Guide to Government of Canada Services for Seniors
Health and Wellness Finding Health Information You Can TrustToday there are many different sources of health information, from television to websites. Figuring out which sources you can trust can be difficult. Here are some options: - The Canadian Health Network connects you to reliable information on promoting health and preventing disease.
www.canadian-health-network.ca
- Want to learn about osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, arthritis or medications? What to do if you can't sleep? The Public Health Agency of Canada provides a wealth of information on health concerns affecting seniors.
1 866 225-0709
TTY: 1 800 267-1245 www.phac.gc.ca Click on "Seniors Health" on the top menu bar.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada provides publications that help seniors stay physically active, eat well, stop smoking, avoid injuries and prevent diseases related to aging. Here are just two:
Dare to Age Well!, a CD ROM of 54 publications about healthy aging.
To order your copy:
1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
TTY: 1 800 926-9105
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines Click on "Publications" from the menu on the left, then on the category "Healthy Aging".
You can also order it by email at seniorspubs@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults.
To order your copy:
1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
TTY: 1 800 926-9105
www.paguide.com Click on "Guide for Older Adults".
Health Services for Aboriginal SeniorsHospital and doctors' services are available to all Canadian residents, including Aboriginal people, through their provincial and territorial health insurance plan. The Government of Canada also supports the delivery of health services to First Nations and Inuit seniors and their communities. Health Canada's programs include: - Several community-based programs and services for First Nations people on reserve and Inuit living in Inuit communities. These services are delivered locally by First Nations and Inuit organizations.
www.hc-sc.gc.ca Choose "First Nations & Inuit Health" from the left menu and click on "Health Care Services".
- First Nations people living on reserve or in a First Nations community North of 60, and Inuit living in a settlement North of 60 are eligible for basic home- and community-care services. The First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care program provides trained, certified personal and home health care workers, supervised by registered nurses. Ask your local health centre about what home- and community-care services are available, or:
www.hc-sc.gc.ca Choose "First Nations & Inuit Health" from the left menu, then click on "Health Care Services" and select "Home and Community Care".
- The Non-insured Health Benefits program provides eligible First Nations people and Inuit with coverage of a specified range of medical goods and services not covered by other private or provincial/territorial health insurance plans. These goods and services include drugs, dental care, vision care, medical equipment and supplies, and medical transportation.
www.hc-sc.gc.ca Choose "First Nations & Inuit Health" from the left menu and select "Non-insured Health Benefits".
- Diabetes is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among Aboriginal people. The Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative supports a range of community-based projects and programs to prevent diabetes and reduce complications of the disease. Diabetes primary prevention projects are also delivered to Métis, off-reserve Aboriginal people and urban Inuit.
www.hc-sc.gc.ca Click on the A-Z index in the top menu and look under "A".
For more information on the programs mentioned above:
1 866 225-0709
TTY: 1 800 267-1245
Other Government of Canada-funded programs help First Nations seniors maintain their independence and stay healthy and safe. If you have questions about homemaker services, foster care (i.e., supervision and care in a family setting) or care in institutions, contact your band administrator.
For more information relevant to Aboriginals, visit: www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca Take Special CareTake special care to protect yourself from: - Influenza (the flu). Between 500 and 1,500 Canadians - mostly seniors - die each year from pneumonia related to the flu. Many more die from other serious flu complications.
The "flu shot" is a safe, effective and healthy choice for seniors. It greatly reduces your risk of catching the flu. As a senior, you may be eligible for free flu vaccines. To learn more, ask your doctor or contact your local health office:
1 800 454-8302
TTY: 1 800 465-7735
Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/influenza.
- West Nile virus is usually transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although anyone can become infected with West Nile virus, seniors, young children and those with suppressed immune systems are especially vulnerable.
For more information:
1 800 816-7292 (spring and summer) www.westnilevirus.gc.ca
Did You Know?- The Live-in Caregiver program brings qualified, temporary workers to Canada to provide live-in care for seniors when no one in Canada can fill the position. For more information:
1 888 242-2100
TTY: 1 888 576-8502
Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp
- Weather can play an important role in our health and safety. Too hot, too cold, stormy or smoggy? Stay healthy and safe. Take a moment to check the weather before planning an outing. Call Environment Canada for an automated public weather recording or listen to Weatheradio to get daily or five-day forecasts and weather warnings.
You can find the telephone number for these services in the government pages of your telephone book.
Visit Environment Canada's Weather website at www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca.
- Smog can be particularly hazardous for seniors, especially those with respiratory problems. To learn more about air quality and its impacts on your health:
1 800 668-6767 www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur
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