Written By: Alison O’Callaghan
Restaurants are closed. Flights have been grounded. Schools have shut their doors and there are long lineups at grocery stores. All of this, and much more, in response to the global movement to social distance and reduce the spread of COVID-19. While we collectively experience the effects of this global health crisis, our clients, already recovering from major traumatic events, now face new challenges and obstacles while continuing to struggle with their injuries and the barriers they faced before. Our clients have become more vulnerable as they are forced to navigate the unique needs of a society to self-isolate and the new landscape of the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Gluckstein Lawyers, we are proud to advocate for those impacted by life-changing events. We take our role very seriously. Our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of our clients and provide them support in their recovery journey. Recently, the Government of Ontario mandated that all non-essential services, including chiropractic, physical and occupational therapy, come to a stop. This may have left some of our clients asking how they will access much-needed rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic? What if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident and required emergency health services? The situation is still unfolding, and confusing to many. This blog will outline the healthcare services available to those who require them during this non-essential service shut down.
Emergency Services
The Government of Ontario has indicated that all organizations that provide health care, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, independent health facilities and mental health and addictions counselling support, are deemed essential services. This means that if you require emergency healthcare, you should be able to access the help you need.
Continuity of Healthcare Service
We are committed to continuing to support our clients, and to advocating for them, by connecting clients to safe services offered by treatment and rehabilitation providers. Many clinics are embracing the new challenges by seeing patients through virtual and telehealth services. We can understand that adapting to change is difficult, but we are all in this together, and we will come out the other side stronger.
What is Telemedicine and Virtual Care?
The standard of practice in medicine is evolving through virtual platforms offering telemedicine and virtual care. These are unique virtual medicine platforms that provide medical diagnosis and patient care through secure electronic communication when the patient and the provider are in different locations. The therapist will be providing virtual Telehealth sessions as this was determined to be the most effective approach to ensuring continued care during this pandemic. Telehealth services have been mandated by the Ontario Ministry of Health and by many of the professional rehabilitation colleges to ensure the safety of clinicians and patients through social distancing.
Physical Treatment From Home
Several treatment providers are currently offering virtual treatments with physicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and kinesiologists. They will offer guided virtual treatment programs that will be customized for each patient to ensure patients continue with their treatment from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Mental Health Services
Mental health treatments are critical, particularly during this time of crisis and social distancing, which can leave our clients feeling anxious, depressed and isolated. Many Social Workers and Psychologists are now offering virtual counselling. This new method of service delivery allows counsellors to continue to engage with our clients in a time when face-to-face contact is deemed unsafe. Most importantly, it will enable clients to feel involved in their community even as the world shifts to a mode of social distancing and isolation.
Independent Medical Assessments
In-person clinical evaluations have been cancelled by all assessors until further notice. However, where possible, Independent Medical Examinations will be conducted with clients by video conferencing.
Our Commitment to You
With the Gluckstein Lawyers team by your side, we are invested in our clients beyond just helping them to obtain a successful resolution to their case. As our firm’s managing partner, Charles Gluckstein, states: “The most rewarding part of my job is helping to restore dignity to victims who have lost almost everything. I believe in offering clients full-service care throughout their journey of trauma, rehabilitation, and recovery”.
If you have any questions about how we can help you through your journey of recovery, please contact us. We are here to help.
Sources
- McGregor Berger & Associates - Covid-19 Modified Business Operations
- Elements Support Services - eSupport and YOU - Version 2.0
- FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services
- Eden Dales MSW RSW, Registered Social Worker
- Synoptic Medical Assessments and iScope Concussion and Pain Clinics
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces
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