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# VHA Home HealthCare

Home Care Services

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [News](https://www.vha.ca/news/)
- [VHA Home HealthCare discusses initial steps with community innoVHAtion lab at national kick off event for envisAGE, a pan-Canadian initiative  to help improve the quality of life for seniors](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-discusses-initial-steps-with-community-innovhation-lab-at-national-kick-off-event-for-envisage-a-pan-canadian-initiative-to-help-improve-the-quality-of-life-for-seniors/) - In May 2023, a national kick-off event was held for envisAGE, a large-scale pan-Canadian initiative with the mission of catalyzing Canada’s AgeTech ecosystem by supporting innovators to grow and scale their enterprises and deliver technology solutions that help older Canadians maintain a better quality of life, longer. The event, held in Gatineau and hosted jointly
- [“If I’m struggling, others must be”: How one PSW rose above a challenge for her community](https://www.vha.ca/news/if-im-struggling-others-must-be-how-one-psw-rose-above-a-challenge-for-her-community/) - For many, Personal Support Workers are a lifeline. This is especially true for those living independently in the community who need assistance with daily tasks due to age, illness, injury or disability. The challenges of these vulnerable Ontarians are often invisible to others because they happen behind closed doors. Personal Support Workers like VHA Home
- [VHA’s Lead Home Care Agency Model puts clients at the centre to integrate care with hospitals](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-lead-home-care-agency-model-puts-clients-at-the-centre-to-integrate-care-with-hospitals/) - With the Lead HomeCare Agency model, a team of homecare specialists care for hospital patients in their home to ensure a seamless transition and recovery.
- [Newly expanded Toronto Health and Social Services Directory now available](https://www.vha.ca/news/newly-expanded-toronto-health-and-social-services-directory-now-available/) - A new directory has just launched to help people in Toronto more easily find care close to home. The Toronto Health and Social Services Directory (torontoservicedirectory.ca) is a website that helps people more easily find health, social and community services in Toronto, including the former municipalities of East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough and York.
- [Supporting a Loved One with Addiction ](https://www.vha.ca/blog/supporting-a-loved-one-with-addiction/) - Loving someone struggling with addiction can be incredibly difficult. Over time, addiction can strain relationships, create chronic stress, and leave loved ones at a loss for what to do. In Canada, substance use affects millions of people each year and can have serious physical, emotional, social, and financial consequences for both people living with addiction
- [Simple Outdoor Activities to Support Cognitive Health as You Age](https://www.vha.ca/blog/simple-outdoor-activities-to-support-cognitive-health-as-you-age/) - Maintaining cognitive health with age doesn’t have to involve complicated exercises or expensive programs. Spending time in nature engages the senses—what we see, hear, smell, and feel—which helps keep the brain active and alert. It can also lower stress, reduce mental fatigue, improve sleep, and support attention and focus. These benefits are linked to how
- [Why Summer Can Be More Challenging for People Living With Dementia](https://www.vha.ca/blog/why-summer-can-be-more-challenging-for-people-living-with-dementia/) - Summer can bring many enjoyable opportunities for older adults and families, including time outdoors, visits with loved ones, and longer days. However, seasonal changes can also create unique challenges for older adults living with dementia. Many individuals are more sensitive to changes in routine, temperature, and their environment, which can affect comfort and daily functioning.
- [Meet Janelle Backan: VHA’s new Senior Director, Integrated Client and Community Care for the Central and East regions](https://www.vha.ca/news/meet-janelle-backan-vhas-new-senior-director-integrated-client-and-community-care-for-the-central-and-east-regions/) - Recently, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) was excited to announce the addition of Janelle Backan to our team.
- [Supporting a client and his family through the journey of Parkinson’s](https://www.vha.ca/blog/supporting-a-client-and-his-family-through-the-journey-of-parkinsons/) - If you met John a few years ago, you would have seen a man known around town for enjoying long walks and working in his garden.
- [Working with Ontario Health atHome to connect more local residents with access to care](https://www.vha.ca/news/working-with-ontario-health-athome-to-connect-more-local-residents-with-access-to-care/) - This Spring, VHA took part in the opening of the brand-new Sheppard West Clinic in North York as part of a new partnership with Ontario Health atHome.
- [A helping hand for a clean home: Ethelrida and VHA’s Extreme Clean team](https://www.vha.ca/blog/a-helping-hand-for-a-clean-home-ethelrida-and-vhas-extreme-clean-team/) - Meet Ethelrida — a grateful client of VHA's Restored Home: Extreme Clean program which helps prevent evictions for tenants struggling to maintain their homes.
- [When a deep clean means the difference between housing and homelessness](https://www.torontotoday.ca/cares/news/when-a-deep-clean-means-the-difference-between-housing-and-homelessness-12423281#new_tab) - For many vulnerable Toronto residents, the condition of a home can become the difference between stability and homelessness. That is where VHA Home HealthCare’s Restored Home: Extreme Clean program comes in. The program supports low-income tenants who are at risk of eviction because of unsafe or unsanitary living conditions, including hoarding, infestations, fire risks or
- [Sharing the VHA nursing experience with Dr. Karima Velji](https://www.vha.ca/news/sharing-the-vha-nursing-experience-with-dr-karima-velji/) - On May 15, 2026, Dr. Karima Velji, Ontario’s Chief of Nursing & Professional Practice and Assistant Deputy Minister joined us for a special visit.
- [Searching for primary care within a VHA-serviced catchment area?](https://www.vha.ca/blog/searching-for-primary-care-within-a-vha-serviced-catchment-area/) - Finding a primary physician can be a stressful experience. There are programs and community partners to help connect you with healthcare providers in your area.
- [Caring for a Loved One with Osteoporosis](https://www.vha.ca/blog/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-osteoporosis/) - Osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and makes them fragile and more likely to break, is more common than many people realize. In Canada, an estimated 2.3 million people are living with the condition, and 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. If you or
- [Celebrating Physiotherapy Month: The Mind-Body Connection](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-physiotherapy-month-the-mind-body-connection-in-physiotherapy/) - Each May, during National Physiotherapy Month, we recognize and celebrate the important role physiotherapists (PTs) and physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) play in supporting the health and well-being of Canadians. At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) and Champlain Rehab Solutions, our physiotherapy teams support clients in their homes, schools, and communities through a wide range of services, including
- [Speech & Hearing Month: The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists at Every Stage of Life](https://www.vha.ca/news/national-speech-hearing-month-the-role-of-speech-language-pathologists-at-every-stage-of-life/) - Every May, Canadians recognize National Speech and Hearing Month, a time to raise awareness about communication health and the important role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs), audiologists and communication health assistants. The 2026 Speech and Hearing Month theme, 'Access Changes Everything,' highlights the importance of timely access to communication health services at every stage of life.
- [Celebrating Personal Support Worker Day at VHA](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-personal-support-worker-day-at-vha-2/) - Every year on May 19, we celebrate Personal Support Worker Day across Ontario. PSWs and HSWs are an essential part of Ontario’s health care system.
- [Warmth, Compassion and Experience: How Nurse Sandra Transcended her Role as Head Nurse to Beloved Family Member](https://www.vha.ca/news/warmth-compassion-and-experience-how-nurse-sandra-transcended-her-role-as-head-nurse-to-beloved-family-member/) - Sandra Hewitt-Stone is a once-in-a-lifetime nurse for her client and his family. Sandra has been a Registered Nurse with VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) for nearly 12 years. Her work in pediatric complex care is nothing short of heroic. Sandra spends most of her days in the home of a child with complex medical needs and
- [Celebrating National Nursing Week and The Power of Nurses to Transform Health](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-national-nursing-week-and-the-power-of-nurses-to-transform-health/) - Monday, May 11 to Sunday, May 17 marks National Nursing Week across Canada. This year, the Canadian Nurses Association has adopted the theme of The Power of Nurses to Transform Health, which highlights the incredible impact nurses have in shaping health care, driving innovation and advocating for client- and family-centred care. This inspiring theme aligns
- [VHA Nurse Fartun Amir receives Honourable Mention for Nursing Hero Award](https://publuu.com/flip-book/945179/2448088/page/37#new_tab) - On behalf of the entire House Calls Team, we are proud to nominate Fartun Amir, Nurse Practitioner, for the Nursing Hero Award in recognition of her exceptional and inspiring contributions to patient care. House Calls is a collaborative program providing comprehensive, interdisciplinary, home-based primary care to frail, marginalized, cognitively impaired, and house-bound seniors who would
- [Leading Through Heart-Centered Connections, Clinical Excellence, Mentorship, and Innovation](https://www.vha.ca/news/leading-through-heart-centered-connections-clinical-excellence-mentorship-and-innovation/) - Sydney Olsen is a Visiting Nurse and Clinical Lead at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) supporting children and families, many with complex medical needs, including some receiving palliative care. Sydney is one of 5 VHA nurses who were nominated for the 2026 Hospital News Nursing Hero Awards. The Nursing Hero Awards started in 2005 to honour
- [Never Interrupting the Peace: Worlanyo’s Personal Policy of Kindness](https://www.vha.ca/news/never-interrupting-the-peace-worlanyos-personal-policy-of-kindness/) - Worlanyo Matsakawo is a Community Palliative Nurse at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) who joined in 2018 as an opportunity to expand her nursing knowledge and focus on providing care in the community. Worlanyo’s warm personality makes her stand out amongst others. The care and dedication she brings to her clients reflects her grace, patience, and
- [VHA Nurse Tatheer nominated for a Nursing Hero Award after she makes a difference on our Strategic Solutions and Partnerships team](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-nurse-tatheer-nominated-for-a-nursing-hero-award-after-she-makes-a-difference-on-our-strategic-solutions-and-partnerships-team/) - Tatheer Syed is a Registered Practical Nurse at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) who works with our Strategic Solutions and Partnerships team. Tatheer has been a part of the UHN@Home program since joining VHA in late 2023. She came on board during a period of rapid growth and change, when new clinical pathways were being launched
- [Preventing Pressure Injuries: A Guide for Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/preventing-pressure-injuries-a-guide-for-caregivers/) - Caring for someone who is bedbound or uses a wheelchair comes with many challenges, and one of the most important yet often overlooked is protecting their skin. When someone has limited mobility or spends extended periods in bed or seated, their risk of pressure injuries increases. Pressure injuries, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers,
- [Small Nutrition Shifts That Make a Big Difference](https://www.vha.ca/blog/small-nutrition-shifts-that-make-a-big-difference/) - Good nutrition supports energy, recovery and overall health, but eating well doesn’t have to mean strict rules or major diet changes. In fact, drastic overhauls often lead to burnout and a return to old habits. The most sustainable approach is focusing on small, manageable changes. Even minor adjustments, practiced consistently, can make a meaningful difference
- [Spring Cleaning Tips for Older Adults and Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/spring-cleaning-tips-for-older-adults-and-caregivers/) - With warmer weather on the way, spring is the perfect time to refresh your living space. For older adults, a clean and organized home is about more than tidying—it supports safety, mobility and overall well-being. A well-maintained home is easier to navigate, can reduce fall risks, improve air quality and even help ease stress and
- [Igniting Change Through Volunteerism: Celebrating National Volunteer Week](https://www.vha.ca/news/igniting-change-through-volunteerism-celebrating-national-volunteer-week/) - This National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, we join communities across Canada to celebrate the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy and expertise to make a real difference. This year’s theme, Ignite Volunteerism, celebrates volunteer stories and encourages Canadians to discover their own ways to contribute, with the hope of inspiring each generation to get
- [New Evha AI Assistant Answers Client Questions in myVHA Client Portal](https://www.vha.ca/news/new-evha-ai-assistant-answers-client-questions-in-myvha-client-portal/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has made our myVHA Client Portal even easier to navigate for clients and their families with a new feature launched this week: The Evha AI Assistant. Thanks to Evha, myVHA Client Portal users can now access information and support quickly and easily 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Evha
- [Celebrating the impact of women at VHA and across the world: International Women’s Day.](https://www.vha.ca/blog/celebrating-the-impact-of-women-at-vha-and-across-the-world-international-womens-day/) - March 8th is International Women’s Day – a day that both celebrates the ongoing contributions of women around the globe and advocates for a gender equal world.
