SAIL (Sask Aids to Independent Living )
presented by David Cotcher
Some people asked for a copy of the notes on assistance available from Saskatchewan Health - SAIL (Sask Aids to Independent Living ) that I discussed at the open forum at the March Polio Regina meeting. Sorry I forgot to send this right after the meeting. For those that got a copy at the meeting, this is the same as the handout I had there. There is more information on the Sask government website- Saskatchewan Health - SAIL. http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/sail
Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL)
The program provides benefits for:
People whose long term disabilities or illnesses leave them unable to function fully. The aim is to assist people in leading more independent and active lifestyles.
Residents who are eligible for orthopaedic services, special needs equipment and home respiratory services, excluding persons eligible under departments or agencies of the Government of Canada, the Workers' Compensation Board, Saskatchewan Government Insurance or residents of general, rehabilitation or extended care hospitals.
Persons with specific disabling conditions may be eligible for benefits under the various Special Benefit Programs (Paraplegia Program, Cystic Fibrosis Program, End Stage Renal Disease Program, Ostomy Program and Aids to the Blind Program).
Prosthetic Appliances - artificial limbs and accessories are supplied, fitted, adjusted and repaired.
Orthotic Appliances - higher-cost back braces, knee braces and splints are supplied, fitted, adjusted and repaired.
Specialized/adaptive seating: specialized types of wheelchairs and adaptations to wheelchairs are supported when medical criteria are met.
**Services for all of the above benefits are provided by the orthotics and prosthetics departments of the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre - Regina and the Saskatchewan Abilities Council - Saskatoon.
Custom pressure or burn garments: supplied and fitted when medical criteria are met.
Operated by the Saskatchewan Abilities Council under contract with Saskatchewan Health. Equipment depots located in Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current and Yorkton.
Mobility Aids - wheelchairs, walkers, and specialized crutches are loaned, maintained and repaired without charge. Eligibility is based on assessed long-term need.
Environmental Aids - higher-cost equipment such as hospital beds and accessories, transfer assists and commodes are loaned, maintained and repaired without charge. Eligibility is based on assessed long-term need and subject to medical criteria.
Home Oxygen Therapy - home oxygen and related equipment are benefits for patients who meet the medical criteria. Saskatchewan Health covers the cost of the basic systems, which are supplied by private medical oxygen supply firms under contract with Saskatchewan Health.
Respiratory Equipment - Saskatchewan Health shares the purchase cost of aerosol therapy compressors for eligible beneficiaries. Home respiratory equipment such as ventilators, CPAP units, suction pumps, percussors, postural drainage boards and tracheostomy humidification packs are loaned, maintained and repaired without charge. Eligibility is based on specific medical criteria.
For additional information see the website for the Canadian Lung Association.
The program assists with the cost of specialized nutritional products for persons with complex medical conditions who rely on such products as their primary source of nutrition. Referrals are through a registered dietician.
Paraplegia Program
Patients must be referred by a specialist in rehabilitation medicine (physiatrist) for benefits. Benefits include:
Drugs listed in the Saskatchewan Formulary and certain drugs approved for coverage under the Drug Plan Exception Drug Status
Incontinence management and dressing supplies for chronic conditions
Specialized rehabilitation equipment
Financial assistance for vehicle hand controls, ramps and wheelchair lifts
Eligibility criteria is for paralysis of all or most of the lower limbs and trunk due to a lesion or disease affecting the spinal cord. (Disease examples include polio).
Return to Main Polio Regina Page