Contact
To reach the LHIN (now called HCCSS – Home and Community Care Support Services) please call 905-523-8600. LHIN/ HCCSS Fax 905-639-8704.
LHIN stands for Local Health Integrated Network. Please note: the LHIN recently changed its name to Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS). Before this, they were called the CCAC. There are many things the HCCSS can do to help you stay safe and comfortable in your home, whether you are recovering from a recent stay in the hospital, managing a chronic or life limiting illness, or just hoping to enjoy healthy aging in your own home for as long as possible.
An HCCSS care coordinator can connect you with services in the community that might be helpful, including: Nursing, Personal Support (PSW), Social Work, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physiotherapy (PT), Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) and Dietician services.
How can the HCCSS help me?
The HCCSS can send a healthcare worker to your home to help you with things that you are having difficulty doing yourself, like dressing or bathing. The HCCSS can also send a nurse to your home to take care of you after you have been in the hospital. A nurse can help with your medication, change a bandage, and monitor your health to make sure you are ok. They can also speak to your family doctor if they have concerns about your health while they are visiting you at home. The HCCSS can also help you connect with other community services in your area, like Meals on Wheels or an exercise program. A care coordinator from the HCCSS will ask you what you need help with, and work with you to help you get what you need.
If it becomes too hard for you to live at home on your own, the HCCSS can also help you move to a safe and supported living setting, like a long term care.
I think I could use help from the HCCSS. How do I get it?
To get help, follow these steps:
- Call the HCCSS at 905-523-8600. A doctor, family member or friend can also call for you. You will talk to someone who can tell you more about the HCCSS and set up an appointment for you to speak with a Care Coordinator. Make sure you have your Ontario health card with you when you call.
- A Care Coordinator from the HCCSS will contact you to ask some questions about your health and the things that you need help with.
- After this appointment, the HCCSS will suggest services they feel best match your needs. This decision is based on your health, your living situation and what you are still able to do yourself. You may not qualify for every service they offer.
- If you qualify, your Care Coordinator will help to set you up with the services you need, and will check in on you every now and then to make sure that the services are still right for you. You will also be able to call them if you have questions or concerns.
How much does it cost?
If you qualify for HCCSS services, you do not have to pay anything. The cost of the services is covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The only time you might have to pay for something is if your Care Coordinator sets you up with a community program that costs money (e.g. Meals on Wheels). The HCCSS will ask your permission before setting you up with a service that costs money. You do not have to agree to any service that you feel you do not need or want.
What if I don't qualify for HCCSS services?
If you do not qualify for HCCSS services, or you need more support than the HCCSS can provide, you can still get help in your home through private homecare services. You would have to cover the cost of these services yourself. Some people have private health insurance plans that covers the cost of private hire home care services. These organizations will send a healthcare worker to your home to help you with things like making meals, light housekeeping, bathing, or taking your medicine. This person will also keep you company if you are feeling lonely. You can have this person stay overnight or even live in your house if you need help all of the time. You should call a few different programs to compare services and find the one that is right for you.