- [Coming together to celebrate diversity, inclusion and love for a good book](https://www.vha.ca/blog/coming-together-to-celebrate-diversity-inclusion-and-love-for-a-good-book/) - For the second year, employees from Toronto East Health Network and VHA came together for an insightful book club as part of Black History Month in February.
- [What Caregivers Wish You Knew: Voices From VHA Families  ](https://www.vha.ca/news/what-caregivers-wish-you-knew-voices-from-vha-families/) - Caring for a loved one at home can be both deeply meaningful and profoundly demanding. Many caregivers step into this role quickly or unexpectedly, taking on the responsibility of preserving a loved one’s independence and quality of life while managing medications, appointments and household tasks. Much of this work happens quietly, and with limited financial,
- [When Zahra and Arthur met Mary Jane – their Connected Families: Parenting Support experience](https://www.vha.ca/blog/when-zahra-and-arthur-met-mary-jane-their-connected-families-parenting-support-experience/) - Zahra is a single mother to a beautiful 11-month-old boy named Arthur. She loves watching him grow and explore the ever-expanding world around him.
- [Reflecting on 2025: A Year End Message for VHA's President and CEO](https://www.vha.ca/news/reflecting-on-2025-a-year-end-message-for-vhas-president-and-ceo/) - 2025 has been a landmark year for VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) as we recognized our 100th year of service and trusted partnership with clients and families. This milestone has presented many opportunities for gratitude, celebration and reflection. Over the decades, our services have continually evolved to meet changing needs, guided by compassion, strengthened by science, and
- [BlackNorth Initiative and VHA Home HealthCare announce 2026 Future Leaders Scholarship recipients](https://www.vha.ca/news/blacknorth-initiative-and-vha-home-healthcare-announce-2026-future-leaders-scholarship-recipients/) - BlackNorth Initiative and VHA Home HealthCare are proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the BlackNorth Initiative and VHA Future Leaders Scholarship
- [Resources for Unpaid Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/resources-for-unpaid-caregivers/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has improved connections online and there are many organizations, tools and resources for unpaid caregivers that may be beneficial.
- [Building Stronger Communities: The Impact of Social Workers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/building-stronger-communities-the-impact-of-social-workers/) - Across Ontario’s health system, social workers play a critical role in improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, workplaces and communities.
- [Celebrating Black Leaders at VHA During Black History Month](https://www.vha.ca/blog/celebrating-black-leaders-at-vha-during-black-history-month/) - Embracing diversity, equity and inclusion is a cornerstone of what makes our VHA community spectacular. we’re celebrating remarkable Black leaders at VHA.
- [Two Different Environments, Same Great Care: Occupational Therapy in Rural and Urban Settings](https://www.vha.ca/blog/two-different-environments-same-great-care-occupational-therapy-in-rural-and-urban-settings/) - Whether it’s down a country road or up an elevator, occupational therapists play a vital role in helping clients live safely and independently at home.
- [Challenges to Medication Management at Home](https://www.vha.ca/blog/challenges-to-medication-management-at-home/) - Medication safety is a critical part of keeping older adults healthy at home. While most people do their best to follow medication instructions, aging adults often face challenges that can make managing medications more difficult than expected. Many older Canadians take multiple prescriptions each day, often several times a day, and frequently for more than
- [A Q&A with Peter Kinch: One of VHA’s newest Board members](https://www.vha.ca/blog/a-qa-with-peter-kinch-one-of-vhas-newest-board-members/) - In 2025, VHA was fortunate to welcome Peter Kinch as a new Board member. We had the opportunity to speak with Peter about his decision to join VHA’s Board.
- [When Farbiola decided to take a job as a Personal Support Worker, she was looking for employment. She also found an opportunity to impact and extend a man’s life.](https://www.vha.ca/news/when-farbiola-decided-to-take-a-job-as-a-personal-support-worker-she-was-looking-for-employment-she-also-found-an-opportunity-to-impact-and-extend-a-mans-life/) - When Raphael first met Farbiola he wasn't interested in eating or even getting out of bed Five years later, his relationship with her has changed his life.
- [Taylor-Massey residents receive the care they need at home through Integrated Neighbourhood Home Care Program](https://www.vha.ca/news/excellent-homecare-through-the-integrated-neighbourhood-care-program/) - Bruce is a senior living in the Taylor-Massey neighbourhood. He is battling stage four cancer, and eating regular, healthy meals is a challenge.
- [Building Bonds that Matter with Leadership Award Winner Dorothy Muiruri](https://www.vha.ca/news/building-bonds-that-matter-with-leadership-award-winner-dorothy-muiruri/) - Each year, the VHA Leadership Awards celebrate individuals, like Dorothy Muiruri, who exemplify VHA’s commitment to leadership excellence.
- [Leading with Purpose: Featuring Leadership Award Winner Banu Sundaralingam](https://www.vha.ca/news/leading-with-purpose-featuring-leadership-award-winner-banu-sundaralingam/) - Leadership is a vital part of our workplace culture at VHA. Each year, we celebrate four incredible recipients of our Leadership Awards.
- [Leading the Future of Health & Independence at Home: Spotlight on Hana Asfaw](https://www.vha.ca/news/leading-the-future-of-health-independence-at-home-spotlight-on-hana-asfaw/) - Each year, the VHA Leadership Awards take place to build VHA’s culture of leadership excellence by recognizing individuals who demonstrate impactful leadership.
- [Bella’s journey to recovery – Sunnybrook-to-Home program](https://www.vha.ca/news/bellas-journey-to-recovery-sunnybrook-to-home-program/) - When patients are discharged from hospital, there can be a lot of emotions. Returning home can be a huge relief but it can raise feelings of apprehension.
- [We asked you to share your feedback and the results are in: VHA’s 2024-25 Client Experience Feedback Report](https://www.vha.ca/news/we-asked-you-to-share-your-feedback-and-the-results-are-in-vhas-2024-25-client-experience-feedback-report/) - We asked our clients and caregivers to share their feedback through a survey and we’re excited to share the results from the 2024-25 surveys.
- [Meet our 2026 Champions of Change Fellowship Recipients: Claudia, Maria, and Tanan!](https://www.vha.ca/news/meet-our-2026-champions-of-change-fellowship-recipients-claudia-maria-and-tanan/) - VHA Fellows are working with VHA’s Research and Innovation Team to help design and lead a quality improvement project to support PSWs to improve client care.
- [Why it’s important to advocate for yourself or your loved ones](https://www.vha.ca/blog/why-its-important-to-advocate-for-yourself-or-your-loved-ones/) - It is very important to advocate for yourself or your loved one and encourage open conversations with your health care professionals.
- [Looking Ahead to a Positive and Impactful 2026: Reflections from VHA’s President and CEO Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/news/looking-ahead-to-a-positive-and-impactful-2026-reflections-from-vhas-president-and-ceo-dr-kathryn-nichol/) - Like many leaders, at the beginning of a new year, I receive reports summarizing results and progress from the previous year. This month I’ve had the fortune to review and reflect on year-end feedback from VHA’s clients and families, our partners and VHA’s team members. Here is a snapshot of some of the responses I have received: 95% of our clients and families indicated they were treated with courtesy and respect - a critical indicator of client
- [The Mental Impact of Living with a Chronic Illness](https://www.vha.ca/blog/the-mental-impact-of-living-with-a-chronic-illness/) - Living with chronic illness affects more than physical health. Day-to-day life can revolve so heavily around appointments, treatments and symptom management that it can feel like there’s no time or energy left to live your life. The impact of chronic illness can also influence mood and affect work, relationships and independence. As these changes accumulate,
- [Nutrition Tips for Winter Wellness](https://www.vha.ca/blog/nutrition-tips-for-winter-wellness/) - With colder weather, more time indoors, the circulation of new viral infections like the cold and flu, and added stress, winter creates conditions that can challenge your immune system. In addition to strategies like handwashing, staying up-to-date with vaccinations, regular physical activity, and stress management, good nutrition is another powerful way to strengthen your defenses.
- [A New Year Reset for Family Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/a-new-year-reset-for-family-caregivers/) - The start of a New Year often brings a sense of reflection and possibility. For family caregivers, the season isn’t about making sweeping resolutions or setting unrealistic expectations. Caregiving is already demanding and traditional New Year’s resolutions can add unnecessary pressure. Instead, the new year can serve as a gentle reset. A chance to pause,
- [VHA Home HealthCare expands partnership with BlackNorth Initiative to empower the next generation of leaders through new Future Leaders Scholarship program](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-expands-partnership-with-blacknorth-initiative-to-empower-the-next-generation-of-leaders-through-new-future-leaders-scholarship-program/) - TORONTO, December 18, 2025 – VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is proud to build upon its ongoing partnership with BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) to launch the BNI-VHA Future Leaders Scholarship, a new bursary program in support of Black youth. VHA is one of Ontario’s largest not-for-profit providers of publicly-funded home care. Founded 100 years ago in 1925, VHA has long
- [Emergency Preparedness Tips: Plan Ahead to Stay Safe](https://www.vha.ca/blog/plan-ahead-to-stay-safe-emergency-preparedness-tips/) - Emergencies can happen at any time and often without warning. From winter storms and floods to wildfires or power outages, being ready can make all the difference. Understanding the risks in your area, creating a household emergency plan and building an emergency kit will help you stay safe when it matters most. In a serious
- [Navigating Caregiver Guilt and Self-Doubt](https://www.vha.ca/blog/navigating-caregiver-guilt-and-self-doubt/) - Caring for a loved one can be one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of your life, but it can also bring frustration and moments of self-doubt. You may feel stretched between caregiving responsibilities, work and family life and feel guilty for wanting a break. It’s common to question yourself and to wonder whether
- [Managing Medications to Prevent Falls](https://www.vha.ca/blog/managing-medications-to-prevent-falls/) - Most older adults aged 65 or older take multiple prescription medications to manage their health, and about two-thirds take five or more different drugs each year. In long-term care settings, the numbers are even higher, since many residents live with several chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment. While medications play a vital role in maintaining
- [Staying Active Indoors: Winter Exercise Ideas for Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/blog/staying-active-indoors-winter-exercise-ideas-for-older-adults/) - As winter settles in, staying active can become more challenging for older adults. Cold temperatures, icy sidewalks and shorter days can make outdoor activity unsafe and lower motivation to keep moving. However, staying active is essential at any age. It helps preserve strength, mobility, and independence while reducing the risk of falls and chronic health
- [Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Health Decline in Aging Loved Ones](https://www.vha.ca/blog/recognizing-early-warning-signs-of-health-decline-in-aging-loved-ones/) - As a loved one ages, changes in their health, behaviour and daily routines may begin to appear. These shifts are not always a normal part of aging and sometimes they can signal that everyday tasks have become difficult or that new medical, cognitive or emotional challenges are emerging. Older adults don’t always ask for help.
