Community Care Access Centre: Long-Term Care Overview Video Transcript Connecting You With Long-Term Care There may come a time in every caregiving situation, when it's necessary to begin a conversation about long-term care options. These decisions are never easy, but they are less stressful when you know where to turn for guidance. The Community Care Access Center of Waterloo-Wellington is here to help.
I'm Karen, a care coordinator here at CCAC. We know you and your family have questions about your options. Together, we'll walk through the steps as you plan and prepare for long-term care.
Is Long-Term Care Necessary? Although a long-term care is a necessity for many people, it certainly isn't the only option. Perhaps, you need assistance with bathing or meals, or occasionally require the professional services of a nurse or physiotherapist. At CCAC, we’ll work closely with you and our community partners to explore all the services available to you, so that your family member may be able to stay in their home longer. If you think your family member would be safer living in an environment with light assistance that still allows them to maintain their independence, but provides them with services such as meals, laundry, and housekeeping, a retirement residence may be the right choice. However, for those who can no longer live independently and require a higher level of support with the activities of daily living, a long-term care home may be required.
How Do I Apply? To apply for long-term care, contact Waterloo Wellington CCAC. We're here to assist you so you can make the best decision for your situation. If you meet the eligibility criteria and your health care needs cannot be met by community-based services or caregiver support, your care coordinator will then begin the application process for long term care.
What Options are Available? Long-term care homes in Ontario are regulated by the Ministry of Health. The homes provide 24-hour supervision and nursing care, room and board, as well as meal service, personal care, and medical care by the facilities physician. Most homes offer three types of accommodation; basic, semi-private, and private. Each of these options have a different cost and this information can be provided to you by the care coordinator. As well, amenities such as personal telephones, TVs, hair care, and foot care may be available at an additional cost. We encourage you to visit the homes that interest you and when you do, be sure to take along your checklist of questions to ask included in your information package. It will help you to ask the right questions and allow you to take notes as you go.
What Else Should Be Considered? During a visit, you'll also have the opportunity to meet the homes care team. Be sure to call ahead to each facility, so that a staff member can be made available to show you around and answer any of your concerns. You can also view information on the homes by visiting wwHealthline.ca, click on the long-term care info button at the bottom of the page. Your facility choice list form included in your package allows you to select up to five facilities in order of preference. CCAC will send your applications to the homes on your behalf. It's important to remember that most long-term care homes in Ontario have a waiting list for admission and the length of wait time can vary depending on the popularity of the facility, the chosen accommodation type, and your assessed need for urgent care.
When Can I Plan to Move? Once your chosen accommodation becomes available, you'll have 24 hours to decide if you'd like to accept the offer. Because there are others also waiting to be accepted, you'll need to move within five days of accepting the admission offer. Keep in mind, if your first choice is not yet available, you may always move into one of your other choices upon acceptance for an interim placement. When your preferred selection becomes available, you will have the option to move to your original choice. Estimated wait times can be found on wwhealthline.ca
For further information, call your care coordinator. The decision to move to a long-term care home takes thoughtful planning and careful consideration. Talk with your CCAC care coordinator to find out which option works best for you. We're here to help you to make the best decision for yourself and for your family member.
For Additional Information, visit these websites. - wwhealthline.ca - Health.gov.on.ca - Oltca.com - Wwccac.org
|