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

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

3. INDEX AND
PROCESS FLOW
Table of Contents
Index and Process Flow Chart ...................................................... 1
Financial Supports ............................................................................ 3
Medical Supports ............................................................................ 9
Medical Support Services ........................................................... 13
Housing ........................................................................................... 18
Child Care ...................................................................................... 19
Transportation ................................................................................ 20
Information ...................................................................................... 21
Please note, every attempt has been made to provide
general timely and accurate information in this booklet.
No claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy or
adequacy of the contents of this booklet are implied. Every
attempt has been made to include the current support
services available in our community. These services are
subject to change and availability by their funders and the
service providers. This booklet was revised in May 2014.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 1

4. Process for Accessing Financial
Supports When Newly Diagnosed with
a Significant Health Issue (Adults)
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 2

5. FINANCIAL SUPPORTS
NOTE: In some instances, it may be advisable to make
application for financial support and request medical
documentation simultaneously.
Employment Insurance Sickness
Benefits
Service Canada
58 Dalhousie St., Floor 2
Brantford, Ontario
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/benefits
/sickness/shtml
Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218
Employment insurance benefits are paid if you are
unable to work because of sickness, injury or
quarantine. Eligibility and benefits vary depending on
an individual’s contribution circumstances. Please
consult your physician. A medical certificate may be
required.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 3

6. Employment Insurance Compassionate
Care Benefits
Service Canada
58 Dalhousie St., Floor 2
Brantford, Ontario
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/benefits
/compassionate.shtml
Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218
Compassionate care benefits are Employment
Insurance (EI) benefits paid to people who have to be
away from work temporarily to provide care or
support to a family member who is gravely ill and
who has a significant risk of death within 26 weeks
(six months). A maximum of six weeks of
compassionate care benefits may be paid to eligible
people. Please consult your physician. A medical
certificate may be required.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 4

7. Employment Insurance special benefits
for Parents of Critically Ill Children
Service Canada
58 Dalhousie St., Floor 2
Brantford, Ontario
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/pcic
/index.shtml
Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218
Employment insurance benefits for parents caring for
a critically ill or injured child. A medical certificate is
required.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 5

8. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – Disability
Service Canada
58 Dalhousie St., Floor 2
Brantford, Ontario
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/cpp
/disability/disabilitypension.shtml
Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914
The Canada Pension Plan is a contributory, earnings-related
social insurance program. It ensures a
measure of protection to a contributor and his or her
family against the loss of income due to retirement,
disability and death. Please consult your physician.
A medical certificate is required. There are three
kinds of Canada Pension Plan benefits:
 disability benefits (which include benefits for
disabled contributors and benefits for their
dependent children);
 retirement pension; and
 survivor benefits (which include the death benefit,
the survivor's pension and the children's benefit).
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 6

9. Ontario Disability Support Program
(ODSP)
195 Henry St
Brantford, Ontario
N3S 5C9
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs
/social/odsp/
(519) 756-5790
The Ontario Disability Support Program helps people
with disabilities who are in financial need pay for
living expenses, like food and housing. This is
called Income Support. Employment
Support helps people with disabilities who can and
want to work prepare for and find a job. The Ontario
Disability Support Program is managed and delivered
by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Please consult your physician. A medical certificate is
required.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 7

10. Ontario Works
220 Colborne St
Brantford, Ontario
N3T 5R7
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs
/social/apply_online.aspx
(519) 759-7009
Provides financial and employment assistance to
individuals and families who are in temporary need
of:
 Funds for food, shelter, clothing and other
household items. Ontario Works can also provide:
 A monthly drug card to cover the cost of
prescribed medications; or,
 Other benefits such as dental services for children,
prescription eyeglasses and transportation for
medical reasons.
The Ontario Works Program is managed and delivered
by the City of Brantford, Social Services Department.
Residents of the City of Brantford or the County of Brant
can apply.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 8