- [VHA Announces Trevor Heer as VP, Integrated Client & Community Care and Chief Operating Officer](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-announces-trevor-heer-as-vp-integrated-client-community-care-and-chief-operating-officer/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is delighted to announce that, effective December 1st 2025, Trevor Heer has been appointed Vice President, Integrated Client & Community Care (IC&CC) and Chief Operating Officer in a permanent capacity. Trevor took on this position on an interim basis in September 2025 and has been instrumental in guiding the IC&CC team
- [Empowered Everyday: Up Close with Leadership Award Winner Darryl Pineda](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-empowered-everyday-leadership-award-winner-darryl-pineda/) - The Empowered Everyday Award recognizes leaders who approach challenges with positivity and perseverance, helping others overcome obstacles along the way. Through a coaching style of leadership, they share their knowledge generously, encourage growth, and push others to become the best version of themselves. They understand that true success is collective, making themselves available to support
- [Meet VHA Occupational Therapist Deborah Spivak: Small Moments, Big Impact](https://www.vha.ca/news/meet-vha-occupational-therapist-deborah-spivak-small-moments-big-impact/) - When you ask VHA’s Deborah Spivak what she loves most about being an occupational therapist, her answer is simple: “I love making a difference.” For nearly three decades, Deborah has been doing just that, helping people regain independence, adapt to challenges and continue doing the things that make life meaningful. Whether showing a client how
- [Community Support Month: Celebrating VHA’s Homemakers and Nurses Services (HMNS) Program](https://www.vha.ca/news/community-support-month-celebrating-vhas-homemakers-and-nurses-services-hmns-program/) - October is Community Support Month in Ontario, a time to celebrate the essential programs that help more than one million Ontarians live safely and independently at home. From personal care and homemaking to caregiver support and community connections, these services are vital to the well-being of individuals and families across the province. Among these essential
- [North York CARES: Providing supportive, customized care at home](https://www.vha.ca/news/north-york-cares-providing-supportive-customized-care-at-home/) - The landscape of health care in Ontario has drastically changed over the last year. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed added pressures on the health system and forced hospitals and health care organizations to pivot and deliver innovative care in different ways. VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) and North York General Hospital (NYGH), in partnership with North
- [Preparing for Influenza and Respiratory Virus Season](https://www.vha.ca/blog/preparing-for-influenza-and-respiratory-virus-season/) - From early September through late March or early April, illnesses like influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are especially common. As the days get cooler and we spend more time indoors, these viruses find more opportunities to spread. Close contact and shared spaces make it easier for germs to pass from person to person,
- [“We’re lucky to have her”: Spotlight on VHA leader Lauren Black and her contributions at VHA and across the health care sector](https://www.vha.ca/news/were-lucky-to-have-her-spotlight-on-vha-leader-lauren-black-and-her-contributions-at-vha-and-across-the-healthcare-sector/) - When people think of lawyers, they often picture courtrooms and combative trials. The image of a trusted partner and advisor who enables collaboration, operational efficiency and accountability might not come as easily to mind. But that is precisely the role Lauren Black plays. As General Counsel and Chief Legal, Privacy and Compliance Officer at VHA
- [VHA Home HealthCare’s New Interprofessional Collaboration Competency Framework: A Guide for Homecare Teams in Ontario](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcares-new-interprofessional-collaboration-competency-framework-a-guide-for-homecare-teams-in-ontario/) - As the healthcare landscape in Ontario continues to move towards a more integrated system, interprofessional collaboration (IPC) has become increasingly vital to delivering high-quality, person-centred care. This is especially important in home healthcare where providers often work independently. In support of this need, researchers and clinical leaders at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) developed the Interprofessional
- [Celebrating Our Child and Family Support Workers for Community Support Month](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-our-child-and-family-support-workers-for-community-support-month/) - In the photo above our Child and Family Support Workers pose together in a team meeting in July 2025. October is Community Support Month in Ontario. Community Support programs and services throughout the province help over one million Ontarians live well at home and in their communities through services like personal care, homemaking, caregiver support,
- [Helping students achieve academic success through VHA’s Head Start Scholarship program](https://www.vha.ca/news/helping-students-achieve-academic-success-through-vhas-head-start-scholarship-program/) - It’s no secret that the cost of attending college or university can be a huge barrier for families. VHA’s Head Start Scholarship program was developed to help empower the children of our VHA team members to follow their dreams by pursuing academic excellence at college or university -and support the next generation of leaders Recipients
- [Celebrating VHA's 2025 Client Choice Awards](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-vhas-2025-client-choice-awards/) - At VHA, care isn’t just a service, it’s a calling. Our team is made up of people who lead with purpose, build meaningful connections, and pour their hearts into delivering exceptional care to the communities we serve. Every year, the Client Choice Awards give clients and families the chance to shine a spotlight on those
- [Benefits Canada: How VHA Home HealthCare is using DEI data to track metrics, inform organizational practices](https://www.benefitscanada.com/archives_/benefits-canada-archive/how-vha-home-healthcare-is-using-dei-data-to-track-metrics-inform-organizational-practices/#new_tab) - In the midst of the current backlash against the very concept of diversity, equity and inclusion, VHA Home HealthCare is reinforcing its decades-long focus on developing an inclusive workplace culture. “Our commitment to DEI is central to our people strategy, so we’re not backing away, but rather continuing to emphasize and double down on our
- [TREVOR HEER Named Interim Vice President, Integrated Client & Community Care and Chief Operating Officer](https://www.vha.ca/news/trevor-heer-named-interim-vice-president-integrated-client-community-care-and-chief-operating-officer/) - Effective September 5, 2025, Trevor Heer has stepped into the role of Interim Vice President, Integrated Client & Community Care (IC&CC) and Chief Operating Officer at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). Trevor is a stellar leader who is well-positioned to lead VHA’s IC&CC team over this transitionary period and be a valuable contributor as a member of
- [VHA Home HealthCare achieves redesignation as a Best Practice Spotlight Organization](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-achieves-redesignation-as-a-best-practice-spotlight-organization/) - Pictured above: VHA’s Professional Practice team celebrating VHA’s 2025 BPSO redesignation Recently, VHA’s Professional Practice team met with delegates from the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) to confirm VHA’s completion of requirements leading to its redesignation as a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO). VHA’s redesignation as a BPSO recognizes initiatives implemented over the last
- [Coming Out Later In Life: Supporting a 2SLGBTQIA+ Loved One](https://www.vha.ca/blog/coming-out-later-in-life-supporting-a-2slgbtqia-loved-one/) - Coming out is the process of sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity with those around you. It can bring relief and celebration, but also feelings of fear and overwhelm. For older adults, this experience may carry even greater weight. Many grew up in times when being open about their 2SLGBTQIA+ identity could have meant
- [Right place at the right time: The caring act of a VHA PSW](https://www.vha.ca/blog/right-place-at-the-right-time-the-caring-act-of-a-vha-psw/) - On a warm July day earlier this year, Irene, a personal support worker (PSW) at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), was on her way to visit her client, Mary Anne, when she came across an emergency situation. “I was on my way to see my client and was waiting for the elevator door to open,” recalls
- [Supporting Your Kids as They Parent: Tips for Today’s Grandparents](https://www.vha.ca/blog/supporting-your-kids-as-they-parent-tips-for-todays-grandparents/) - Grandparenting today looks different than it did a generation ago. In Canada, there are more grandparents than ever before, and many play a hands-on role, whether through school pickups, caring for little ones when they’re sick or simply being a steady source of love and fun. At the same time, more families are sharing homes
- [Kew Beach Unit Celebrates Five Years of Collaborative Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/kew-beach-unit-celebrates-five-years-of-collaborative-care/) - This spring marked five years since the launch of the Kew Beach Unit—an innovative transitional care program created in response to the urgent challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally developed as a temporary off-site hospital wing to create additional bed capacity, the unit has since evolved into an essential part of East Toronto’s health system.
- [Creating a Dementia-Friendly Home: Tips for Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/creating-a-dementia-friendly-home-tips-for-caregivers/) - Dementia-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease can affect memory, judgement, movement, sensory processing abilities and behaviour. These changes can alter how a person experiences their surroundings, making even a familiar home feel confusing or unsafe. If someone you care for is experiencing cognitive changes and remaining at home is the goal, thoughtful adjustments can help
- [Understanding Non-Visible Disabilities in Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/blog/understanding-non-visible-disabilities-in-older-adults/) - Some of the most difficult health challenges can be the ones we can’t see. As many as 80% of disabilities are non-visible, meaning they can significantly impact a person’s daily life without obvious outward signs. These ‘hidden’ disabilities can affect people of all ages, but older adults are especially vulnerable. Conditions like chronic pain, hearing
- [2025 Client Choice Nominations Highlight Outstanding Staff and Service Providers at VHA](https://www.vha.ca/news/2025-client-choice-nominations-highlight-outstanding-staff-and-service-providers-at-vha/) - Over the past hundred years, the one constant at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has been our dedication to providing the best care possible, delivered with heart. Achieving this is no small feat and is only possible through the immeasurable passion and commitment shown by our staff and service providers. Every year, we recognize a select
- [Led by Science: Introducing the role of Homecare Scientist at VHA](https://www.vha.ca/news/led-by-science-introducing-the-role-of-homecare-scientist-at-vha/) - VHA has a long-standing commitment to research and innovation in home and community health care that improves the care we deliver to our clients. We’re continuing to strengthen this commitment with the creation of two new Homecare Scientist roles on our Research team. These two Scientists are the first professionals to hold this title at
- [Our Patient Care Partners Play a Key Role at Camp Innovate](https://www.vha.ca/news/our-patient-care-partners-play-a-key-role-at-camp-innovate/) - On Thursday, August 14, VHA’s Innovation Team held their annual Summer Session. This year’s theme – Camp Innovate! This exciting and well-attended event brought together the VHA community of funding partners, innovative technology partners, office staff and frontline team members to exchange ideas and explore how we can bring promising home care innovations to life
- [Staying Connected: Preventing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/blog/staying-connected-preventing-social-isolation-and-loneliness-in-older-adults/) - Everyone needs meaningful social connections to live well. But as we grow older, it’s common to spend more time alone due to health issues, the loss of loved ones or major life changes like retirement. While taking time for yourself is healthy and necessary, extended periods of disconnection can lead to loneliness and isolation, which
- [VHA’s Chief Operating Officer David Fry resigns to take on exciting new opportunity](https://www.vha.ca/news/david-fry-resigns-as-vp-ic-cc-and-chief-operating-officer/) - It is with mixed emotions that we share that David Fry has resigned from his position as Vice President, Integrated Client & Community Care (IC&CC) and Chief Operating Officer at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). While we will miss David’s spectacular leadership at VHA, we are delighted to share that he will be taking on an
- [Simple Grounding Techniques to Help Relieve Anxiety](https://www.vha.ca/blog/simple-grounding-techniques-to-help-relieve-anxiety/) - Anxiety is something all of us have experienced—before a big presentation, during a tough commute or while navigating stressful life events. It’s a normal part of being a human and can serve an important purpose by alerting us to danger or perceived threats. Still, even everyday anxiety can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage. In
- [Building Better Schedules for PSWs Through Collaboration and Insight](https://www.vha.ca/news/building-better-schedules-for-psws-through-collaboration-and-insight/) - A great deal of thought and effort goes into creating effective schedules for our personal support workers (PSWs). Whether it’s ensuring clients receive the care they need at the right times, mapping out the most direct routes to reduce travel time, or supporting work-life balance for our staff, we are constantly asking ourselves: How can
- [Understanding and Preventing Suicide Risk in Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/blog/understanding-and-preventing-suicide-risk-in-older-adults/) - Growing older can be a time of joy, wisdom and fulfillment, offering a chance to connect with family, enjoy retirement and reflect on life’s accomplishments. But for some older adults, aging is not always a positive experience. It can bring significant challenges including declining health, the loss of loved ones, reduced independence and increased isolation.
