Applying for Services

Our incredible network of clinical professionals and care workers look forward to helping you facilitate your transition toward independence and realize your full and unique potential.

Complete the 3 steps outlined below to initiate the application process for your preferred level of care. Following submission of your application, you will be contacted within two(2) business days by the admissions department.

As the health and well-being of our clients and staff are a top priority, HIRO has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all 24 hour residential and supported apartment clients, including new admissions.  All clients being referred to a HIRO residence will be required to provide satisfactory documentation to verify they are fully vaccinated or provide proof of reason(s) for exemption.  The full policy is available on request.

How to apply

* When using email to submit an application, please understand the purpose of disclosing your information, and that you can withdraw consent at any time. You also need to accept the risks associated with communicating personal health information through electronic communication.

Assessing Eligibility

Those eligible for service through public funding must:

  • have a primary diagnosis of an acquired brain injury, as confirmed by a physician;
  • be eighteen years of age or older;
  • be willing to relocate to the Niagara/Hamilton region
  • be willing and able to identify and develop functional rehabilitation goals and participate in activities to improve behavioural and cognitive skills and abilities;
  • be insured under OHIP;
  • not have active substance abuse issues;
  • not be diagnosed with a progressive or degenerative disease/disorder;
  • be psychiatrically stable and be medically stable, including:
    • not require that nursing care be available on site 24 hours a day;
    • not require any intramuscular injections (IM);
    • not require internal catheterization;
    • not being reliant on tube-feeding long-term;
    • not using hospital-only administered medications;
    • not being dependent on mechanical restraints, security guards or seclusion rooms to manage behaviours.
  • be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (received both doses of a two-dose vaccine series, or one dose of a single -dose vaccine series, and the person has received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago.), and agree to stay up to date when eligible.

Those eligible for service through private funding must:

  • Have access to private funding, such as auto insurance or other private sources of funding;
  • have a primary diagnosis of an acquired brain injury, as confirmed by a physician;
  • be eighteen years of age or older;
  • be willing to relocate to the Niagara/Hamilton region
  • be willing and able to identify and develop functional rehabilitation goals and participate in activities to improve behavioural and cognitive skills and abilities;
  • be insured under OHIP;
  • not have active substance abuse issues;
  • not be diagnosed with a progressive or degenerative disease/disorder;
  • be psychiatrically stable and be medically stable, including:
    • not require that nursing care be available on site 24 hours a day;
    • not require any intramuscular injections (IM);
    • not require internal catheterization;
    • not being reliant on tube-feeding long-term;
    • not using hospital-only administered medications;
    • not being dependent on mechanical restraints, security guards or seclusion rooms to manage behaviours.
  • be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (received both doses of a two-dose vaccine series, or one dose of a single -dose vaccine series, and the person has received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago.), and agree to stay up to date when eligible.