01Finding Support
You don't have to manage your care alone. These services are here to help you live better and feel more confident in managing your care.
There are services that exist in your community that can help directly and indirectly support your brain and heart health.
02Nutrition and Diet Support
Why it matters:
Our diet plays a big role in how we feel every day. Paying attention to what we eat can boost our mood, energy levels, heart health, and quality of life. Eating healthier can improve mental well-being.
What this support could include:
- Group dining programs
- Nutrition/dietitian counselling
- Cooking classes
- Meals on Wheels
- Meal preparation support
- Grocery or supply delivery
- Food banks
How to find it in CareDove/211:
Click the "Food" section. Or search simple terms like:
03Exercise
Why it matters:
When you move your body, your heart has to pump more blood to your muscles. Doing this regularly helps your heart get stronger and better at its job.
What this support could include:
- HeartWise classes
- Falls prevention programs
- Group exercise classes
- In-home exercise support
- Virtual exercise programs
- Walking groups
- Aquatics
How to find it in CareDove:
Click the "Fitness" section. Or search simple terms like:
04Reducing Harmful Habits
Why it matters:
Smoking and alcohol can strain your heart and make it harder to manage your heart condition. Reducing harmful habits helps your heart work more efficiently and supports better physical and mental health.
What this support could include:
- Smoking cessation programs
- Nicotine replacement therapy support
- Alcohol reduction programs
- Substance use counselling
- Harm reduction services
- Addiction support groups
05Self-Management Programs
Why it matters:
Learning to manage your heart condition can make you feel more confident and help reduce your anxiety. When you understand your symptoms and know what to do, you can feel more in control.
What this support could include:
- Heart condition education classes/webinars/workshops
- Self-care coaching
- Chronic disease management programs
- Caregiver education sessions
Check out our self-management strategies page to learn more
Self-Management Strategies →06Mental Health Services
Why it matters:
Many people with heart problems can experience depression, anxiety, or stress. This can impact your overall well-being and daily life. Taking care of your mental well-being can help you live more fully and happily with heart failure.
What this support could include:
- Individual counselling
- Therapy (in-person or virtual)
- Support groups
- Psychiatry services
- Mental health programs for older adults
Search simple terms like:
Services you can use:
AccessMHA makes it easier to help find free mental health and/or substance use/addiction support, services and care.
Visit AccessMHA.ca →Counselling Connect gives residents of Ottawa and the surrounding area quick access to a free phone or video individual counselling session available in English, French, Arabic or Mandarin or free mental health and addictions support in a group setting.
Visit Counselling Connect →07Financial Support
Why it matters:
Financial stress can affect both your heart health and mental well-being. Support with medication costs or basic needs can reduce stress and make it easier to follow your treatment plan.
What this support could include:
- Credit and debt counselling
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Disability benefits
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Workers' Compensation (WSIB)
- Rent or housing assistance
- Utility bill assistance
- Medication or health benefit programs
How to find it in CareDove/211:
Look under "Financial Assistance" or "Housing and Financial Support."
09Transportation Support
Why it matters:
Getting to medical appointments, pharmacy/clinic appointments, and community programs is an important part of managing heart failure. Reaching out for transportation support can help you stay on track with your care.
What this support could include:
- Rides to medical appointments
- Non-emergency medical transportation
- Accessible transit services
- Volunteer driver programs
- Subsidized transportation programs
- Senior transportation services
How to find it in CareDove:
Look under the "Transportation" category.
08Social Connection / Support Groups
Why it matters:
Staying socially connected can improve mood, reduce stress, and help you manage your heart problem more confidently. Feeling supported can make it easier to cope with challenges and stay engaged in your health.
What this support could include:
You can also look for: Facebook groups and community Facebook pages for heart failure or events near you.
How to find it in CareDove:
Look under "Community Programs", "Social Connection", or "Recreation".