- [Getting to know Julia Hanigsberg — our most recent Board member](https://www.vha.ca/news/getting-to-know-julia-hanigsberg-our-most-recent-board-member/) - This spring, we were thrilled to welcome Julia Hanigsberg to VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)'s Board of Directors. As the President and CEO of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Julia has played a transformative role in the care of children. Her unique experience and knowledge are a perfect fit for VHA’s commitment to the best possible
- [Celebrating a Century of Spectacular Care with Client Partner Mike Vince](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-a-century-of-spectacular-care-with-client-partner-mike-vince/) - For over 100 years, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has been at the heart of our communities, offering excellent care and unwavering support to individuals of all ages.
- [Life After Caregiving: Finding Purpose in the Next Chapter](https://www.vha.ca/blog/life-after-caregiving-finding-purpose-in-the-next-chapter/) - Caregiving is a role that can be both profoundly meaningful and requires incredible devotion, shaping your daily life, identity and relationships. When that chapter ends after the death of a loved one, it can bring a complex mix of emotions and a sense of disconnect from the version of yourself that existed before. After spending
- [VIDEO: Interprofessional Collaboration in Action from Hospital to Home](https://www.vha.ca/news/video-interprofessional-collaboration-in-action-from-hospital-to-home/) - When VHA client Zoe experienced a traumatic fall that led to her to the hospital emergency department, her loved ones worried when she would be able to safely return home. Support from a unique hospital partnership with interprofessional care led by a team of PSWs, nurses, and rehabilitative team members has led to remarkable outcomes
- [Deepening VHA’s Commitment to Indigenous Cultural Safety in Healthcare](https://www.vha.ca/news/deepening-vhas-commitment-to-indigenous-cultural-safety-in-healthcare/) - June marks National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonization—including residential schools, systemic discrimination and forced assimilation—which continue to have devastating effects on the health and well-being of
- [Julia Hanigsberg Joins VHA’s Board of Directors](https://www.vha.ca/news/julia-hanigsberg-joins-vhas-board-of-directors/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is pleased to announce that Julia Hanigsberg, President and CEO of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, has joined its Board of Directors. Throughout the past decade at Holland Bloorview, Julia’s leadership and passion have resulted in a transformative impact in the lives of children and youth with disabilities and development differences,
- [The Future is Bright: Stories from VHA Fathers](https://www.vha.ca/news/the-future-is-bright-stories-from-vha-fathers/) - At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) and Champlain Rehab Solutions, caregiving and community guide everything we do. We’re proud to support not only our outstanding staff and service providers, but also their families. This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible dads across our organization who are guiding, nurturing and cheering on the next generation. In this
- [Caring for a Loved One with Osteoarthritis](https://www.vha.ca/blog/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-osteoarthritis/) - When someone you care about is living with chronic pain due to a condition like osteoarthritis, it can be very difficult to manage.
- [The Future is Bright: Stories from VHA Mothers](https://www.vha.ca/news/the-future-is-bright-stories-from-vha-mothers/) - As an organization rooted in caregiving and community, we are proud to support not only our exceptional staff and service providers but also their families.
- [Finding peace, one step at a time: Trisha’s journey towards overcoming hoarding](https://www.vha.ca/news/finding-peace-one-step-at-a-time-trishas-journey-towards-overcoming-hoarding/) - After living with the challenges of hoarding for more than 30 years, Trisha knew that she wanted to make a change and reduce her hoard but needed help. Upon completing an OCD treatment program, her therapist helped her take the next step by connecting her with the Safer Spaces: Hoarding Support program at VHA Home
- [Celebrating VHA Nurses: The Power to Transform Health](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-vha-nurses-the-power-to-transform-health/) - Every May, around the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, we celebrate the vital contributions of nurses across the country. This year, National Nursing Week falls on May 12-18, and the theme, ‘The Power of Nurses to Transform Health’, recognizes the crucial role nurses play in shaping our health care system, driving innovation and advocating
- [Healing at Home: Celebrating National Physiotherapy Month](https://www.vha.ca/news/healing-at-home-celebrating-national-physiotherapy-month/) - Each May, during National Physiotherapy Month, we recognize and celebrate the profound impact physiotherapists and physiotherapist assistants have on the health and well-being of Canadians. At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) and Champlain Rehab Solutions, we witness this impact every day. Our team of 140 physiotherapists (PTs) and 35 physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) provide support in homes,
- [PSW Fellowship Program Leads Quality Improvement Efforts on Ethical Challenges at the Point of Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/psw-fellowship-program-leads-quality-improvement-efforts-on-ethical-challenges-at-the-point-of-care/) - A fellowship program at VHA enabled PSWs to identify common ethical challenges found in the home and community care setting and drive organizational change.
- [Volunteers Make Waves: National Volunteer Week 2025](https://www.vha.ca/news/volunteers-make-waves-national-volunteer-week-2025/) - It’s time for Canada to celebrate our volunteers from coast-to-coast-to-coast! National Volunteer Week is April 27-May 3, 2025. At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), volunteers enable us to touch even more lives across our community. Each individual volunteer contribution, big or small, creates momentum and has the power to influence and inspire, joining a wave of
- [WeRPN Journal: Amplifying RPN leadership in home and community care through co-design](https://journal.werpn.com/amplifying-rpn-leadership/#new_tab) - RPN leaders in the home and community care sector support large clinical teams, including personal support workers (PSWs), home support workers, and other community-based providers. Their role is multifaceted, integrating critical tasks like onboarding, training, performance management, and ensuring clients receive safe, high-quality care. One often overlooked aspect is monitoring and addressing team mental health
- [Celebrating a Century of Spectacular Care with PSW Rose Sullivan](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-a-century-of-spectacular-care-with-psw-rose-sullivan/) - For over 100 years, VHA has been at the heart of our communities, offering excellent care and unwavering support to individuals of all ages. As we celebrate this monumental milestone, we reflect on the visionary leaders, staff and home care specialists who have shaped our legacy. Among them is Rose Sullivan
- [Celebrating a Century of Spectacular Care with Client Rita Reynolds and Miss Smith](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-a-century-of-spectacular-care-with-client-rita-reynolds-and-miss-smith/) - For over 100 years, VHA has been at the heart of our communities, offering excellent care and unwavering support to individuals of all ages. As we celebrate this monumental milestone, we reflect on the visionary leaders, staff and home care specialists who have shaped our legacy. Below is a glimpse back to 1958
- [2024 Worklife Pulse Survey: Insights To Action](https://www.vha.ca/news/2024-worklife-pulse-survey-insights-to-action/) - At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we know that the well-being of our team of home care specialists is essential to meeting and exceeding the needs of our community.
- [Worklife Pulse: Meeting the Needs of our Team so we can Meet the Needs of our Community](https://www.vha.ca/news/worklife-pulse-meeting-the-needs-of-our-team-so-we-can-meet-the-needs-of-our-community/) - As all of us at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) work to meet and exceed the evolving needs of our clients and our wider healthcare community, we’re committed to ensure our workforce always feels heard and supported. VHA’s Worklife Pulse survey, which is distributed annually, is one important tool for staff and service providers to share
- [VHA Celebrates 100 Years of Helping Ontarians Stay Safe and Well at Home](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-celebrates-100-years-of-helping-ontarians-stay-safe-and-well-at-home/) - Not-for-profit home care provider VHA Home HealthCare, founded in 1925, recognizes 100th anniversary For over a century, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has been at the heart of our communities—offering care, compassion, and unwavering support to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. From our beginnings in 1925 with just 14 homemakers supporting new mothers to a team
- [Caring for a Loved One with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)](https://www.vha.ca/blog/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/) - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung condition that gradually makes breathing more difficult and turns daily activities into exhausting tasks.
- [Virtual Care Shifts into High Gear in Response to COVID-19](https://www.vha.ca/news/virtual-care-shifts-into-high-gear-in-response-to-covid-19/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all parts of the health care system to rethink the way they deliver care and at VHA Home HealthCare, the more than 10,000 virtual visits completed by our service providers since April, have proven that crisis really is a powerful catalyst. Although virtual care, sometimes called teletherapy or digital health,
- [#ThinkDigitalHealth: How Technology is Transforming Care at VHA](https://www.vha.ca/news/thinkdigitalhealth-how-technology-is-transforming-care-at-vha/) - Just as technology changed how we communicate with friends and do business, developments in digital health have transformed the delivery of health care.
- [Moving Forward with EMRI](https://www.vha.ca/news/moving-forward-with-emri/) - Our Electronic Medical Record Initiative (EMRI) rollout is moving forward at a pace. Across the province, all new adult nursing clients of VHA (except palliative care) are being managed through the web-based application. EMRI gives these service providers immediate access to health information and the ability to complete and enhance their required documentation right in
- [Nourish to Flourish: Celebrating the Essential Role of Dietitians ](https://www.vha.ca/blog/nourish-to-flourish-celebrating-the-essential-role-of-dietitians/) - From supporting chronic disease management to health promotion and prevention, dietitians are dedicated to improving the well-being of Canadians.
- [At Home with VHA: Cali Guttman, Inspiring Kids to Eat Better](https://www.vha.ca/blog/at-home-with-vha-cali-guttman-inspiring-kids-to-eat-better/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare. This month, to celebrate Nutrition Month and Dietitians Day, we are highlighting our staff. Meeting Cali Guttman, VHA's first regional Paediatic Dietitian in the GTA. March 20th, 2019 marks 10 years of
- [VHA’s Head Start Scholarship Recipients Recognized for Academic Excellence and Community Engagement](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-head-start-scholarship-recipients-recognized-for-academic-excellence-and-community-engagement/) - Through the Head Start Scholarship program, VHA awards annual scholarships to children of staff and service providers pursuing college or university education.
