Corinne Hewko, Patient Advocate

07/28/2026

"You don't qualify."

If anyone has ever told you that about the Disability Tax Credit — please don't take it as the final word.

Most denials I see in my Alberta practice aren't due to a person not qualifying. They're because the paperwork didn't tell the right story.

The DTC isn't based on diagnosis. It's based on how your condition affects daily life — and almost nobody fills out the T2201 in a way that actually captures that.

✅ Up to 10 years retroactive (often thousands in refunds)
✅ Transfers to a caregiver if you have no income
✅ Unlocks the RDSP and the new Canada Disability Benefit
✅ Doesn't affect AISH or CPP-D

Full plain-language guide here 👉 https://patientadvocates.ca/blog/disability-tax-credit-canada-2026

You're not asking for special treatment. You're asking for fairness. 💛

— Corinne

The Disability Tax Credit can unlock the RDSP, the Canada Disability Benefit, and 10 years of retroactive refunds. Here's how to qualify and apply in 2026.

05/05/2026

One of the services we provide at PatientAdvocates.ca is assessing eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit and assisting people and their healthcare providers in completing the DTC application form appropriately and accurately. Many of our clients have been approved and received up to ten years of retroactive benefits from the CRA!

But there are even more financial benefits to be had when you or your loved one is approved for the Disability Tax Credit.

The Government of Canada may owe you up to $90,000 🤩🤩 in grants and bonds — and most eligible Canadians never claim it.

It's called the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and in 2026, it remains one of the most generous and most underused programs in this country. The bond alone can give you up to $20,000 — even if you contribute nothing yourself.

Yes, really! Free government money. It just gets buried in bureaucracy.

I just published a complete plain-language guide for Albertans on what the RDSP is, how to claim up to 10 years of missed grants and bonds, how it interacts with AISH and CPP-Disability, and how it pairs with the brand-new Canada Disability Benefit.

If you've been told the RDSP is "too complicated" or "not worth it" — please read this. It might change your family's financial picture.

👉 https://patientadvocates.ca/blog/rdsp-canada-disability-savings-plan-2026

A comprehensive guide on how to apply for the Disability Tax Credit is coming soon! 🎉🎉

Patient Pathways Healthcare Navigation + Advocates

A plain-language guide to the RDSP for Canadians approved for the Disability Tax Credit. Claim up to $90,000 in government grants and bonds in 2026.

04/16/2026

April 16 is Advance Care Planning Day in Canada!

Planning for your future healthcare in Alberta is more than just a legal step—it’s about ensuring your voice is heard when you can’t speak for yourself. Many people don’t realize that a standard Personal Directive template can be vague, leaving "heroic" medical decisions up to interpretation during a crisis.

At PatientAdvocates.ca, in partnership with ConnieJorsvik of Patient Pathways Healthcare Navigation + Advocates, we help you create a comprehensive plan that goes beyond the basics. We ensure your Agent is prepared, your specific wishes for resuscitation and comfort care are clear, and your documents are ready in an AHS Green Sleeve.

Don’t leave your family guessing in an Edmonton or St. Albert emergency room. Clear documentation is the greatest gift you can give your loved ones. ❤️❤️

Read our step-by-step guide to Advance Care Planning in Alberta in 2026:

🔗https://patientadvocates.ca/blog/advance-care-planning-alberta-personal-directive

03/14/2026

It will be interesting to see if these tools are effective in helping patients navigate the healthcare system efficiently snd effectively.

When I set out to be a patient advocate, it was so important to me that I was independent. That I work soley for my client to meet their needs and help them access the care they needed.

My other priority was to be able to manage my client base so I can speak to my clients and be there for them within a reasonable timeframe when they reach out to me. Navigating the Healthcare system involves so much waiting—my clients do not have a wait to hear from me.

While AHS intentions are good, I fear the client load will be too much and there will be a conflict of interest with the Patient Advocatea being employed by AHS.

On the bright side, it is increasing awareness about Patient Advocates and how to get help if you are struggling.

It is also a useful tool to guide those capable of advocating for themselves in the right direction.

For those that need more assistance—I do hope they find me. Everyone deserves support to achieve the best quality of life possible. ❤️❤️

https://edmontonjournal.com/sponsored/health-sponsored/free-tools-help-albertans-speak-up-and-get-more-out-of-health-appointments





Patient Pathways Healthcare Navigation + Advocates

Health Quality Alberta and the Office of the Alberta Health Advocates are partnering to help patients self-advocate.