11. MEDICAL SUPPORTS
Ontario Trillium Drug Benefit (ODB)
General Info:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs
/drugs/programs/odb/odb.aspx
Forms:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs
/drugs/opdp_forms.aspx
Contact Numbers:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs
/drugs/drugs_contact.aspx
Toll-Free: 1-800-575-5386
Toll-Free: 1-866-532-3161
This program supports individuals with their drug
prescription costs. There are specific eligibility
requirements for this program. There may be a co-pay
requirement for eligible participants.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 9

12. Exceptional Access Program (through
Ontario Trillium Drug Benefit program)
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs
/drugs_contact.aspx
Toll-Free: 1-866-811-9893
Provides coverage for exceptional drugs not normally
covered through the Ontario Trillium Drug Benefit
program. Please consult your physician. Medical
confirmation of need is required.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 10

13. Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
General Information:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip
Programs and Services
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs
/default.aspx
Toll-Free: 1-866-532-3161
This is the Ontario Health Care Program; it is what
funds our hospitals, doctors and our overall
healthcare to all Ontarians.
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/adp
Toll-Free: 1-800-268-6021
This program provides support and funding to Ontario
residents who have long-term physical disabilities. It
also provides access to personalized assistive
devices appropriate for the individual’s basic needs.
Please consult your physician. Medical confirmation
is required.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 11

14. Special Assistance Discretionary Fund
(519) 759-7009
Provides assistance to individuals and families on a
fixed income (other than social assistance benefits) for
benefits such as dental, vision care, prescription
medication, orthotics etc.
Medical Needs for Low Income Families
(519) 759-7009
Provides medical items for low income families to
enable them to maintain health and attachment to the
workforce. Families are required to complete a
needs test before approval.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 12

15. MEDICAL SUPPORT
SERVICES
Canadian Cancer Society
brant@ontario.cancer.ca
Peer Support: 1-800-263-6750
Cancer Information Service: 1-888-939-3333
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national,
community-based organization of volunteers whose
mission is to end cancer and enhance the quality of
life of people living with cancer. The purpose of the
organization is to provide services to cancer patients,
educate the public about cancer and support
research.
The following services are available to all cancer
patients:
 Cancer information services
 Peer Support
 Community services locator to help find
information for more than 4,000 cancer-related
services and resources nationwide
 Transportation for cancer patients to cancer clinics
for treatment or follow-up
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 13

16. Peer Support - 1-800-263-6750 - is a program
designed to give emotional support from others who
have had a similar experience. Support is available
in person, by telephone, or through support groups.
Cancer Information Service 1-888-939-3333
provides information on types of cancer, prevention,
treatment, early detection and referral to community
services.
Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)
http://www.ccac-ont.ca/
(519) 759-7752
CCAC’s mission is to deliver a seamless experience
through the health system for people in our
community, providing equitable access, individualized
care coordination and quality health care. CCAC
serves as a centralized coordinating organization
and provider of a number of health care services.
Services can include, but are not limited to: nursing,
homemaking, personal support and caregiver relief.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 14

17. Victoria Order of Nurses (VON)
aberdeen@aberdeenhealth.ca
(519) 759-7750
VON Brantford Site (formerly Aberdeen Health &
Community Services) provides health and community
services to people in their homes, workplaces, in
clinics or at school. Please consult the Community
Care Access Centre (CCAC) for a referral.
Revera
http://www.reveraliving.com/
(519-756-4606)
Revera provides nursing, personal and home
supports, therapy and rehabilitation to people in their
homes. Please consult the Community Care Access
Centre (CCAC) for a referral.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 15

18. Stedman Community Hospice
(519) 751-7096 ext. 2500
Provides Hospice care to individuals who are living
with a progressive, life-threatening illness. In addition
to the residential program, Hospice also provides
support to those living at home through the Supportive
Care Outreach Inter-disciplinary team, a Day
Wellness -Patient program, Grief and Bereavement
individual and group support, and community
education opportunities. Please consult the
Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) for a
referral.
Canadian Red Cross
http://www.redcross.ca/where-we-work
/in-canada/ontario/brantford
/community-health-support-services
519-753-4189
Provides programs such as Meals on Wheels,
transportation for individuals (who are frail, elderly or
who have a disability) and community health support
initiatives.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 16

