Cancer impacts your life in many ways besides just your health. You may need help with finances, translation and interpretation, and day-to-day support during your cancer journey. Below are some of the programs and services that may be able to help:
- Personal Finances
- Government Programs
- Community Services
- Translation and Interpretation Services
If you require help connecting with any of these or other community resources, please call Supportive Care and ask to speak with one of our social workers. You can phone directly at (807)684-7310 or toll-free at 1-877-696-7223 ext. 7310 .
Personal Finances
You may need to take time off work when you are ill. It is important to find out what types of benefits you can apply for to replace lost income when you are off work. Applying and being approved for benefits can take time so we encourage you to review this right away. Check with your employer to determine if you have sickness or disability benefits and ask them how you can apply for these benefits.
Government Programs
You may be eligible to apply for financial support through one of these government programs that support illness and disability.
First Nations and Inuit Health: Non-Insured Health Benefits
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program is Health Canada’s national, medically necessary health benefit program that provides coverage for a specified range of drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling and medical transportation for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.
If you require health-related services, please contact your local Health Centre or Band Office, or phone Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health, General Enquires Information Line at 1-800-640-0642.
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
www.mcss.gov.on.ca
Financial support and disability programs for eligible clients:
- Ontario Disability Support Program
- Ontario Works
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: Application for Northern Health Travel Grant
www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca
The Northern Health Travel Grant helps to pay for some travel-related expenses for eligible patients traveling 100kms or more to receive specific medical services
North West LHIN: Home and Community Care
www.healthcareathome.ca/northwest
Serving Northwestern Ontario covering the Thunder Bay and Rainy River district, as well as, the Kenora district with the head office located in Thunder Bay.
This program offers a wide range of healthcare services and resources to support patients at home.
For general inquires and to request services, phone toll free at 1-800-626-5406 . In Thunder Bay, phone directly at (807)684-9425 .
Service Canada
www.canada.ca
Offers a variety of benefits and plans to eligible people such as:
- Employment Insurance (EI) and sickness benefits, caregiver benefits, and leave
- Public pensions (CPP and OAS) Canada Pension Plan: disability benefit toolkit includes disability, terminal illness and survivorship application forms.)
Service Ontario
www.ontario.ca
- Accessible parking permit
- Health card renewal
- Ontario Drug Benefits Program and Trillium Drug Program
- Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
Community Services
You and your family may need assistance in your home to manage health issues. Speak to a member of your health care team for more information about community programs.
Canadian Cancer Society
www.cancer.ca
The Canadian Cancer Society provides peer support and educational materials for patients and families and other services.
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Wheels of Hope Transportation Service: The Canadian Cancer Society’s, Wheels of Hope Transportation Service can assist those in active cancer treatment with short-term travel to attend cancer specific appointments.
- Wigs and Breast Prosthetic Hub: The Canadian Cancer Society’s wigs and breast prosthetic hub in Northwestern Ontario gives cancer patients access to free wigs and breast prosthetics, as well as, numerous resources for those affected by cancer.
For more information about the Canadian Cancer Society and its services please phone 1-888-939-3333 or visit the website.
Canadian Cancer Survivor Network
www.survivornet.ca
Providing individuals living with and survivors of cancer, and their caregivers, with access to related counselling, information or support group programs.
Gilda’s Club
www.Gildasclubtoronto.org
Gilda’s Club provides emotional, social and practical support for individuals with cancer and their families. Services offered online. Phone 1(416)214-9898.
Hospice Northwest
www.hospicenorthwest.ca
Hospice Northwest is a community volunteer organization that compliments, enhances and delivers end of life care, including grief and bereavement services.
Hospice Northwest volunteers are there for you, as you face the difficult challenges along life’s way. Hospice Northwest support is available to people who are ill, their caregivers and those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Find out more about our services by phoning (807)626-5570 or by going online and completing our online referral form.
Look Good, Feel Better
www.lgfb.ca
Look Good Feel Better knows how important it is to simply feel like yourself, especially when going through cancer treatment. Workshops help women learn to manage the appearance-related impact of cancer and cancer treatment.
Register online for one or all of the online workshops:
- Skincare and Cosmetics
- Breast Forms and Garments
- Wigs and Hair Alternatives
Ontario Caregiver Organization
www.ontariocaregiver.ca
This organization provides caregivers with a one-stop resources for information and support. The 24/7 helpline is available to all caregivers, regardless of age, diagnosis or where they live. Ontario Caregiver Helpline is 1(833)416-2273(CARE)
Prostate Cancer Canada Network
www.prostatecancer.ca
Provides information and support to men with prostate cancer and their caregivers. In Northwestern Ontario, monthly support group and educational sessions are being delivered online. For information and contact numbers, visit the website and view “Find a support group near you.”
Thunder Bay Breast Cancer Support Group
www.breastcancersupporttb.com
Offers a non-medically aligned self-help group for breast cancer survivors. One-to-one support also provided. Connect with the Thunder Bay Breast Cancer Support Group by phone at (807)475-0025
Wellspring
www.wellspring.ca/wow
If you are experiencing cancer or are a caregiver for someone with cancer, we are here to help. Wellspring is a network of community-based centres that provide support for people living with cancer.
Programs and services are free of charge to anyone living with cancer, at any stage. No medical referral is required
- View our program calendar online.
- Register for services and resources online.
- Until we can safely reopen our centres, all programs and services continue to be available online.
Translation and Interpretation Services
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
www.tbrhsc.net/home/caring-for-patients-families/services-in-other-languages/
Our Hospital is committed to providing patient services in French, English or your preferred language. Please let a member of your healthcare team know if you would like service in French or another language.
- If you require an interpreter in any other language, please ask a staff member. We will do our best to assist.
Thunder Bay Multicultural Association
www.thunderbay.org
Provides interpreters and translators for multilingual requests including health care, social services, legal issues, counselling and other services. Phone: (807) 345-0551 or toll-free 1-866-831-1144.
L’ Accueil Francophone de Thunder Bay
www.accueilfrancophone.com
Offers interpretation services between French-speaking clients and health care professionals in a confidential and professional manner. Phone: (807) 684-1940 .
Ontario Interpreting Services
Book an American Sign Language (ASL), Langues de Signes Quebecois (LSQ) interpreter by contacting Ontario Interpreting Services. Phone: 1-855-656-3748, TTY: 1-877-843-0368, Skype: callous.chs, fax 1-855-656-3750 or email requests@oischs.ca
Emergency Interpreting Services are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Phone: 1-866-256-5142 , TTY: 1-866-831-4657, email: ois@answerplus.ca or SMS/Text: 1-905-971-0564 (charge may apply).