09/22/2025

🧠💜September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day 💜🧠

Yesterday, millions of people around the world raised awareness, fought stigma, and stood in solidarity with those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their families and caregivers.

At PatientAdvocates.ca, we see firsthand the courage it takes to navigate memory loss, healthcare systems, and the emotional toll that Alzheimer’s brings. No one should face this journey alone.

Let’s work together to:
✔️ Promote early diagnosis and provide support to thise struggling
✔️ Break the stigma around dementia
✔️ Advocate for compassionate care and resources for those who may not be capable of advocating doe themselves
✔️ Support caregivers who give so much of themselves to keep their loved one safe-physically and emotionally

💜Every voice matters. Every story matters. Together, we can create a more understanding and supportive world.

One-on-One Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy for all of Alberta, Canada. Organizing your healthcare journey, together.

06/03/2025

I am at the North Edmonton Seniors Association (NESA) Health and Wellness Show today!! It is a bustling place full of amazing resources to support our seniors ❤️❤️

7524-139 Avenue
Edmonton , Alberta

Today only from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm!

Come and check it out!

01/28/2025

💙If you or someone you love is living with a diagnosis, including , give this brave and important post a read to learn the truth about end-of-life options in Canada. Please share widely!

Accessing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is a complex, sensitive topic, especially for those with dementia. Learn what you need to know from Dr. Stefanie Green, one of Canada's leading MAiD advisors.

01/17/2025

My friend and colleague, Connie Jorsvik, of Patient Pathways based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, as written an amazing 4 part series about dementia in honour of .

Very few of us will not be touched by this disease in some way in our lifetime. Click on the link below to read!

If you are in Alberta and struggling to navigate the challenges of cognitive decline in yourself or your family—reach out to me for guidance, information and resources.

🧠 Many of us are justifiably worried about developing dementia. By the time we reach 90, one in three of us will have developed it, and most of us will be affected by someone we love having it.

By request, and in honour of , I’m sharing a series of 4 blog posts which act as a primer to understanding the various forms of , identifying the signs, and knowing when and how to help.

Topics covered: Terms Used & Common Dementias, Testing and Diagnosis of Cognitive Decline & Dementia, Challenges When You Live Alone, and What to Do When You Are a Concerned Neighbour or Friend

My hope is this overview will increase your understanding, empower you, and lead to courageous conversations with loved ones about planning ahead now.

Enjoy the guide! https://patientpathways.ca/understanding-capability-dementia-frailty-1

💗 If you’d like to explore how to plan ahead, our limited-time 25% Off All Services special is on now, including and document preparation. Mention code: FRIEND25 when booking a free consultation through our Contact page.💗

Let's talk about and break the stigma. Please share widely, friends.

Corinne Hewko, Patient Advocate Christa Ovenell Orderly Affairs

The Lighthouse Community Hospice Inc Death's Apprentice Karen Lake, Caregiving Consultant and Care Navigator West Kootenay Boundary Caregiver Support Brenda PM - Life & HEALth CARE Consulting Family Caregivers of British Columbia BC Hospice Palliative Care North Shore Community Resources Cariboo Community Deathcare Caregiver Solutions Magazine Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society Dr. Sarah Hallberg Stories for Caregivers Caring for the Caregiver NSCR Caregiver Support Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation Simplify Caring

11/20/2024

Death’s Apprentice Education & Planning and PatientPathways.ca present Understanding Dementia and Medical Assistance in Dyi...

11/01/2024

With Quebec now allowing Advance Requests for those diagnosed with Alzheimers/Dementia and the courts overriding a British Columbia woman's desire to have MAiD after a lifetime of struggling with mental health, MAiD is a hot, hot topic in the news!

If you are touched by Dementia or Alzheimer's and/or want to know more about MAiD in Canada, my colleague Connie Jorsvik of Patient Pathways Healthcare Navigation + Advocates based in BC is hosting an event you will not want to miss!

Here is the link to register to learn more about Canada's controversial MAiD process.

Patient Pathways Healthcare Navigation + Advocates

Death’s Apprentice Education & Planning and PatientPathways.ca present Understanding Dementia and Medical Assistance in Dyi...