Navigating the Healthcare System Checklist
Palliative care is a holistic approach to care for people with an advanced illness, focused on relieving suffering and improving quality of life by attending to physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Palliative care is not just for people who are dying and can be provided by most health care teams but also palliative care specialists.Â
Whether you, your family member, friend, or neighbour needs palliative care, here are some tips you could consider when navigating the healthcare system. There is a lot you can do, and you don’t have to do it alone. Don’t hesitate to talk to members of the healthcare team to ask what other support and services are available to help you.Â
Tip 1. Contact an Ontario Health atHome Coordinator
We understand that dealing with the healthcare system can be confusing. It can be tough to understand medical terms and to figure out where to get the right care, whether it's at home, a hospital, a long-term care home, or a hospice. A care coordinator can help you with these challenges. You can reach out to a care coordinator on your own for needs such as personal care, nursing care, meal delivery, or a day program.
Ontario Health atHome (formerly Home and Community care support services) is connected to every part of the health care system in Ontario and can serve as your single point of contact in obtaining services and information. Â
Phone:Â (613) 310-2222
Toll Free: Â (1-800) 538-0520
Tip 2. Consider Advance Care Planning
Advance Care Planning can be done at any time. It includes knowing who your substitute decision-maker is and having conversations about what is important to you with them.Â
A substitute decision maker (SDM) is a person who makes decisions on behalf of another person if they become incapable of making decisions for themselves.Â
In Ontario, everyone automatically has an SDM. However, if you are not satisfied with who your SDM is you can appoint someone by completing a Power of Attorney for Personal Care. You do not need to go to a lawyer to complete this.Â
Tip 3. Build a team
Caregiving is a team effort, and you are an important part of that team. Download the map below to write out who you have helping you with different caregiving responsibilities.
There are different groups in your social life you could draw on for support, whether that be a member of your personal life such as a family member, friend, or neighbor, or someone from your professional network like a healthcare provider, social worker, or counsellor.
Tip 4. Get help navigating the healthcare system
The Ontario Caregiver 24/7 Helpline is a one-stop resource for information and referrals which connects caregivers to the help they need, such as a support group in your community or programs for the person you care for. Â
The helpline can also connect you with a caregiver coach.Â
Please note that the Ontario Caregiver helpline is not a crisis or counselling line. Â
Tip 5. Access hospice support
People may talk about Hospice as both an approach to care and a location of care. Hospice is not just for the last few weeks of life. Hospices offer support to people with advanced illness, including their families and caregivers. Â
Some hospices offer community services such as: trained volunteers to do home visits; day programs; equipment lending; and support groups. You don't need to get a referral from a doctor for these services. Some hospices have beds where people can be admitted for end-of-life care, but you do need a referral from a health care provider to access these beds.Â
Tip 6. Free resources
Connect with agencies that offer help to people with specific diseases and conditions. Depending on what your family member or friend needs, you may have access to free resources.
Agencies such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, ALS Society and Parkinson’s Society offer help to caregivers and patients who have certain diseases. These services may include support groups, day programs, and education sessions.
Tip 7. Financial supports
Some financial support might be available, including equipment rentals, home services and help through the Compassionate Care Leave.
