5. Learn about other options

There are other things you can do if you're abused by a home or community care provider. You can:

• report any abuse that's a criminal offence to the police
• complain to the Patient Ombudsman that you're not happy about how your complaint was handled

Complaints to professional organizations

Some kinds of care providers are members of a “college”. This is the organization that regulates that profession. If you have a problem with a specific kind of care provider, you can complain to their college.

For example, you can complain about:

• a nurse to the College of Nurses of Ontario
• an occupational therapist to the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
• a physiotherapist to the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
• a social worker to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Get legal help

There may be other steps you can take if a home or community care provider abuses you. You should get legal advice.

You could talk to a lawyer to see if you can start a lawsuit against the organization where your abuser works. For example, you might be able to sue the organization for “breach of contract” or negligence.

You can contact your local community legal clinic. Not all clinics can help with issues related to home and community care. But they may be able to tell you who can.

If you're a senior with a low income, the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE) may be able to help you. Call 1-855-598-2656.

If you have a disability, you can call the ARCH Disability Law Centre for legal advice. Usually, ARCH helps people who have a low income or get social assistance. Call 1-866-482-2724. For TTY, call 1-866-881-2723.