Hospice Toronto Caregiver Resource Package
Please click on the links provided below to access more information about each resource.
Hospice Toronto (Community Hospice Supports for adult and child caregivers). Call 416-364-1666
Family Service Toronto. 416-595-9618
CANES Community Care. Phone: 416-743-3892 Fax: 416-743-7654
Caregiver workshops (may be free for the public); topics include family dynamics, anger and guilt, time management and coping mechanisms
Canadian Cancer Society. 1-888-939-3333
CNAP (Community Navigation and Access Program) – Toronto only. 1-877-540-6565
Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto; for those living with or affected by cancer. 416-214-9898
Wellspring; a lifeline to cancer support. Toll-Free 1 (877)-499-9904
Max and Beatrice Wolfe Centre for children’s grief and palliative care: 416 586-4800 ext. 6664/ 416-586-8203 ext. 3936
Other links:
Power of attorney allows a person to act on behalf of another. If the patient does not sign over power of attorney and becomes incapable of making decisions, a healthcare surrogate will be appointed to make medical decisions on their behalf. (416) 314-2800 in Toronto or toll-free 1-800-366-0335
Other links:
A living will provides information concerning the future medical and personal care of a person. It is created while the patient is still able to make decisions for them, and does not become active until they are no longer able to do so. A living will may also be called an “advance directive”.
Other links:
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and EMS DNR
A DNR is an order from the patient that they do not want lifesaving measures to be taken if their heart stops or if they stop breathing. It must be signed by a medical professional. Because emergency medical personnel (firefighters, ambulance drivers) are not included in the DNR order, there is a separate order, an EMS DNR, to prevent emergency medical workers from resuscitating the person.
Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE; legal support for seniors): 416-598-2656
Senior’s information website with caregiving information
Being a Caregiver: resource, advice and information page. 1-833-416-2273
Funding for housing and mortgages. 1-800-668-2642
Applying for Leave of absence for caregivers from Employment Insurance
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Program)
Many illnesses have societies that provide information and support to patients and their families.
Canadian Cancer Society: 416-488-5400 or toll free 1-800-268-8874
ALS Society of Canada: (416) 497-8545
Alzheimer Society Toronto. 416-322-6556
Multiple Sclerosis Toronto. 416-922-6065
Mayo clinic: easy to understand health information
Telehealth:
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential telephone service that provides free health advice and general health information from a registered nurse (R.N.) 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. 866-797-0000
Disability pension: 1-800-277-9914
This program covers most of the cost of medications to certain groups. These groups include: those over 65 years of age, residents of long-term care homes and Homes for Special Care, those receiving professional services through the Home Care program, Trillium Drug Program registrants, and those receiving social assistance.
Ontario Works medical transportation form.
Ontario Works Medical Transportation – Toronto.
Those who are required to travel regularly for medical care may be provided with a bursary to cover the cost of that transportation.
Workman’s Compensation (Ontario Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB)) – offers financial aid for work related injuries, illnesses and conditions
Information on compassionate leave: 1 800-531-5551
Toronto social services provides financial assistance for funerals, burials and cremations: 416 392-1666
For renovations for support devices for ADL’s for a person with disabilities (up to $15,000)
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation toll free 1 866-389-1742, 416 221-26
Toronto Meals on Wheels locations
211Toronto.ca is a guide to social services in Toronto including child care, community legal services, home support, low-income housing, immigration, employment, and community resources
211 or TTY 1-888-340-1001
Transportation and Toronto Ride
TTC – Wheel-Trans Registration; weekdays from 8am to 4pm
416-393-4111 or TTY: 416-393-4555. Email Wheeltrans.customerservice@ttc.ca
Apply here.
Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)
Call 416.750.2444 (Scarborough); Toll free: 1.866.779.1931; Chinese line: 416.701.4806
Meals on Wheels and Toronto Ride, respite care, home and property support, adult day services, friendly visits, telephone reassurance, security checks, referral for home support.
Humber Community Seniors’ Services:
Weston/Mt. Dennis Site: (416) 249-7946
Bloor Site: (416) 653-3535
Mid-Toronto Community Services: 1-833-440-7474
Neighborhood Link Support Services: 416- 691-2628
St. Christopher’s House: 416 532-4828
St. Clair West Services for Seniors: 416 787-2114
St. Stephen’s Community House: 416-929-3281
Princess Margaret Hospital – Caring to the End of Life provides information and resources for caregivers
Home Library Service: 416 395-5557
There are several options for home meal delivery other than Meals on Wheels:
The city of Toronto provides childcare services
VHA is an association which provides childcare and family support. Adult and elder care, end of life and palliative care are also available. 1-888-314-6622 or 416-489-2500
Temmy Latner Centre for palliative care (at Mount Sinai hospital) has programs for children who are coping with terminal illness, either their own or that of a loved one.
416 586-4800 ext. 7884
Ontario Government: Pensions, benefits and personal finance, vehicles, property and other information
Cancelling benefits following the death of a pensioner/beneficiary (includes old age security Pension, allowance and allowance for survivor; CPP retirement pension; CPP disability benefits; CPP survivor benefits)
Canada Revenue Agency: 1-800-959-2221
Cardinal Funeral Home Bereavement Centre (free support one and one and group support) (416) 762-3478