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Services for Individuals & Families

Saint Elizabeth Health Care offers many health care and support services, as well as specialty programs to meet the needs of people of all ages and with many different conditions and illnesses.

Your health care team

Our multidisciplinary team of caring staff includes:

  • Registered Nurses
  • Registered Practical Nurses
  • Physiotherapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Social Workers
  • Dietitians
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Personal Support Workers
  • Community Crisis Workers
  • Chaplains

SEHC is committed to creating a work environment where staff can continue to learn, and where teamwork is encouraged. In fact, continuing education and inter-professional collaboration are hallmarks of our values-driven culture. Many of our employees have specialized knowledge, experience and/or advanced skills certification in areas like community health care, wound care, child and family care, mental health and addictions, seniors care and palliative care.

Our health care services

Saint Elizabeth Health Care offers you a wide range of safe and effective resources that:

  • Help you to live at home or in the place of your choice for as long as possible
  • Meet your physical, emotional and spiritual needs and health care goals
  • Respect your personal belongings, values and beliefs
  • Provide care in the language of your choice
  • Are flexible, convenient and customized to your needs and your schedule
  • Help you and your loved ones be active partners in your care
  • Provide 24-hour access to health care support
  • Link you to other resources and support services in your community
  • Assist you be as independent and healthy as possible, and have a really great quality of life
Companionship

Social isolation is an emerging issue for older adults. Access to transportation and companionship can help to reduce the sense of isolation that seniors’ can feel, while assisting them to be independent and access the resources they need to remain in their own homes.

The staff at ElderSafe Support Services, a division of Saint Elizabeth Health Care, can work with older adults and their families to select the right companion to accompany seniors on social activities that suit their preferences and lifestyle. Whether it is bingo or an afternoon at the local library, an ElderSafe companion can keep you informed on local community events and activities, help you plan and enjoy your day, and ensure that you return home safely. With the right assistance, you can maintain and enjoy your active lifestyle while continuing to live in your own home.

Learn more about the range of customized elder care services available through ElderSafe Support Services.

Continence Care

Saint Elizabeth Health Care’s nurse continence advisors work with individuals who have bowel or bladder problems. These expert nurses develop customized treatment plans and offer ongoing teaching and support to help improve the quality of life for individuals living with bowel and/or bladder incontinence.

Crisis Services

Saint Elizabeth Health Care’s community crisis response programs provide crisis intervention services to individuals in the community, 16 years and older, who are experiencing difficulties coping. Crisis services are provided in North York and Etobicoke by the Metro Crisis Team; and in Peel Region, by the Peel Crisis Team. Both the Metro and Peel crisis teams provide:

  • 24/7 telephone support
  • Mobile visits in the community
  • Short term intensive case management
  • Referrals and linkages to other community agencies

The Metro Crisis Team has a specialized seniors’ crisis management team that provides crisis services to those over the age of 60.

The Peel Crisis Team has a specialized team consisting of a crisis worker and a police officer called a COAST team. This team is available to respond to higher risk situations that may require police involvement. The COAST team is accessed through 911 or through the crisis team.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call one of our 24-hour Crisis Lines:

  • Metro Crisis Response Program
    A free service to residents of North York and Etobicoke
    (416) 498-0043
     
  • Peel Crisis Services
    A free service to residents of Peel Region
    (905) 278-9036
Diabetes Care

Diabetes is a condition that affects many Canadians. The health care professionals at Saint Elizabeth Health Care can help individuals with diabetes gain the best control and quality of life by providing education and advice on many diabetes-related topics like monitoring blood sugar, diet and exercise, medications and making good lifestyle choices. In addition, our health professionals can assist with the general monitoring of blood glucose and the delivery of insulin in situations where individuals need help to manage this critical part of their care.

Dietetics

Dietetics focuses on an individual’s nutritional needs and eating habits. As regulated health care professionals, registered dietitians can assess an individual’s diet, develop nutritional plans and menus, and educate clients and families on the implementation of these plans. Our dietitians provide services in a variety of settings including homes, hospitals and long term care homes.

The services provided by dietitians are especially helpful for individuals suffering from cancer, diabetes, and digestive and swallowing disorders. Our dietitians can identify and develop food modification plans to reduce the risk of aspiration, dehydration and malnutrition. Dietitians use their knowledge and expertise to promote healthy lifestyles choices and support individuals in the areas of disease prevention and management.
 

Driver Assessment & Training

Medical conditions, disabilities or medications may impact an individual’s ability to drive safely. At Saint Elizabeth Health Care, our staff are sensitive to an individual's privilege to drive, and recognize the benefits and freedoms associated with a driver's license.
Our experienced team of occupational therapists provides expert service to clients with disabilities and special needs to help them achieve driver independence; we also provide Ministry-approved medical assessments and road evaluations for clients with conditions that may be affecting their ability to drive safely.

Learn more about our Driver Assessment and Training Services
 

Elder Care

Many older adults today prefer and wish to live in their own homes for as long as possible, avoiding the need to go into a nursing home or other long-term care facility. Saint Elizabeth Health Care is an elder-friendly organization providing services designed to assist the older adult to age at home. Our long-term care and gerontology program is focused on the unique needs of the older adult, their families and their caregivers. Our approach to care is client-driven, respecting the elder’s right to choose and encouraging full participation in decision-making about care. Our multidisciplinary team of care providers focuses on assisting older adults to remain well and in their own homes by creating a care plan that minimizes risks, assists other family members and caregivers with education and resources, and provides links to other community support services.

 

Home Chemotherapy

Most clients who have cancer travel to hospital-based clinics to receive their chemotherapy. But did you know that some chemotherapy can be safely provided at home? Where it is safe, home chemotherapy reduces the number of times that an individual needs to travel to and from a hospital clinic. Saint Elizabeth Health Care’s home chemotherapy nurses have special training in the delivery of chemotherapy. These nurses work closely with clients and their doctors to create a care plan that usually includes a combination of home and clinic-delivered chemotherapy, good pain and symptom management, and regular check-ups between treatments. In addition, our nurses provide individuals with education and support on how to most effectively manage their condition and symptoms.
 

Home Dialysis

Did you know that for many people, peritoneal dialysis can be safely delivered in the home? Getting your peritoneal dialysis at home often makes life simpler because it removes the need to travel to clinics for each treatment. Saint Elizabeth Health Care’s home peritoneal dialysis team receives specialized education, as well as 24-hour access to clinical supports. Our experts are prepared to perform peritoneal dialysis, troubleshoot and support clients and families who are gaining independence with the therapy. Our team works together with you, your doctor and your hospital dialysis team to create a care plan that fits with your own personal needs, to keep you as healthy as possible. Home peritoneal dialysis offers a way for the client with impaired kidney function to achieve independence, freedom and improved quality-of-life.
 

Home Support

Sometimes just getting help with the day-to-day chores and activities is what is needed for an individual to live at home. Saint Elizabeth Health Care has a strong team of personal support workers who can help with:

  • Meal planning
  • Meal preparation, including preparing specialty diets
  • Light housekeeping
  • Grocery shopping
  • Laundry
  • Ironing
  • Errands
  • Banking
  • Accompanying individuals to appointments

These services are designed to help individuals safely stay in their own homes, independently, for as long as possible!
 

Hospice Palliative Care

Saint Elizabeth Health Care provides hospice palliative care services that support both the individual facing a life-threatening illness and his or her family. Improving quality of life is a key focus of the care that is delivered by our team of nurses, personal support workers and therapists. Our staff have skills and knowledge in relieving pain and other distressing symptoms.

Recognizing that individuals living with illness are also faced with many needs, our staff are able to integrate the psychological and spiritual aspects of care to assist the individual and family in coping with their situation. Our hospice palliative care team offers a support system to help people live as actively as possible until death, and to assist families during the person’s illness and during bereavement. SEHC works collaboratively with your doctor to provide active and compassionate therapies in order to comfort and support individuals and families.

Maternal Newborn

Nurses with experience in looking after new moms and their babies are available to assist women who are in high-risk pregnancy situations and to care for women and their newborn infants after birth. Services include:

  • Antenatal home care – health teaching and monitoring the health of pregnant women, before the birth of their baby
  • General post-partum and newborn care, including help with breastfeeding
  • Home phototherapy
  • Breastfeeding support for fragile infants
     
Mental Health

Individuals with mental health concerns have the need for community-based services that are specialized to meet their needs. The team of mental health professionals at Saint Elizabeth Health Care is knowledgeable about major mental illnesses, treatment approaches, pharmacological and behavioural management, local community resources, as well as other associated illnesses. They also receive training in crisis intervention and prevention, suicide risk assessment, and care of the older adult with dementia, depression and delirium. They are well prepared to care for individuals with mental illness.
 

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists are regulated health professionals who are educated to assess and treat clients with a wide range of developmental, physical, neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our occupational therapists assist individuals to be independent and safe in their homes and capable of performing those essential activities of daily living. By providing advice on home accessibility, safety and energy conservation, occupational therapists can help many older adults remain independent at home.

Occupational therapists also play an important role in providing assessment and treatment to pre-school and school-age children with learning disabilities. Occupational therapists can work with children to improve their printing, cursive writing and keyboard skills along with self-care tasks and fine motor skills.
 

Ostomy Care

Adjusting to an ostomy and selecting the most appropriate supplies and appliance is sometimes challenging. The health professionals at Saint Elizabeth Health Care can help individuals who have ostomies to adjust to living with their ostomy and ensure that the best possible supplies and appliances are used. SEHC staff and their clients are supported by nurse specialists known as enterostomal therapists (ETs), who can provide the following specialized services:

  • Before surgery to place an ostomy, assisting the surgeon with determining the best location for the ostomy opening
  • Following surgery for the ostomy, assisting with determining the best supplies and appliances to be using
  • Providing expert teaching on how to live with and manage the ostomy

As individuals continue to live with their ostomies, there may be a requirement for further assessment by an ET nurse. Changes in weight and health status can cause appliance leaks to occur, and re-assessment can address the problem.
 