19. Brantford General Hospital (BGH)
http://www.bchsys.org/
(519) 751-5544 ext. 2395
The Brantford General is an acute care facility,
providing all of Brantford and Brant County's
specialty programs and services for our 120,000+
residents. Patient Relations Coordinator contact
information provided, quickly able to address
concerns and Hospital Policy. Monthly parking
passes are available for purchase at the Cashier’s
office (beside Tim Horton’s at the main entrance) or
Switchboard.
Consulting a Palliative Care Physician
Anyone can request to consult with a Palliative Care
Physician. Ask your family doctor for a referral.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 17

20. HOUSING
Brant/Brantford Homelessness
Prevention
Assistance (BBHPA)
(519) 759-7009
Provides assistance to individuals and families on
social assistance (Ontario Works/Ontario Disability
Support Program) and people who are not in receipt
of social assistance to help with rental/mortgage
arrears, utility arrears, last month’s rent deposit and
beds.
Housing Resource Centre
(519) 759-7009
Provides assistance in accessing emergency
accommodation for individuals who are homeless.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 18

21. CHILD CARE
Child Care Subsidy
www.BrantfordBrantOneList.ca
(519) 756-3150
Provides assistance with child care costs at licensed
programs in the community, so that families can work,
attend school or place a child with special or social
needs. Families who are eligible will receive either
full or partial subsidy.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 19

22. TRANSPORTATION
Specialized Transportation
Brantford Lift
(519) 752-4444
Brant Taxi
(519) 756-8584 (Brant Ave)
(519)750-0098 (West Brant)
(519) 752-1010 (Murray St)
City Taxi
(519) 759-7800
Paris Taxi
(519) 442-7873
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 20

23. INFORMATION
211
www.211ontario.ca
211
211 is a three-digit phone number, 2-1-1, and
website to provide information on community, social,
health and government services. It is designed to help
residents find support to be resilient and resourceful,
no matter what life situation is challenging them. 211
is available help residents find the right service in their
community that meets their needs. Service is available
24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free,
anonymous and confidential. 211’s phone service is
available in over 150 languages. Coverage is
available Ontario-wide for phone and web.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 21

24. Health Care Connect
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms
/healthcareconnect/public/default.aspx
Toll-Free: 1-800-445-1822
Health Care Connect helps Ontarians who are
without a family health care provider (family doctor or
nurse practitioner) to find one. People without a family
health care provider are referred to a family doctor or
a nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in
their community.
Member of Parliament for Brant (MP)
Office of Phil McColeman
Phil.McColeman@parl.gc.ca
519-754-4300
Provides advocacy and problem resolution supports
related to Federal government programs. If you have
any difficulty printing off forms from websites, please
contact the office for assistance.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 22

25. Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP)
Office of Dave Levac
Dlevac.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
519-759-0361
Provides assistance with any Provincial programs and
services. If you have difficulty printing off forms from
websites, please contact the office for assistance.
City of Brantford – Social Services
Department
220 Colborne St
Brantford, Ontario
N3T 5R7
http://www.brantford.ca/Pages/default.aspx
519-759-7009
519-759-3330
Provides information and assistance accessing
municipal and provincial income support,
employment, housing, and child care programs and
services.
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 23

26. Living with a Disability
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/lifeevents
/disability.shtml
Provides an overview and links to applications for
Canada Pension Plan, children’s benefits, tax
information for people with disabilities, Disability
Pensions for Veterans and Registered Disability
Savings Plans (RDSP).
Speak Up: Advanced Care Planning*
http://www.advancecareplanning.ca/
End of life care and living wills | Hospice Palliative
Care | Substitute Decision Makers
*Website offering end of life planning information
Medical and Financial Resource Information
for Recently Diagnosed Critically Ill Patients 24

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