Life Long Care

Life Long Care Program

What is the Life Long Care Program?

A service funded by the Ministry of Health. Funds are distributed to Indian Friendship Centre's though out Ontario. Head office is located in Toronto. Guidelines and eligibility are determined as per direction from the Ministry of Health through an assessment, which is done by Life Long Care Coordinator and Support Worker. Age or Gender ate not a factor in the Life Long Care Program: however, one or more of the following criteria must be met.

¨ Requires assistance from the Access Centre with bathing, eating, and/or mobility issue

¨ Requires assistance to ensure safety or well-being due to long-term illness or disease, multiple health problems or disability

¨ Frail elderly at risk of being injured or hospitalized

¨ Suffering from severe debilitating health condition of conditions attack, diabetes, amputations or accidents

¨ Have severe mobility (walking) issue

¨ Physically disabled

¨ Frail elderly

¨ Chronically ill

Vulnerable and at-risk clients who have a diminished capacity who requires some assistance in daily living

If a client is deemed qualified then a decision is made, again with strict guidelines from the Ministry of Health as to whether the services will be provided on “Short Term or Long Term” basis.

The Life Long Care Program was initiated by the Long Term Care Division of the Ontario Ministry of Health. The goal of the program is to provide culturally appropriate community support and programming to the elderly, disabled and chronically ill urban aboriginal population. The program is available to any aboriginal people (status, Non-status, Métis) who meet the criteria as defined by Ministry of Health.

Programs and services are designed to meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of people who require;

¨ Care

¨ Support

¨ Information

¨ Service referrals

¨ Health education

¨ Extended support system

In addition, the Life Long Care Program works with members of our community, provincial and federal agencies to design and develop culturally appropriate services.

Service we offer:

¨ Social/Recreational Activities

¨ Friendly Visits

¨ Reassurance Phone Calls

¨ Referral to other Programs and Services

¨ Advocacy

¨ Transportation to Medical appointments

Mission Statement

The Indian ‘Friendship Centre in Sault Ste. Marie is guided by the Creator to the Aboriginal People. These teachings will unite us in Harmony as we build a strong, Proud community for seven Generations.

Who is Eligible?

¨ Urban Aboriginals

¨ Frail

¨ Chronically ill

¨ Disabled

Determination of eligibility by the intake process as deemed by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Health-Care Program Division

Short Term:

¨ To be reassess with 3 month period

¨ Clients released from hospital, going through short term rehabilitation/therapy

Long Term:

¨ To be reassessed on yearly basis

¨ Clients suffering from long term/on going illness or suffering from multiple health problems

122 East Street

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Canada P6A 3C6

Phone: 705-256-5634

Fax: 705-942-3227

E-mail: info@ssmifc.ca