Correction
Thank you to Tracy Hext for providing this clarification
Only Long Term Care Homes (Nursing Homes) are regulated by the Ministry Of Health Long Term Care, not retirement homes. Retirement Homes are privately operated and managed. We at the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) only disseminate info about retirement homes. We are the contact however for information and application to Long Term Care.
Tracy Hext, Reg. N., C.M.,
Sarnia-Lambton Community Care Access Centre
For more information on the services available from the CCAC visit their web site at
Tracy Hext, of the Community Care
Access Centre, is a caseworker, backed by her experience in a hospital
setting and then with housing for the past four years. Her goal is to
keep people in their own homes as long as possible. If you need her
services, or if you are calling on behalf of someone else who would be a
willing client, telephone 337-1000.
A nine-page assessment studies life in the home. A monthly visit from a
nurse and simple changes may make established services better. Housing
needs may change drastically on discharge from a hospital. Four people
specialize in making these adjustments, one at each hospital site and an
evening supervisor. These four are hospital-based caseworkers, so
patients should ask for help before they leave hospital.
There is limited funding for homecare and people who obtain it must
really require the assistance. Care may come from a home support worker
when a spouse or child is not available to assist. Dementia, not
physical handicap, is often the biggest barrier to continued living in
your home. If you start forgetting day-to-day things, and life becomes
puzzling, look for help.
There are formal (new since 1994) Powers of Attorney. They deal
separately with property issues and personal care. Recent news stories
emphasize their importance.
If you move, can you also move your support system of family, neighbours
and friends? One option, which may replace some of this support, is a
retirement home. Shop around. Retirement homes are different. Some are
essentially an apartment building with a common restaurant-like area.
Others add on levels of medical supervision and nursing care. A limited
number are provided at low cost. All are regulated by the Ministry of
Health and accessed through the Community Care Access Centre. Rates are
set by the Provincial Government, in the $1,400-$2,100/month range. Go
and look at different residences, to become aware of the life style
there. In turn, you must meet the criteria for how much care you need
(personal care, dietetic, continuous supervision or abuse threat) before
you can move in. Consent, perhaps through a Power of Attorney, is
required.
Assessment to govern admission is at no cost because it is covered by
OHIP. If you know anyone who might need this service, pass these words
along.
Housing may be provided at market rates, as well as that which is subsidized to match lower incomes.
Ms. Dudley, who has had 24 years experience in social housing, showed many slides of the wide range of housing available. The application form for units is very short and it is possible to have a telephone interview for those with mobility problems. Information is available at any municipal office and at public libraries.
To preserve the supply of housing, persons cannot live in one of these units if their income is too high, unless there is no waiting list. Victims of abuse go to the top of the list.
Housing types vary and requirements change. The Province sets rules and regulations, and policies will change as governments change. At one time, only persons over a certain age occupied some types of housing. Now acceptance depends upon when a person indicated a need, without regard to age.
Often, there is a social area to help build a sense of community. Your apartment is your home, and often knowing your dwelling place is safe when they are away, especially convenient for travelers. Worries about taxes, repairs, leaves, garbage, and repairs are minimized.
An Affordable Housing study is currently underway. Anyone interested is invited to one of two Focus Group meetings, June 14th. Calling 344-2062 or 1-800-387-2882 may obtain information about these remarkable resources.
