Vision Statement

The Aboriginal Life Long care Program exits in the context of the Aboriginal inherent right of self government, fundamental to which is caring for one’s own. The life Long Care Program intends to improve the quality of life and living conditions for all Aboriginal people who require Life Long Care.

Life Long Care allows for traditional Aboriginal concepts of family to remain strengthened and supported. The program removes the negative stigmas attached to aging. Elders/seniors have an important role in Aboriginal culture and the life cycle teachings. Life Long Care reminds Aboriginal people about the gifts and responsibilities that each person brings to their family and community regardless of lifestyle, sexual orientation, gender, disability and age. Life Long Care reinforces our responsibility to care for each other from birth to death that is inclusive of the life cycle wheel.

A holistic approach to long term care incorporates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of life. Through this understanding of Aboriginal teachings, Life Long Care can enhance and improve the quality of life and the living conditions for all Aboriginal people requiring long term care.

The Life Long Care Program is consistent with the holistic healing continuum approach as identified in the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy and, as such, will require building strong linkages and networks, locally and provincially.

Goals

The goal of the Aboriginal Life Long Care Program is to assist Aboriginal Elders/seniors/all people with disabilities and degree of chronic illnesses, and /or require acute/chronic continuum of care to remain within their communities while ensuring quality of care and appropriate support systems for their families.

Objectives

  • To facilitate/conduct on-going community consultations and needs assessments relating to long term care
  • To provide for the development and delivery of community support services
  • To provide off reserve Aboriginal individuals/families with information and referrals to long term care service providers as required which includes special services for disabled Aboriginal people and advocating for persons/families with special needs.
  • To provide for the development of a comprehensive volunteer support circle.

Life Long Care Services

  • Transportation
  • Security Checks
  • Aboriginal Support Services
  • Friendly Visits
  • Congregate Dining

Community Support Services

  • Transportation services for medical appointments for residents of the City of Thunder Bay who meet eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicant must be referred to the program by North West Community Care Access Centre
  • Applicant must be 55+ and be of Aboriginal descent
  • Applicant must be frail, vulnerable and at risk
  • Applicant must have one or more chronic illnesses or disabilities
  • Applicant has limited access to culturally appropriate services

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