- [We Received Your Feedback About Your Care Experiences with VHA: Here’s What We Heard and What’s Ahead](https://www.vha.ca/news/we-received-your-feedback-about-your-care-experiences-with-vha-heres-what-we-heard-and-whats-ahead/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is committed to regularly gathering information about how care is experienced by clients and families so that we can find ways to make our service better. Last year, VHA analyzed feedback from its client satisfaction surveys and from comments that were reported to our office about care. Based on the results,
- [VHA launches search for remarkable leaders to serve on Board of Directors](https://www.vha.ca/news/boardofdirectorssearch/) - VHA launches search for remarkable leaders to serve on Board of Directors Join VHA in leading the future of health and independence at home as a member of our volunteer Board of Directors! For 100 years, VHA has been at the heart of communities—offering high quality and compassionate home care to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Our teams are committed to finding innovative solutions, building systems
- [Upcoming New Features for the myVHA Client Portal](https://www.vha.ca/news/upcoming-new-features-for-the-myvha-client-portal/) - The myVHA Client Portal is currently undergoing a significant upgrade with many new features coming in 2025 that are designed to enhance user experience, simplify processes and provide new means of communication between clients and VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). These updates are part of our ongoing commitment to continued co-design of myVHA with clients and
- [VHA receives Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-receives-exemplary-standing-from-accreditation-canada/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is thrilled to announce we have once again been designated with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada. Exemplary Standing is the highest ranking conferred by Accreditation Canada. VHA’s survey took place November 3-6, 2024. During that time, surveyors from Accreditation Canada spent time on site with VHA team members from across the
- [Welcome 2025: Leading the Future of Health and Independence at Home](https://www.vha.ca/news/welcome-2025-leading-the-future-of-health-and-independence-at-home/) - Happy New Year to VHA’s team members, clients and families, partners, funders and volunteers. 2025 marks an exciting time at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) — we are embarking on a new Strategic Plan 2025-2030: Leading the Future of Health and Independence at Home and we are celebrating VHA’s 100th anniversary! Our new strategy builds on
- [VHA Announces Tracey Turriff as Vice President, Public Relations and Chief Communications Officer](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-announces-tracey-turriff-as-vice-president-public-relations-and-chief-communications-officer/) - VHA Home HealthCare is excited to announce the appointment of Tracey Turriff to Vice President, Public Relations and Chief Communications Officer. This is a new senior leadership position for our organization that signals the importance of our ongoing efforts to raise VHA’s visibility and profile to help us build greater awareness of the value of
- [Celebrating 20 Years of Spectacular Care at VHA Home HealthCare in London, Ontario](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-20-years-of-spectacular-care-at-vha-home-healthcare-in-london-ontario/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)’s London office recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of delivering exceptional care and support to clients and families.
- [At Home With VHA: Meet Jillian Chandler, Regional Director, Toronto Central Region](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-jillian-chandler-regional-director-toronto-central-region/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare.
- [The Importance of Having Safety Conversations With Your Healthcare Provider](https://www.vha.ca/blog/the-importance-of-having-safety-conversations-with-your-healthcare-provider/) - When people receive healthcare, they want effective care that they can trust to keep them safe and meet their needs. Sometimes, despite best intentions, because the healthcare system depends on human expertise, interaction and knowledge, errors and situations can occur that lead to unintentional harm. Research shows that one in three Canadians have experienced a
- [Toronto Star: How one woman reclaimed her space and peace of mind by decluttering](https://www.thestar.com/sponsored-sections/how-one-woman-reclaimed-her-space-and-peace-of-mind-by-decluttering/article_790b4b50-5bfc-11ef-aa7c-7742de16ffa0.html#new_tab) - This article was originally published by Toronto Star as sponsored content on Aug. 19, 2024. VHA Home HealthCare addresses link between clutter and mental health. Earlier this year, Penny Moore began a process to take back control of her life — one tote box at a time. A cancer survivor coping with mobility and mental
- [Toronto Star: Providing a helping hand to vulnerable families in need of childcare support](https://www.thestar.com/sponsored-sections/providing-a-helping-hand-to-vulnerable-families-in-need-of-childcare-support/article_9081bc38-8285-11ef-8450-d3247bdb2b55.html#new_tab) - This article was originally published by Toronto Star as sponsored content on Oct. 7, 2024. For one woman grieving two miscarriages, VHA Home HealthCare’s Helping Hands: Home Support for Families program is helping her find hope for the future. Erzsebet is a 34-year-old mother with four children, ages 14, eight, four and 15 months. While
- [Toronto Star: Service eases strain on families caring for aging loved ones with dementia](https://www.thestar.com/sponsored-sections/service-eases-strain-on-families-caring-for-aging-loved-ones-with-dementia/article_7dafed3a-960a-11ef-b82d-6b656ed1a7a5.html#new_tab) - This article was originally published by Toronto Star as sponsored content on Nov 4., 2024. From emotional support to meal prep and exercise, VHA Home HealthCare program supports seniors living at home. Some days Parveen Amlani doesn’t even have time to recognize the exhaustion she feels from caring for her ailing, elderly parents. Parveen’s father,
- [Winter Walking Safety Tips for Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/blog/winter-walking-safety-tips-for-older-adults/) - Walking is one of the most simple and effective ways for older adults to stay active and improve their overall health and well-being. Incorporating walking into a daily routine can help with weight maintenance, cardiovascular health, mental wellness, balance and muscle and bone strength. However, for Canadians, the winter months can create hazardous walking conditions
- [Leading with Purpose: Spotlight on Leadership Awardee Desmond Kiu](https://www.vha.ca/news/leading-with-purpose-spotlight-on-leadership-awardee-desmond-kiu/) - The VHA Leadership Awards are an annual recognition program to further build and strengthen VHA’s culture of leadership excellence by recognizing individuals at all levels who demonstrate impactful leadership. Desmond Kiu, Director of Integrated and Enterprise Health Solutions, is a Leadership Award recipient in the Leading with Purpose category. Awardees in this category are trailblazers who look for
- [Empowered Every Day: Spotlight on Leadership Awardee Amber Lucas](https://www.vha.ca/news/empowered-every-day-spotlight-on-leadership-awardee-amber-lucas/) - The VHA Leadership Award is an annual recognition program to further build and strengthen VHA’s culture of leadership excellence by recognizing individuals at all levels who demonstrate impactful leadership. Amber Lucas, Care Team Clinical Lead, is a Leadership Award recipient in the Empowered Every Day category. Awardees in this category raise the bar for themselves and others
- [Building Bonds that Matter: In Conversation with Leadership Awardee Fe Morante](https://www.vha.ca/news/building-bonds-that-matter-in-conversation-with-leadership-awardee-fe-morante/) - The VHA Leadership Award is an annual recognition program to further build and strengthen VHA’s culture of leadership excellence by recognizing individuals at all levels who demonstrate impactful leadership. Fe Morante, Personal Support Worker Care Team Coach, is a Leadership Award recipient in the Building Bonds that Matter category. Awardees in this category create meaningful connections with
- [Closing the Gap Healthcare and VHA Home HealthCare named service provider organizations for new integrated home care program in East Toronto](https://ethp.ca/closing-the-gap-healthcare-and-vha-home-healthcare-named-service-provider-organizations-for-new-integrated-home-care-program-in-east-toronto/#new_tab) - Integrated Neighbourhood Home Care Program aims to improve home care services for eligible adults in Taylor-Massey and Thorncliffe Park September 12, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – Ontario Health has named Closing the Gap Healthcare and VHA Home HealthCare as the service provider organizations that will provide home care services for eligible clients in East Toronto as
- [VHA's Director of Research is part of AMS Healthcare Second Cohort of AMS-Fitzgerald Fellowships in AI and Human-Centered Leadership](https://www.ams-inc.on.ca/ams-fitzgerald-fellowship-in-ai-and-human-centered-leadership-2024/#new_tab) - In collaboration with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, this prestigious 2-year fellowship is tailored for early and mid-career health system leaders who are passionate about transforming healthcare through the lens of AI. Our Fellows are not just learners—they are trailblazers equipped to tackle the evolving opportunities and challenges of AI in health care,
- [Home Fire Safety for Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/blog/home-fire-safety-for-older-adults/) - Adults over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of fire-related injuries or death. Mobility, hearing, vision and cognitive changes that may occur with age can increase the risk of a fire starting in the home and make it difficult for an older adult to escape safely. Being prepared is the best way
- [Arts-Based Engagement Project Builds Meaningful Connections Between VHA PSWs and 2SLGBTQIA+ Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/news/arts-based-engagement-project-builds-meaningful-connections-between-vha-psws-and-2slgbtqia-older-adults/) - Integrating art into the research process is becoming an increasingly popular way to explore, understand, represent and challenge human experiences.
- [Announcing VHA's 2023-2024 Fellows](https://www.vha.ca/news/announcing-vhas-2023-2024-fellows/) - Each year, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) invests in the future of home care research through fellowship programs that support graduate student researchers and clinician-focused programs that offer therapists, nurses and personal support workers the opportunity to develop their research skills. As our current fellows begin their new research projects, here is an overview of the
- [Institute for Work and Health: "VHA's Katherine Zagrodney given inaugural IWH early career award"](https://www.iwh.on.ca/newsletters/at-work/114/homecare-researcher-given-inaugural-iwh-early-career-award#new_tab) - The Institute’s new research accelerator award to support study on personal support workers Working as personal support workers (PSWs) can be challenging, especially so for those who provide services in homecare settings. Individuals in this occupation work alone, interacting with clients with varying levels of care needs, managing tasks in workspaces that are outside their
- [VHA Announces Junior Researcher Development Award Winners for 2019](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-announces-junior-researcher-development-award-winners-for-2019/) - VHA Home HealthCare developed the Junior Researcher Development Awards to offer mentorship and funding opportunities for young researchers who have an interest in studying and advancing evidence in home care. This year we received a lot of strong applications, and are pleased to announce our three winners. Alla Yakerson holds a Master of Science degree
- [VHA's Junior Researcher Development Award - Our 2020 Winner](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-junior-researcher-development-award-our-2020-winner/) - This award was developed to offer mentorship and funding opportunities for promising young researchers who have a keen interest in studying and advancing evidence in the home care sector! This year we received a number of astounding applications! We are pleased to announce that we have awarded one great researcher - Marianne Saragosa. Marianne Saragosa
- [VHA Opens Applications for 2022-2023 Graduate Research Award (formerly Junior Researcher Development Award)](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-opens-applications-for-2022-2023-graduate-research-award-formerly-junior-researcher-development-award/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is committed to sponsoring promising young scientists to engage in research that will diversify the research capacity and expertise in the home and community sector. Each year through the Graduate Research Award, VHA offers scholarships valued at $5000 to up to three graduate students whose work is aligned with the strategic
- [VHA opens applications for 2021-2022 Junior Researcher Development  Program](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-opens-applications-for-2021-2022-junior-researcher-development-program/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is committed to sponsoring promising young scientists to engage in research that will diversify the research capacity and expertise in the home and community sector. Each year through the Junior Researcher Development Program, VHA offers scholarships valued at $5000 to up to three graduate students whose work is aligned with the
- [VHA continues to invest in future of home care science through 2021 Research Fellows](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-continues-to-invest-in-future-of-home-care-science-through-2021-research-fellows/) - Each year, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) invests in the future of home care research by supporting graduate student researchers and through clinician focused programs that offer therapists, nurses and personal support workers the opportunity to develop their research skills. As our current fellows stride ahead with their new research projects this Fall, here is an
- [VHA and East Toronto Health Partners Hold Fair-themed Event to Celebrate Research and Quality Improvement Efforts to Improve Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-and-east-toronto-health-partners-holds-fair-themed-event-to-celebrate-research-and-quality-improvement-efforts-to-improve-care/) - A unique research event in Toronto’s east-end community marked the start of a new model of working together for Ontario Health Teams, focused on collaborative education and evaluation across health and community care sectors VHA and East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP) Ontario Health Team organized ETHP Fair: Celebrating Research, Improving Care this June to celebrate
- [More Innovation Helps People Dig Out of Clutter](https://www.vha.ca/news/more-innovation-helps-people-dig-out-of-clutter/) - We’ve all seen the images. Piles of boxes, books, clothing and empty food containers nearly consuming a home—burying treasures, memories and sometimes even the hopes and dreams of an individual whose clutter and hoarding have spun out of control. And while these circumstances make for compelling television, the reality of a life confined by clutter
- [VHA’s "Virtual Calm" pilot receives green-light funding from the Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-virtual-calm-pilot-receives-green-light-funding-from-the-canadian-centre-for-aging-and-brain-health-innovation/) - VHA Home HealthCare has received a $25,000 grant from the Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CC-ABHI) to fund Virtual Calm, an innovative project that will explore the use of virtual reality technology to ease distress in people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The funding was announced by CC-ABHI at a collaborative event with
- [Start Up Here Toronto: "Winners of the MaRS Innovation Partnership: Procurement by Co-Design Program Announced"](https://startupheretoronto.com/partners/marsdd/winners-mars-innovation-partnership-procurement-co-design-program-announced/#new_tab) - Three teams from the first cohort of the MaRS Innovation Partnership: Procurement by Co-Design program have been awarded innovation procurement grants, money that will be applied toward the procurement of their solutions. The pioneers of this innovative approach to procurement worked hard over the last six months. Now, the teams of healthcare service providers, working
- [Nurturing Innovation for Growth, Health and More Independence](https://www.vha.ca/2018/nurturing-innovation-for-growth-health-and-more-independence/) - With digitalization, artificial intelligence, an aging population and an ever-increasingly connected world, advances in health care are happening at warp speed. And while innovation is a buzzword in many health circles these days, VHA is going beyond the hype and taking innovation to a deeper level through the development of an overarching organizational innovation strategy.
