What services does VHA offer?
VHA offers a range of health and personal support services, including:
- Caregiver relief/respite
- Information & referral to other community services
- Adult & elder care
- Child & family care
- Extreme cleaning
- End of life/palliative care
- Mental health support
- Foot care
- Personal support
- Homemaking
- Volunteer parental relief
- Supplementary staffing to facilities
- Wellness and flu clinics
Where are VHA services available?
Currently, VHA offers some or all of these services within the GTA, Durham Region, York Region and in the Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton areas of south-western Ontario. For more information on service area coverage call (416) 489-2500 or 1-888-314-6622.
Is VHA accredited by Accreditation Canada?
Yes. VHA was first accredited in 2000, in 2003 and again in January 2007. This means that the quality of our services meets or exceeds national standards.
Does VHA try to make a profit? What is the benefit of VHA over “for-profit” home health care agencies?
VHA is not for profit and a proud founding member of the United Way Toronto. Because of this, our priority is to make a positive difference in the lives we touch and ensure services are there for the people who need them.
Any funds received over and above our costs help:
- Subsidize service for those who need care, cannot afford it and are not eligible for government funding
- Finance temporary child care and homemaking services for parents in need of extra support: e.g. a single mother receiving chemotherapy or parents with triplets
- With the upkeep of Adams House: a residential complex for people with mental health challenges
- Allay Extreme Cleaning costs, a program that helps prevent homelessness of seniors or people with mental health challenges at risk of eviction because they’re unable to keep their home up to public health standards
Our non-profit status also helps VHA retain the most dedicated staff in the industry by offering workers high wage standards, excellent benefits and unparalleled field support, education and training.
What does VHA stand for?
Because we are proud of our history, VHA Home HealthCare retained the VHA from our original name, Visiting Homemakers Association. However, as we now provide extensive nursing, rehabilitation and extreme cleaning services, we are no longer exclusively a “homemaking” provider.
When and why was VHA formed?
VHA Home HealthCare began as a volunteer organization in 1925 providing homemaking services to children whose mother was seriously ill and was incorporated in 1935 as Visiting Homemakers Association.
How is VHA governed and managed?
VHA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with several active committees. VHA also has a senior management team which includes a President/CEO, VP of Client Services, CFO, VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development and VP Best Practices, Education and Researchand Chief Nursing Executive.
How many people work at VHA and in what positions?
Currently VHA employs over 1,600 staff and service providers including: nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, personal support workers, dieticians, speech-language pathologists, social workers, home support workers, administrative staff and extreme cleaners.
Who are VHA’s clients?
From children, to adults, to seniors; VHA serves a range of clients with diverse care needs and from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. In 2011, VHA served well over 62,842 clients.
How are VHA’s services funded?
VHA’s rehabilitation, nursing and personal support services are often paid for by OHIP. This is arranged by contacting the Community Care Access Centre in your area. The CCAC Case Manager evaluates each person’s needs and then orders services as appropriate.
In general, it makes sense to have service needs evaluated by CCAC staff first in case some or part of care is covered. Some people, though, choose to come directly to VHA so that their service and hours can be arranged exactly the way they want. If not eligible for government funding, some services—such as homemaking—may be available through United Way funding. In certain regions, Extreme Cleaning is paid for through grants if the person is at risk of eviction. If government funding isn’t available or does not meet all care needs, private hours can be purchased.
Which CCACs contract with VHA to provide services?
VHA is currently contracted to provide nursing, personal support and rehab services with the CCACs listed below:
- Central Toronto
- Central
- Central East
- Central West
- Erie St. Clair (nursing services only)
- Mississauga Halton (rehab services only)
- Champlain (rehab services only)
- South West (rehab services only)
What do VHA’s services cost if purchased privately?
For current rates, please call 416-489-2500 ext. 4649.
How can I support VHA’s charitable activities?
Help VHA create possibilities for more independence by:
