What kinds of rehabilitation services are available to a person living in the community?
- Publicly funded out-patient rehabilitation services are available in many communities. These services are usually provided in out-patient clinics in general hospitals or community health centres and require a referral from a family doctor. The cost is covered by the healthcare system.
- You will need a referral from your family doctor to see a physiatrist1, who is a specialist. Because physiatrists are doctors, their services are covered by your provincial health insurance plan.
- Publicly funded homecare services, where rehabilitation professionals visit you in your home, are available in many communities. These services are only provided to people with the greatest need and require a referral from a family doctor. The cost is covered by the healthcare system.
- Privately funded out-patient rehabilitation services and complementary therapies are available at private clinics in many communities. Physical therapy is the most common rehabilitation therapy privately available. You can make your own appointment and the cost is covered by you or through your health insurance.
- Your local AIDS service organization may offer some complementary therapies.
- Your local AIDS service organization may have some suggestions for accessing local services.
- Larger cities have more rehabilitation professionals, on average, than smaller towns.
1Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. What is a Physiatrist? Accessed Dec 18, 2014, from (http://capmr.ca/about-capmr/what-is-a-physiatrist/)