Health, Safety and Security

For most people with disabilities in Canada , the home care and personal services they need to maintain their health and live independently are provided by the provinces and territories. However, the Government of Canada delivers some of these services to certain groups of Canadians including veterans and First Nations and Inuit.

Health services for First Nations and Inuit people

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:

1 866 225-0709
TTY: 1 800 267-1245
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" on the right side of the page.

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.

1 866 225-0709
TTY: 1 800 267-1245
www.hc-sc.gc.ca Select the letter "A" from the A-Z index in the top menu.

First Nations people with functional limitations from age, health problems or disabilities can get the personal care they need to remain independent through the Assisted Living Program.

1 800 567-9604
TTY: 1 866 553-0554
www.inac.gc.ca Click on the A-Z index on the left menu and look under "Adult Care Program".

Health services for veterans

Help for veterans with disabilities to stay healthy and independent in their own homes and communities is available through the Veterans Independence Program. Veterans may also be eligible for special equipment (cane, wheelchair), vision care (eyeglasses), audio care (hearing aid), and prescription drugs, among other things, under the Treatment Benefits Program.

1 866 522-2122

To download an application package: www.vac-acc.gc.ca Click on "Providers and Professionals" from the top menu bar and then on "Disability Pensions" in the left menu.

Health information

Today there are many different sources of health information, from television to websites. Finding sources you can trust can be difficult. Here are some options:

The Canadian Health Network provides reliable health information on everything from how to stay healthy to preventing disease and injury. This online resource involves a partnership between the Public Health Agency of Canada and major health organizations across the country. Be sure to visit the "Living with Disabilities" topic page. It is one of the largest collections of reliable, up-to-date information for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

www.canadian-health-network.ca

The Public Health Agency of Canada's Division of Aging and Seniors provides information and educational resources for seniors with disabilities. Materials are available in alternative formats.

1 866 225-0709
TTY: 1 800 267-1242
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines

Identifying abuse and neglect

Do you know of an older adult or a person with a disability who is being abused or neglected? Learn to spot the signs and find out where help is available.

The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence provides information, in alternative formats, about the abuse of people with disabilities. Some examples are:

• Family Violence and People with Intellectual Disabilities-Overview Paper
• Violence Against Women with Disabilities-Overview Paper

1 800 267-1291
TTY: 1 800 561-5643
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/nc-cn Click on "Resources and Services" on the left menu, then on "Publications for distribution".

Crime prevention and victim services

Through the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), the Government of Canada works with communities to increase public awareness and help prevent crime and victimization. The NCPS focuses on at-risk groups, including seniors and people with disabilities.

For more information:

1 877 302-6272

www.publicsafety.gc.ca/ncpc