FAQs

FAQS – Residential Option

What Does Treatment Cost?

Residential Option

The cost is $2755.00 for self-paying clients. Financial assistance may be available through one of the following sources: Ministry of Human Resources, Alcohol and Drug Services, Medical Services Branch (First Nations women), labour union or Employee Assistance.

May I have visitors?

Following completion of an initial retreat period of three weeks, visiting is allowed on weekends between 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. There is no visiting during the week.

May I go home on weekends?

After the retreat period, counsellors discuss with clients the opportunity to obtain a partial day, full day or full weekend pass.

Will I have my own room?

Clients share bedrooms. Bedrooms are tastefully decorated and comfortably furnished with a desk/drawer set and a locker & padlock for clothes and safekeeping.

Will my special dietary concerns be met?

A dietician is available to discuss any dietary concerns.

What if I have medical problems while in treatment?

Please ensure that medical issues are resolved before coming to treatment. Should unexpected problems arise, clients are referred to a nurse practitioner or family practice physician.

Does Aurora have telephones for use?

Clients are in full retreat for the first two weeks of the program, and unless there is an emergency clients will have no phone or personal contact with family or friends during that time. Clients will have access to Aurora phones at the beginning of their third week of retreat, but no personal contact until the end of their third week. It is important to bring a long distance card for a land line and a list of important numbers, as personal cell phones are allowed only on weekends.

May I use my cell phone and receive e-mails?

There is no telephone access during the retreat period. After that, personal cell phones are available during weekends, and computer access is accessible at local internet cafés.

May I receive mail?

Yes, we encourage family and friends to write frequently, and mail is made available to clients by 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Will I be able to continue with my current fitness activities?

That will depend on the type of activities. The organized fitness program offered by Aurora includes daily walks, aerobics three times per week, and yoga twice a week. During free time clients have access to a local gym/pool, a running track, and a beautiful residential neighbourhood for walks and runs.

What is the age range of women who attend Aurora?

Aurora has provided treatment services for women ranging in age from 19 to 75.

What does a typical day at Aurora look like?

What about smoking?

The Aurora Centre and hospital grounds are tobacco-free for clients, employees and visitors. This means no use of tobacco products is permitted. Clients make a commitment to remain tobacco-free for the duration of their treatment. Free nicotine replacement products are provided.

Why is the Aurora Centre tobacco-free?

Tobacco-related diseases are the leading cause of death in patients previously treated for alcoholism and/or other non-nicotine drugs of dependence. The Aurora Centre is determined to reduce illness and the incidence of premature death in women caused by tobacco products. On average, 75% of women who attend Aurora treatment programs have smoked cigarettes, and they consistently identify nicotine as one of their three most problematic drugs.

Research evidence shows that abstinence from use of tobacco significantly increases clients’ chances of maintaining long-term abstinence from other mood-altering substances. This is a unique opportunity to attend treatment in a safe and supportive environment where staff is dedicated to supporting clients to remain abstinent from tobacco. The comprehensive support we offer includes free nicotine replacement therapy, for example the patch or gum.

What if I need to leave treatment early?

Aurora does everything possible to support clients to complete treatment, but if someone does need to leave early, staff provides support and practical assistance with that transition. Leaving treatment does not mean failure, and Aurora encourages women who leave early to re-apply at a later date.


Updated March 31, 2010

 

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