- [Announcing VHA’s Inaugural Vice President, Research & Innovation](https://www.vha.ca/news/announcing-vhas-inaugural-vice-president-research-innovation/) - An important priority for VHA going forward is the elevation of our research and innovation programs. We have developed a transformational vision to advance and inspire improvements in home care through research and innovation and we are excited to announce a significant step in bringing this vision to life with the appointment of Dr. Sandra
- [Q&A with VHA’s new Vice President, Research & Innovation, Dr. Sandra McKay](https://www.vha.ca/news/qa-with-vhas-new-vice-president-research-innovation-dr-sandra-mckay/) - An important priority for VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) going forward is the elevation of our research and innovation programs. VHA has developed a transformational vision to advance and inspire improvements in home care through research and innovation. Dr. Sandra McKay was recently appointed to the inaugural position of Vice President, Research & Innovation to help
- [VHA's VP of Research & Innovation Reflects on Exciting First Year in the Role](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-vp-of-research-innovation-reflects-on-exciting-first-year-in-the-role/) - It’s been just over a year since Dr. Sandra McKay was named Vice President of Research & Innovation at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). This announcement signaled a significant commitment to research and innovation at VHA. We connected with Sandra to catch up on what’s been happening over the past year. Sandra, what has your new
- [Announcing VHA Research & Innovation’s Fellowship Class of 2022-2023](https://www.vha.ca/news/announcing-vha-research-innovations-fellowship-class-of-2022-2023/) - Each year, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) invests in the future of home care research by supporting graduate student researchers and through clinician-focused programs that offer therapists, nurses and personal support workers the opportunity to develop their research skills. As our current fellows stride ahead with their new research projects, here is an overview of the
- [VHA launches InnoVHAtion Advisory Committee to fuel Age Tech in the Community](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-launches-innovhation-advisory-committee-to-fuel-age-tech-in-the-community/) - Every VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) innovation endeavour aims to bring people together to improve the lives of clients and families and transform how care is delivered in the community. With the launch of VHA’s InnoVHAtion Advisory Council, the organization is taking a concrete step into the Age Tech space. The council supports the establishment and
- [Business Wire: "VHA Introduces Groundbreaking Pontosense AI Solution, Offering New Innovations for Aging in Place"](https://www.vha.ca/news/business-wire-vha-introduces-groundbreaking-pontosense-ai-solution-offering-new-innovations-for-aging-in-place/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) proudly introduces its newest offering for senior care, aimed at facilitating graceful aging in place in the comfort of one’s own home. Alongside Pontosense, a Waterloo-based artificial intelligence (AI) company, VHA is piloting Silver Shield, a millimeter wave (mmWave) AI solution, for wireless fall detection and motion tracking to support clients,
- [Healthy Debate: "Breaking the silence: Violence, harassment isn’t ‘just part’ of homecare jobs"](https://healthydebate.ca/2024/10/topic/violence-harassment-homecare-jobs/#new_tab) - For many, working in health care is a calling. In home care, workers know that their work helps people stay in their homes and live as well as possible for as long as possible. Homecare workers often form strong and meaningful bonds with the clients and families they care for, often over long periods. Unfortunately,
- [Information about Challenges with Medical Equipment and Supplies](https://www.vha.ca/news/information-about-challenges-with-medical-equipment-and-supplies/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is aware that there have been some challenges with the supply and delivery of medical equipment and supplies to clients receiving home care in Ontario. VHA is working closely with Ontario Health atHome to make sure our clients and our staff and service providers have the necessary supplies to keep
- [How Occupational Therapy Can Help with Memory Loss](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-occupational-therapy-can-help-with-memory-loss/) - For individuals living with memory loss from dementia, a brain injury or stroke, the ability to complete activities of daily living can be impacted.
- [Making Better Eating Choices When Dining Out](https://www.vha.ca/blog/making-better-eating-choices-when-dining-out/) - Eating out is a great opportunity to connect with friends and family, take a break from cooking, try new foods and experience different cultures. It is perfectly fine to treat yourself and enjoy the moment, but if you’re eating out regularly and not consciously thinking about your choices, this can start to have a negative
- [7 Ways to Show Your Appreciation for a Family Caregiver](https://www.vha.ca/blog/7-ways-to-show-your-appreciation-for-a-family-caregiver/) - There are more than eight million ‘unpaid’ or family caregivers across Canada who provide care to family members or friends with long-term health concerns.
- [Celebrating VHA's 2024 Client Choice Awards](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-vhas-2024-client-choice-awards/) - VHA is made up of caring and committed people who truly want to help and love what they do. In every role, VHA team members lead with purpose, build bonds that matter, and are passionate about providing high quality care, with great heart, to the communities we serve. VHA’s annual Client Choice Awards give clients and families
- [Changing your Mindset for Positive Aging](https://www.vha.ca/blog/changing-your-mindset-for-positive-aging/) - Aging is an inevitable part of life, but for many people the idea of getting older can create a lot of negativity, resistance and anxiety.
- [At Home with VHA: Meet Cassondra Kahrs, Palliative Care RPN](https://www.vha.ca/2021/at-home-with-vha-meet-cassondra-kahrs/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare. In honour of National Nursing Week (May 10-16,) we’re spotlighting some of the extraordinary nurses that make up VHA. Meet Palliative Care Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Cassondra Kahrs. What do you love
- [New Partnership with Holland Bloorview Provides Relief for Families of Children with Extensive Health and Social Needs](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-new-partnership-with-holland-bloorview-provides-much-needed-relief-for-families-of-children-with-extensive-health-needs/) - For children and families living with complex neurodevelopmental conditions along with mental health, intellectual or physical disabilities, frequent emergency room visits, repeated acute care admissions and restricted participation in school and family life, are just some of the challenges they often face. Limited access to care and delays in receiving services can make these difficulties
- [Talking to Your Child About Their Cancer Diagnosis](https://www.vha.ca/blog/helping-your-child-understand-their-cancer-diagnosis/) - Learning that your child has cancer is an incredibly scary and difficult time for a parent or caregiver and the entire family. While you may want to protect your child from knowing they have a serious illness and the treatments ahead, experts agree that this typically isn’t the best approach. Although it may seem counterintuitive,
- [North Clinic providing high quality care in the community at new location](https://www.vha.ca/news/north-clinic-providing-high-quality-care-in-the-community-at-new-location/) - “I have never met such wonderful people in my whole life.” Pamela Contini is a patient at the North Clinic in the Toronto Central area, a small nursing clinic run by Ontario Health atHome (formerly Home and Community Care Support Services) with nursing services provided by VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). Pamela has been receiving care
- [Recognizing and Responding to an Opioid Overdose](https://www.vha.ca/blog/recognizing-and-responding-to-an-opioid-overdose/) - Lethal overdoses can be caused by all types of prescription and illegal opioids, including oxycodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl and heroin. In Canada, opioid use has reached a crisis level. Since 2016, there have been over 44,000 opioid-related deaths and 174,000 emergency room visits. An opioid overdose is always a medical emergency and even as a
- [Understanding Non-Visible Disabilities](https://www.vha.ca/blog/understanding-non-visible-disabilities/) - Research from the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability revealed that nearly 8 million, or 27% of Canadians above the age of 15, are living with one or more disabilities. Surprisingly, studies also show that 80% of disabilities or conditions can be considered ‘invisible’. This means that they affect a person’s everyday life without obvious outward
- [Supporting a Child with Type 1 Diabetes at School and Social Events](https://www.vha.ca/blog/supporting-a-child-with-type-1-diabetes-at-school-and-social-events/) - One in 300 Canadian children are living with type 1 diabetes which occurs when the pancreas does not make enough, or any insulin.
- [Caring for a Loved One With Rheumatoid Arthritis](https://www.vha.ca/blog/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/) - Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and other systems of the body.
- [Self-Care for Overall Health and Well-Being](https://www.vha.ca/blog/self-care-for-overall-health-and-well-being/) - Self-care involves everything you do to take care of your physical, mental and emotional health. This can be getting enough sleep and trips to the spa, but it can also be setting boundaries, focusing on your priorities and finding more time for the things that bring you joy. What can be considered ‘self-care’ is different
- [Home and Community Care Support Services is now called Ontario Health atHome](https://www.vha.ca/news/home-and-community-care-support-services-is-now-called-ontario-health-athome/) - Home and Community Care Support Services is now called Ontario Health atHome
- [Celebrating 20 Years of Champlain Rehab Solutions in Ottawa](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-20-years-of-champlain-rehab-solutions-in-ottawa/) - Champlain Rehab Solutions celebrated its 20th anniversary in June 2024, marking two decades of dedicated service to the Ottawa community. VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) operates as Champlain Rehab Solutions (CRS) in the Greater Ottawa area, and the CRS team providing much-needed rehabilitation services to individuals across this region. Established in 2004, CRS has grown and
- [The Importance of Routine in Dementia Caregiving](https://www.vha.ca/blog/the-importance-of-routine-in-dementia-caregiving/) - For people living with dementia, short-term memory and the ability to retain new information are usually the first cognitive skills to be affected.
