-778-3100 or
visit our website at www.willow.org.
Windsor
211 Windsor-Essex
400 City Hall Square E., 4th Floor, Ste. 410
Telephone: Dial 211; (519) 258-0247 or 1-877746-4311
www.211windsoressex.ca
Woolrich
See Elmira
© 2009 Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada holds the copyright on this publication. Permission is granted
to display, copy, distribute, and download Willow materials for personal, non-commercial use only,
provided you do not modify the materials and acknowledge the source of the material by crediting
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada.
Sponsored by
39
©2009 Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
Sponsored by

Willow - Financial Guide - Windsor Regional Hospital

Transcription

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