Building the Path to Home

Basic personal care services

Managing daily hygiene, washing clothes and basic self-care can be challenging for some people with a dual diagnosis, regardless of whether they live with their families or in a supervised setting. Landlords have been known to try to evict people simply because other tenants complain about their appearance or cleanliness. That won't be the public reason, but it poses a risk to sustaining housing and/or a barrier to finding housing.

Personal care problems may be due to lack of financial resources, a skill deficit or a mental health issue (e.g., a person who is depressed may not pay attention to personal hygiene). If a person has trouble looking after his or her hygiene and other self-care tasks, it is worth taking the time to understand why. A simple explanation may have been overlooked. Be particularly sensitive to the possibility that someone with a mental health problem may also have an unrecognized developmental disability.

If the person is housed

If someone lives with family or lives independently (not in a subsidized care and support environment such as a group home), he or she is entitled to help with personal care through Ontario's Home Care Program. This support is available through Community Care Access Centres (CCACs). The CCAC will need to see a referral from a doctor.

You can also reach the Home Care Program by contacting the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at 416 314-5518 in Toronto or toll-free at 1 800 268-1154. You may need to convince the doctor and the CCAC that this service is essential to the person's well-being. Sometimes an occupational therapist will assess the person's functional needs. A personal care worker may help with activities such as bathing and grooming.

Some housing programs in the developmental services sector will also help residents with bathing and grooming. In the mental health sector, this is not usual practice, although some private boarding homes help with personal care.

If the person is homeless

Several drop-in programs in downtown Toronto have some nursing and medical services, as well as shower facilities.

Examples of these programs include:

• Dixon Hall
• Fred Victor Centre
• Parkdale Activity and Recreation Centre
• Sistering
• 416 Drop In.

It is also possible to access personal care services through Community Care Access Centres while living in a shelter.

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