- [Understanding Home Care Services in Ontario](https://www.vha.ca/blog/understanding-home-care-services-in-ontario/) - Many people experiencing age-related difficulties, recovering from a surgery, illness or injury, or living with complex health needs or a chronic health condition want to receive the care they need in the comfort of their own home. Research shows home care is not only generally preferred but is also the most cost-effective option when compared
- [VHA PSWs Help Make Pride Toronto an Inclusive and Accessible Event for All](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-psws-help-make-pride-toronto-an-inclusive-and-accessible-event-for-all/) - The Pride Toronto Festival Weekend is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity, beauty and progress of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As the biggest pride event in North America, Pride Toronto is also a chance to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and to serve as a reminder of the work ahead. At the heart
- [Canadian HealthCare Technology: "VHA Home HealthCare deploys smartphone management"](https://www.canhealth.com/2024/06/27/vha-home-healthcare-deploys-smartphone-management/#new_tab) - By improving the management of its large fleet of smartphones, Toronto-based VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has found a way to make its employees happier and to reduce costs significantly at the same time. Through an alliance with Valet Wireless, a company that manages the distribution of the phones, retrieves them when employees leave, and fixes
- [Mealtime Strategies for Children with Sensory Processing Challenges](https://www.vha.ca/blog/mealtime-strategies-for-children-with-sensory-processing-challenges/) - Children who have sensory issues may have an aversion to loud environments, bright lights, smells or different textures.
- [A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia-Related Wandering](https://www.vha.ca/blog/a-caregivers-guide-to-dementia-related-wandering/) - Wandering, or becoming lost or confused, is a common and concerning behaviour for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
- [Celebrating National Physiotherapy Month at VHA and Champlain Rehab Solutions](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-national-physiotherapy-month-at-vha-and-champlain-rehab-solutions/) - Each May during National Physiotherapy Month, we recognize and celebrate the immense impact physiotherapists (PTs) and physiotherapy assistants (PTAs) have on the health of Canadians. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the healthcare system and uses specialized, hands-on skills to diagnose and treat illness, injury and chronic disease. This year, National Physiotherapy Month is focused
- [Longwoods: “Focus Lock” on the Ice: A Healthcare Leader’s Secret to Wellness](https://www.longwoods.com/content/27335/insights/-focus-lock-on-the-ice-a-healthcare-leader-s-secret-to-wellness#new_tab) - Twenty years ago, I took up hockey. Everyone else in my family played, and I wanted to join in the fun. I never imagined that a recreational hockey league would become central to my health and wellness or contribute significantly to my professional success. Most of my best hockey anecdotes involve comical failures. Once, after
- [Vacation Planning Tips for Family Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/vacation-planning-tips-for-family-caregivers/) - If you are caring for an ill loved one, the idea of a camping trip, cottage vacation or journey abroad can feel impossible with so much responsibility at home.
- [Healthy Habits to Improve Your Workday](https://www.vha.ca/blog/healthy-habits-to-improve-your-workday/) - That’s why it’s so important to find ways to develop healthy workday habits to help you stay mentally and physically well.
- [Balancing Caregiving and Your Career](https://www.vha.ca/2018/balancing-caregiving-and-your-career/) - It’s crunch time at work and your boss asks you to stay late to meet a deadline. You’ve always been able to push through, work hard and deliver results. But things have changed. Your 85-year-old mother has Alzheimer’s and has reached a stage where she can’t live alone. She’s moved in and needs help with
- [Talking to Children About a Terminal Illness](https://www.vha.ca/2018/talking-to-children-about-a-terminal-illness/) - Living with a progressive, terminal illness, whether it’s your own or a loved family member’s or friend’s, is a complicated and emotional process. Sharing the news of the diagnosis with a child can be one of the hardest parts. A parent or caregiver’s protective instincts make them naturally want to shield their child from pain
- [Seven Things You Need to Know About Dementia](https://www.vha.ca/2018/seven-things-you-need-to-know-about-dementia/) - Whether it’s your own dementia diagnosis or a family member’s, being prepared and learning everything you can about dementia can help you cope or care better.
- [How to Reduce High Blood Pressure](https://www.vha.ca/2018/how-to-reduce-high-blood-pressure/) - Did you know that high blood pressure is also known as the silent killer? That’s because high blood pressure has few to no symptoms, but can lead to heart disease and stroke. Luckily, there are some simple lifestyle changes that can help get your blood pressure back to a safe level. Here are seven changes
- [Making the Most of Your Summer Months](https://www.vha.ca/2018/making-the-most-of-your-summer-months/) - The long, hot, carefree days of summer make you want to kick back, relax and soak it all in. However, if you’re caring for an ill or aging loved one, it can feel like summer slipped away before either of you had a chance to enjoy it. Staying active and engaged will allow you to
- [The Benefits of Service Dogs for Children with Disabilities](https://www.vha.ca/2018/the-benefits-of-service-dogs/) - Service animals must meet certain standards and are specially trained to help people with physical, sensory, psychiatric or intellectual disabilities.
- [Dementia and Aggressive Behaviour](https://www.vha.ca/2018/dementia-and-aggressive-behaviour/) - If you’re caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, watching them struggle with memory loss, confusion and personality changes can be so devastating. However, the verbal and physical aggression that sometimes comes with dementia can be one of the most frightening and distressing symptoms. While there is excellent dementia care available from trained experts, it
- [Caring for Someone with Vision Loss](https://www.vha.ca/2018/caring-for-someone-with-vision-loss/) - As our population continues to age, vision impairments are on the rise. The leading causes of vision loss include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. These conditions create varying levels of vision loss and the support and needs are different for each person. While this vision loss can be a huge adjustment for
- [How Physiotherapy Can Encourage Your Independence](https://www.vha.ca/2018/how-physiotherapy-can-encourage-your-independence/) - Physiotherapy helps improve and treat a wide range of physical conditions and injuries. Qualified physiotherapists make assessments and develop individual treatment plans focused on improving your movement and function. While challenging, overcoming mobility challenges with the support of a physiotherapist can help you preserve or regain your independence. A VHA physiotherapist can help you: Set
- [Feeling the Squeeze: Parenting in the Sandwich Generation](https://www.vha.ca/2018/feeling-the-squeeze-parenting-in-the-sandwich-generation/) - If you’re taking care of aging parents while supporting your own children, you are a member of the ever growing “sandwich generation.” Dual caregiving is becoming more and more common because of advances in medicine, longer life spans and the trend of people having children later in life. Trying to be everything to everyone can
- [Getting Past the Guilt: When it’s Time for a Long-Term Care Facility](https://www.vha.ca/2018/getting-past-the-guilt-when-its-time-for-a-long-term-care-facility/) - When caring for a loved one becomes dangerous or unmanageable, moving them to a long-term care facility can be one of the most emotional decisions you’ll ever make. Even when you know it’s the best and safest option, your range of feelings can change every day and guilt and sadness can start to take over.
- [Surviving the NICU for Parents](https://www.vha.ca/2018/surviving-the-nicu-for-parents/) - Whether your baby is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for three days or three months, it’s a scary and overwhelming place. Life seems to stop outside of your hospital room and the strange world of beeping machines, bubbling oxygen and ringing alarms is likely not how you envisioned the early days. NICU parents
- [Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide](https://www.vha.ca/2018/recognizing-the-warning-signs-of-suicide/) - Every day in Canada, an estimated 10 people end their life and around 200 others make a suicide attempt. People who die by suicide just want to stop hurting.
- [Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse and Addiction](https://www.vha.ca/2018/signs-and-symptoms-of-drug-abuse-and-addiction/) - Abuse of prescription and street drugs is becoming an increasingly common problem. If you’re worried that someone you love might have a drug issue, there are some general signs to look for. While these symptoms can also be caused by other physical or mental health problems, when it comes to substance abuse, the key is
- [Halloween Safety Tips for Dementia Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/2018/halloween-safety-tips-for-dementia-caregivers/) - Halloween’s ghosts, goblins, skeletons and little trick-or-treaters, while exciting for some people, may cause agitation, confusion and wandering for adults with dementia. It can be difficult for caregivers to keep loved ones safe and comfortable and still enjoy the nostalgia of this spooky season. Here are some safety tips to make Halloween happy and fun
- [You Can Prevent Falls at Home](https://www.vha.ca/2018/you-can-prevent-falls-at-home/) - Unfortunately, falls are the leading cause of injury for Canadian seniors and account for 85 per cent of older adults’ injury-related hospitalizations.
- [Caring for Someone with Traumatic Brain Injury](https://www.vha.ca/2018/caring-for-someone-with-traumatic-brain-injury/) - A Traumatic Brain Injury occurs when a sudden trauma—like a car accident, sport injury or fall—damages the brain with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
- [How to help a loved one if they have dementia and anxiety](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-to-help-a-loved-one-if-they-have-dementia-and-anxiety/) - There are many behavioural and psychological signs of dementia, including depression and anxiety, that can be particularly distressing for caregivers.
- [Home Safety Tips for Seniors](https://www.vha.ca/blog/home-safety-for-seniors/) - Vision or hearing loss, bone density decline, health conditions and mobility or cognitive changes can create significant home safety challenges for seniors.
- [VHA Head Start Scholarship Recipient Continues Family Tradition of Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-head-start-scholarship-recipient-continues-family-tradition-of-care/) - For Tina Davoudbeiglou, three-time winner of VHA's Head Start Scholarship, the inspiration for becoming a nurse was always right in front of her.
- [Encouraging an Aging Loved One to Accept Help](https://www.vha.ca/blog/encouraging-an-aging-loved-one-to-accept-help/) - An Aging loved one declining to accept help is one of the most common and difficult challenges that family caregivers face.
- [Nutrition Tips for Shift Workers](https://www.vha.ca/2021/nutrition-tips-for-shift-workers/) - Working outside of the typical 9-5 workday can put a significant strain on your body and make it more difficult than ever to follow a positive routine. This type of work affects your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep patterns, digestion, blood pressure and a number of other body functions. These disruptions can
- [Aging Feet Need Extra Care: Tips for Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/2021/aging-feet-need-extra-care-tips-for-caregivers/) - Feet are often one of the most neglected parts of our body, but caring for them is so important for staying healthy, active and independent as we age.
- [Eight Chair Exercises for Older Adults with Limited Mobility](https://www.vha.ca/2021/eight-chair-exercises-for-older-adults-with-limited-mobility/) - The right exercise program for older adults will improve strength, flexibility, circulation, balance and range of motion.
- [Checking in on an Aging Loved One Remotely](https://www.vha.ca/2021/checking-in-on-an-aging-loved-one-remotely/) - Pandemic circumstances including travel restrictions have made caring for an aging loved one from afar harder than ever before.
- [Healthy Weight Gain for Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/2021/healthy-weight-gain-for-older-adults/) - If you or a loved one are losing weight without wanting to, there are many ways to encourage healthy weight gain to get the energy and nutrients you need.
- [Self-Care for Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/2021/self-care-for-caregivers/) - Self-care, or steps to maintain your physical, mental and emotional health, is routinely overlooked by caregivers supporting an aging or ill loved one.
- [Hydration Tips for Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/2021/hydration-tips-for-older-adults/) - With warmer temperatures and summer activities, a lack of hydration can create serious health problems for people of all ages.
- [The Caregiver’s Guide to Oral Care](https://www.vha.ca/2021/the-caregivers-guide-to-oral-care/) - Supporting someone's oral care can be overwhelming, but poor mouth hygiene can cause infections and negatively affect quality of life.
