Social Work Services
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Department of Social Work (780) 432-8704
The Department of Social Work believes the quality of our client's lives
improves when non-medical stresses are reduced. Through individualized
assessment, a social worker will assist in finding the right service
for you and/or your family's needs. Call the Social Work office. Let
a social worker be Your Link to the Community.
Discharge Planning
Social Workers team up with the inpatient Discharge Planning Nurse in
evaluating your needs for post-hospital care. By coordinating community
resources and hospital services, your return home will be positive and
successful.
Long Term Placement
If you or a loved one is no longer able to remain in your home, there
are several alternatives. Our Social Workers can explain the options,
the application process and the associated cost.
Finances
There are various financial options available to you. You may qualify
for one or more of the benefits described.
- Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH):
Funds and health benefits are given to adults with severe, long-term
health concerns. Applicant must meet financial and medical conditions.
Call the Government of Alberta's toll free line (310-0000) and ask
for the office nearest you. In Edmonton, call 415-6300
- Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits:1-800-277-9914
To be eligible you must be UNDER 65 years of age, have a physical or
mental impairment which is both severe and long term and have recently
paid into the plan.
- Canadian Cancer Society: Call 1-888-939-3333 for
the office nearest you. Eligible cancer patients receive assistance
to cover the cost of transportation. A financial needs assessment is
to be returned to their office for review.
- Canadian Customs & Revenue Agency (formerly known as
Revenue Canada): Call 1-800-959-8281 and they will direct
you to the service you are requiring. Request an information brochure
to find out if you are eligible to claim: disability tax credit,
attendant care expenses, and medical expenses such as travel expenses,
private health plan premiums, wheelchairs, hearing aids, dentures,
medication.
- Employment Insurance (EI) Sick Benefits: Telemessage
495-6802. All other centres dial 0 (no charge) and ask for Zenith 2-2105.
EI provides financial assistance to eligible contributors unable to
work due to illness. Benefits are for 17 weeks.
- Social Assistance: Call the Government of Alberta's
toll free line (310- 0000) and ask for the office nearest you. For
individuals in financial need. Eligibility is based on total income,
including pensions.
Senior Citizen Financial Programs
Provincial:
For general information contact:
- The Seniors Information Line 1-800-642-3853
- Alberta Seniors Benefit 1-800-642-3853
Provides income support and/or a full or partial subsidy for Alberta Health
Insurance premiums for middle and lower income seniors.
- Special Needs Assistance 1-800-642-3853
A lump-sum cash payment, to a ceiling maximum, to help seniors having serious
financial difficulties.
- Alberta Widows' Pension Program (780) 422-4080
A provincial pension for widows and widowers age 55 64 who have little or
no other income.
Federal:
- Human Resources Development Canada-Income Security Programs 1-800-277-9914
(English) 1-800-277-9915 (French)
- Canada Pension Plan
Available to those who have paid into the plan while employed. Retirement
pension available upon application at any time after age 60 years.
- Old Age Security
A monthly payment for individuals 65 years of age or older who meet residency
requirements.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
A monthly supplement for individuals 65 years of age or older who receive
Old Age Security pension and have little or no other income. Supplement
is based on an individual's marital status, previous year's income and
residence status.
- Spouse's Allowance
Monthly benefits paid to spouses of Old Age Security recipients who are in
receipt of the Guaranteed Income supplement. Based on combined income of
the couple. Spouse must be 60-64 inclusive and satisfy residence requirements.
- Widowed Spouses' Allowance
Monthly benefit available for widows/widowers of a legal or common-law marriage
who have little or no other income. Must be 60-64 years fo age and satisfy
residence requirements.
- Veterans Affairs Canada 1-800-866-1240
In Edmonton call (780) 495-3762 Various benefits are available from the government
of Canada to Canadian war veterans or their dependents. These benefits
may also be availabe to other groups that were in a theatre of action.
Helpful Hints:
- Contact each agency and explain your situation.
- Write down names and phone numbers so you deal with the same person
each time.
- Take notes. Details can be forgotten if not written down.
- Fill out the required application forms.
- Have your application checked by an agency worker to make sure it
is completed correctly.
