Like many people on BC provincial disability (PWD), I need mobility aids to move around. However, big ticket items such as wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters are expensive. Thankfully, there is a process in place for Island Health to assess us and file a request with the Ministry of Social Development to pay for the cost of these necessary items. I was able to secure my own lovely mobility walker and other helpful items with the help of Island Health.
How can a Nanaimo resident start this process?
1. Call the Intake number at the Nanaimo health unit: 250-755-6229.
3. Ask for Intake, and then explain to the Intake staff that you would like to be assessed for whichever mobility aid(s) that you require.
4. Intake staff will take your details and forward your request to the occupational therapists at the health unit.
5. An occupational therapist will contact you and set a time to meet. In my own case, they came to my home to also assess the house for fall risks, and to suggest items that may help in that regard.
6. The meeting happens. The OT will take notes and discuss your needs and options. At my meeting, we agreed that a mobility walker would be helpful, as well as a grab bar beside the shower and a removable shower head to be used with a shower seat.
7. The OT makes a request to the ministry to pay for the items needed.
8. The items are ordered and delivered to you, the client. Any required installation is also done on your behalf.
These types of mobility aids and supports can have an incredibly positive impact on our quality of life and personal safety. It can be a challenge to accept that we need this kind of help, but it is helpful to have the financial obstacle removed.
(Pictured is Francesca, my own walker. I love her. She is decorated with cat stickers. Thanks to Francesca, I can participate much more fully in our community.)
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 