Paediatrics

Caring for children involves a focus on the entire family. At Saint Elizabeth Health Care, we are proud of our family-centred approach to caring for children. Our paediatric staff specialize in providing support for families and caring for infants and children diagnosed with many different childhood illnesses. Care for children is provided in the home and other locations important to the lives of children, such as schools and daycares. In addition, our staff are available to teach others who care for children, like the workers in daycares.

The health care provided to children is holistic. It includes health assessment and monitoring, health teaching, and the delivery of medications and treatments. The care is provided in a manner that matches your child’s level of development and integrates a focus on their physical, emotional and cognitive health.
 

Personal Care

There are illnesses and other health conditions that can cause changes in an individual’s ability to safely manage their own personal care. Saint Elizabeth Health Care’s personal support workers can assist individuals with their personal care, with the goal of assisting them to continue to live in their own home, and to avoid the need to move to a nursing home or long-term care facility. Personal support services can include:

  • Grooming
  • Feeding
  • Toileting
  • Bathing and/or showering
  • Skin care
  • Lifting and moving
  • Exercises
  • Environmental safety
  • Bedside care
  • Medication assistance
  • Meal planning and preparation

Personal support workers can also assist with other health-related activities like bowel routines and bladder care.
 

Physiotherapy

Illness and disability can have far reaching effects. Physiotherapists can make a difference in the speed and degree of recovery from surgery, injuries or general weakness. Physiotherapists are licensed primary health care providers who are experts in physical rehabilitation. Whether they are providing treatment at home or in the community, physiotherapists are committed to improving the health, lifestyle and quality of life of the people with whom they work. Our physiotherapists encourage clients to take an active role in their own treatment, health and well-being and work with families to achieve this goal. They play an important role in providing treatment to clients to ensure that they regain their ability to function at home, play and work.
 

Professional Assessments

In addition to interventions, Saint Elizabeth Health Care's health services include a variety of professional assessment services. Assessments may be accessed as a stand-alone service or in conjunction with direct-care services, including all of the specialty areas described above. Our comprehensive assessments address not only an individual’s physical and mental health status, but also an evaluation of the environment, social supports and spiritual needs.
Our assessment services include:

  • Physical health status
  • Mental health status
  • Physical functioning
  • Home functioning
  • Psychosocial
  • Physical demands
  • Environmental
  • Work site analysis/ergonomics
  • In-home safety
  • Attendant care needs
  • Assistive devices
  • Pre-discharge

 

Social Work

Social workers provide counseling and therapy to assist individuals and their families in addressing emotional and coping issues associated with changes in life roles and functional abilities. The impact of illness and disability can extend to all family members. Our social workers can help reduce the impact of these changes on the individual and family. They can provide training in stress management and effective communication.

For those who suffer from brain injury, social workers can provide assistance with developing behaviour management strategies and helping families to adjust to the changes associated with brain injury. Our social workers can also help to address complex social problems like the impacts of poverty, inadequate housing and the barriers imposed by discrimination.
 

Speech Language Pathology

Trained to assess and treat communication, oral motor and swallowing problems that may occur at any age, Saint Elizabeth Health Care’s speech-language pathologists play a crucial role in helping adults and children at home and in the community. Communication disorders can be both frustrating and demoralizing, affecting an individual's ability to communicate at home, work or school. Our speech-language pathologists can help by providing social communication skills training and language development.

Speech-language pathologists also assist clients with eating and swallowing difficulties. They can help to reduce the risk of aspiration and choking, thereby increasing an individual’s safety, nutritional intake and overall enjoyment of eating.
 

Spiritual Care

Spiritual care enables clients to express and sometimes discover their beliefs, values and emotions, in order to keep feelings of hope and purpose strong in their lives. In times of illness, trauma and loss, clients, families and caregivers often require extra support to help them cope. Chaplains can help during these transitional times to assess and respond to their emotional and spiritual needs.

SEHC’s chaplaincy program was initiated in 1999 through a cost-sharing agreement with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Today, with ongoing funding from the Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation, we offer community-based chaplaincy services in the Regional Municipality of York and in Peel Region. Our chaplains collaborate with other members of the health care team to enhance the client experience and to support families.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wound Care

Saint Elizabeth Health Care takes pride in the quality care delivered to clients with wounds living in the community. Our nurses access state-of-the-art educational resources and are certified in specialized wound skills on a yearly basis. For more complex management of wounds, enterostomal therapy (ET) nurses and wound/ostomy resource nurses are available for consultation. An ET nurse is a recognized nursing specialty in wound, ostomy and continence management. Enterostomal therapy nurses and wound/ostomy resource nurses ensure that our clients experience optimized wound healing and the best quality of life when wounds are assessed as non-healable.