Lodging
Outpatient Residence (OPR)
The OPR is available to patients receiving treatment at the Cross Cancer
Institute who meet all the following criteria:
- Live more than 100 km (60 miles) from Edmonton city limits
- Have no family or friends in Edmonton to stay with
- Are able to take care of one's self. If this is not the case, you
must arrange for a visitor to stay with you at all times.
The OPR has single and double rooms each with private bathrooms. Bedding
and towels are supplied. The rooms are connected by intercom to the main
desk. A comfortable lounge is located on each floor. Laundry facilities
are located on the lower level. Patients are to purchase their own meals
at the University of Alberta Hospital cafeteria, Cross Cancer Institute
cafeteria or from restaurants in the surrounding area. There are no facilities
for cooking at the OPR.
The Cross Cancer Institute Volunteer Department operates a shuttle van,
Mondays to Fridays, between the hours of 7:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Room charges: No charge for patients with a valid Alberta Health Care
number. Out-of-province patients and all visitors are charged per diem
rates of $20 per night to a maximum of $440 per month.
Please Note: Referral to the OPR does not guarantee a room
for you. It is based on availability. You will be contacted by telephone
or by mail to confirm your stay at the OPR.
Other Options
The Social Work Department has a list of motels, hotels, furnished self-contained
kitchenettes, bed and breakfast homes, and private homes which offer
hospital rates to cancer patients. The information contained in the list
is for information purposes only and is general in nature. Inclusion
does not mean that the Cross Cancer Institute or the Alberta Cancer Board
endorses them. Rates and services are subject to change without notice.
Prescription Coverage
Do you have enough drug coverage?
Most medications for the direct treatment of cancer are provided at
no cost to the patient by the Alberta Cancer Board Outpatient Cancer
Drug Benefit Program.
However, medications used to treat side effects caused by cancer therapy
(e.g. nausea and vomiting) or medications used to control pain, treat
infections or other symptoms related to the cancer ARE NOT PROVIDED by
the Alberta Cancer Board Drug Benefit Program.
Prescriptions that are to be filled and purchased at a retail pharmacy
can vary widely in cost and can be very expensive. Some high cost treatment
examples are:
- Nausea and Vomiting - $200.00 for 3 day oral therapy
- Infections - $60.00 for 10 day oral therapy $100.00 for 6 week IV
therapy
- Pain Control - $550.00 for 3 day therapy (injectable)
If you presently do no have a drug plan it may be in your best interest
to apply for medication insurance. Here are some options:
- If you have a medical plan at your place of work, ask to be added
to it.
- If your spouse has a plan through their place of work, ask to be
added to it. Apply for Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group Coverage. It is
available to all Alberta residents under 65 years of age and to those
NOT eligible to receive the Alberta Widows' Pension. Your Alberta Health
premium account must not be in arrears. Coverage will become effective
the first day of the fourth month after Alberta Health receives your
application. In Edmonton call (780) 427-1432. Calgary call (403) 297-6411
or call 310-0000 toll-free for the rest of Alberta and ask for one
of the above numbers.
- If you qualify for Social Assistance or Assured Income for the Severely
Handicapped (AISH) then your medications will be paid for.
- Alberta Palliative Care Drug Coverage. The Alberta Health Care Insurance
Plan sponsors Palliative Care Drug Coverage which is offered through
Alberta Blue Cross to any Albertan who has been diagnosed as being
palliative and whose physician has applied on their behalf. Their definition
of Palliative is: Palliative refers to patients who have been diagnosed
by a physician as being in the end stage of a terminal illness or disease,
are aware of their diagnosis and have made a voluntary informed decision
related to resuscitation, and for whom the focus of care is palliation
and not treatment aimed at a cure. (ABC pamphlet 80475 99/01). Application
can be obtained from your physician, Home Care office, Cross Cancer
Institute, Tom Baker Centre or Alberta Health. Alberta Health call
(780) 427-1432 in Edmonton, (403) 297-6411 in Calgary or 310-0000 toll-
free for the rest of Alberta and ask for one of the above numbers.
Wills and Personal Directives
Information is available on these subjects. Contact the Social Work
department for further information.
Other Non-Medical Concerns?
Our Social Workers can provide you with information on transportation
and other services available in Edmonton.
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