- [Fall Yard Work Safety Tips for Seniors](https://www.vha.ca/2021/fall-yard-work-safety-tips-for-seniors/) - Fall yard work and gardening offer many physical and mental benefits including fighting depression, reducing stress and maintaining muscle strength.
- [Seven Chair Stretches for Seniors](https://www.vha.ca/2021/seven-chair-stretches-for-seniors/) - Chair stretches can be easily modified, reduce your risk of falls and provide the same benefits as standing or floor stretches.
- [Recognizing Compassion Fatigue in Family Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/recognizing-compassion-fatigue-in-family-caregivers/) - Compassion fatigue can make it difficult to empathize or feel compassion for others and diminish the quality of care a person is able to provide.
- [How to Communicate with a Non-Verbal Child](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-to-communicate-with-a-non-verbal-child/) - Children are non-verbal when they are able to vocalize sounds but do not use any words and are minimally verbal if they are unable to have a conversation.
- [Tips for Caring for Someone with Multiple Sclerosis](https://www.vha.ca/blog/tips-for-caring-for-someone-with-multiple-sclerosis/) - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that causes the immune system to attack the brain and spinal cord.
- [Time Management Strategies for Busy Family Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/time-management-strategies-for-busy-family-caregivers/) - If you are caring for a loved one, here are some time management strategies to help you organize and prioritize your time to find a balance.
- [Nutrition Tips for Older Adults with Chewing Difficulties](https://www.vha.ca/blog/nutrition-tips-for-older-adults-with-chewing-difficulties/) - If you or someone you are caring for are experiencing chewing difficulties, here are some nutrition tips that may be helpful.
- [Summer Gardening Safety Tips for Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/blog/summer-gardening-safety-tips-for-older-adults/) - Medical conditions or changes in mobility can make summer gardening more difficult with age so the right precautions can help older adults stay safe.
- [Tips for Improving Home Office Ergonomics](https://www.vha.ca/blog/tips-for-improving-home-office-ergonomics/) - Proper home office ergonomics, or creating a workspace that fits your needs, can reduce discomfort, fatigue, pain and injury and maximize productivity.
- [Encouraging Caregivers with Acts of Kindness](https://www.vha.ca/blog/encouraging-caregivers-with-acts-of-kindness/) - If you want to make a family caregiver in your life feel more encouraged and supported, here are some acts of kindness to lift them up.
- [Eating Well During Cancer Treatment](https://www.vha.ca/blog/eating-well-during-cancer-treatment/) - Cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapy often cause a range of side effects that can impact a person’s ability and desire to eat. Some clients continue to enjoy food throughout, but for others, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores and other issues can make eating well during cancer treatment very difficult. Food recommendations during
- [Tips for Coping with Sundown Syndrome](https://www.vha.ca/blog/tips-for-coping-with-sundown-syndrome/) - Sundown syndrome is a symptom of dementia that can cause anxiety, agitation, aggression, pacing and wandering to become more severe later in the day.
- [Falls Prevention Checklist for Caregivers: Reduce the Risk at Home](https://www.vha.ca/blog/falls-prevention-checklist-for-caregivers-reduce-the-risk-at-home/) - If you are caring for an aging friend or family member VHA’s Falls Prevention Checklist for Caregivers can help you make your home a safer space.
- [Dining Out with Diabetes](https://www.vha.ca/blog/dining-out-with-diabetes/) - If you are living with diabetes, eating well is one of the best tools you have for managing your health and disease. Meals rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins will help to control your blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Although following your management plan can feel overwhelming at a restaurant
- [Balance Exercises for Older Adults At Home](https://www.vha.ca/blog/balance-exercises-for-older-adults-at-home/) - Balance exercises for older adults can improve your stability and coordination, lower your fall risk and help you stay active and independent as you age.
- [Hygiene Tips for a Bedbound Loved One](https://www.vha.ca/blog/hygiene-tips-for-a-bedbound-loved-one/) - Caregiving comes with many challenges, but when you’re caring for a loved one confined to a bed due to disability, chronic illness, injury or old age, everyday tasks become even more complex. Maintaining personal hygiene for bedbound individuals can be difficult for everyone involved. But keeping your loved one comfortable, healthy and safe in bed
- [Urinary Tract Infections in Older Adults: Symptoms and Prevention](https://www.vha.ca/blog/urinary-tract-infections-in-older-adults-symptoms-and-prevention/) - Urinary Tract Infections in Older Adults: Symptoms and Prevention
- [Signs an Aging Loved One May Need Overnight Care](https://www.vha.ca/blog/signs-an-aging-loved-one-may-need-overnight-care/) - If you have noticed a decline in your aging loved one’s cognitive health, sleep patterns, mobility or care needs, you may be concerned about their safety overnight.
- [Understanding Anosognosia or a Lack of Awareness in Dementia Patients](https://www.vha.ca/blog/understanding-anosognosia-or-a-lack-of-awareness-in-dementia-patients/) - If your dementia patient is sometimes agreeable and other times appears to completely forget that they are sick, they may be experiencing anosognosia.
- [Understanding Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms and Dietary Management](https://www.vha.ca/blog/understanding-gallstones-causes-symptoms-and-dietary-management/) - Gallstones can occur when hardened deposits of bile form in the gallbladder or bile ducts, which carry bile to the small intestine.
- [Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults: Movement to Support Healthy Aging](https://www.vha.ca/blog/physical-activity-tips-for-older-adults-movement-to-support-healthy-aging/) - As we age, physical activity plays an important role in maintaining and improving overall health and wellbeing. Regular movement has been proven to support the independence, mobility, and mental health of adults over the age of 65, as well as reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Here’s more on the significant health benefits of
- [Sharing Your Care Experience: The Value of the Smiley App Feedback](https://www.vha.ca/news/sharing-your-care-experience-the-value-of-the-smiley-app-feedback/) - By David Fry - VHA's Vice President, Integrated Client and Community Care Your voice matters, and we're here to listen. Your experience with our care is VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)’s top priority and we're committed to making it easier than ever for you to give us feedback. A quick way to share your feedback is
- [Celebrating VHA Nurses: Changing Lives and Shaping Tomorrow](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-vha-nurses-changing-lives-and-shaping-tomorrow/) - Held every May around the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, National Nursing Week falls on May 6-12 in 2024. This recognition week is an important opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the countless contributions of registered nurses (RNs), registered practical nurses (RPNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) across the country. The 2024 theme, Changing Lives and
- [A Day in the Life of a Speech-Language Pathologist with Annalisa William](https://www.vha.ca/news/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-speech-language-pathologist-with-annalisa-william/) - Every May during Speech and Hearing Month in Canada, we raise awareness around the importance of communication health and celebrate the vital role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists. At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), our team of 13 speech-language pathologists support people of all ages with swallowing and feeding challenges as well as language and
- [VHA In-House Pharmacy Program: Another key to Interprofessional Collaboration and Client Safety](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-in-house-pharmacy-program-another-key-to-interprofessional-collaboration-and-client-safety/) - It has been just over one year since VHA Home Healthcare (VHA) began offering In-House Pharmacy services, and since the program began, VHA’s team of pharmacists have been incredibly successful in achieving their goal of enhancing medication safety in the home, helping clients to remain healthy and safe in the setting where they are most
- [VHA’s Client Partners, Staff and Service Providers Help Shape New myVHA Client Portal Feature in Design Session](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-client-partners-staff-and-service-providers-help-shape-new-myvha-client-portal-feature-in-design-session/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is dedicated to providing high quality care and to partnering with clients and families to continuously improve our care and services. The myVHA client portal is a tool that was co-designed with clients and their family members to give clients greater control over how and when they receive care by providing
- [Every Moment Matters: Celebrating the Volunteers of VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/news/every-moment-matters-celebrating-the-volunteers-of-vha-home-healthcare/) - Every year during National Volunteer Week, organizations across Canada unite to recognize the over 24 million volunteers who offer their time, energy and experiences to make a positive difference in their communities. For the 2024 Recognition Week this April 14-20, the theme Every Moment Matters highlights the importance of each volunteer and every contribution they make—at a
- [How to Protect Your Vision with Diabetes: Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-to-protect-your-vision-with-diabetes-understanding-diabetic-retinopathy/) - For people living with diabetes, careful disease management is essential to preventing a number of serious health complications. This can include vision changes or even blindness due to poorly managed blood sugar levels over time. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), is the most common diabetic eye disease and the leading cause of legal blindness in adults aged
- [One Year Blog – What Comes to Mind is...Hiking!](https://www.vha.ca/news/one-year-as-vhas-president-ceo/) - What comes to mind is…..hiking! At the beginning of March, I hit my one-year anniversary in the role of President and CEO at VHA. As I reflect on how to describe this year, and what it meant, what comes to mind is hiking. Yes – hiking. If you know me well, this may not be
- [Food Safety at Home](https://www.vha.ca/blog/food-safety-at-home/) - Foodborne illness—or food poisoning—can occur after consuming food or drink contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites. Foods may become contaminated before you buy them or if they aren’t handled, cooked or stored properly at home. Certain items like deli meat, soft cheese and raw fish have a higher risk of causing food poisoning. Pregnant
- [National Volunteer Week 2022: Celebrating the volunteers of VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/news/national-volunteer-week-2022-celebrating-the-volunteers-of-vha-home-healthcare/) - Every year in April, organizations across Canada mark National Volunteer Week (April 24-30) by celebrating individuals who volunteer their time to make a positive difference in their communities and support those who need it most. The theme for 2022 is Volunteering is Empathy in Action. At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we are fortunate to have
- [A Guide to the Pelvic Floor for Men and Women](https://www.vha.ca/blog/a-guide-to-the-pelvic-floor-for-men-and-women/) - The pelvic floor is a group of muscles within the pelvis that stretch between the pubic bone at the front of the body to the tailbone at the back.
- [Celebrating Personal Support Worker Day at VHA](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-personal-support-worker-day-at-vha/) - Personal Support Worker Day is an important way to help recognize the value of this work and to say thank you for all that PSWs and HSWs do.
- [Clients at the Heart: Positive survey results reveal quality care and strong bonds remain throughout second pandemic year](https://www.vha.ca/news/clients-at-the-heart-positive-survey-results-reveal-quality-care-and-strong-bonds-remain-throughout-second-pandemic-year/) - With a relentless focus on quality improvement, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is continuously working to optimize service and improve the client experience. The voices of our clients and families are always at the heart of these efforts. As the communities we serve continued to handle the ups and downs brought on by a second pandemic
- [Helping Older Adults Declutter and Downsize](https://www.vha.ca/blog/helping-older-adults-declutter-and-downsize/) - Helping older adults to declutter and downsize can make an existing space safer and better prepare for future circumstances.
- [Symptoms and Treatment of Post-Stroke Depression](https://www.vha.ca/blog/symptoms-and-treatment-of-post-stroke-depression/) - A stroke can create structural damage and chemical changes in the brain that can significantly impact mood and personality.
- [Talking to a Child about a Dementia Diagnosis](https://www.vha.ca/blog/talking-to-a-child-about-a-dementia-diagnosis/) - Although everyone is different, here are some general tips for talking to a child about a dementia diagnosis and to encourage conversations moving forward.
- [Identifying and Treating Health Anxiety Disorder](https://www.vha.ca/blog/identifying-and-treating-health-anxiety-disorder/) - Adults with health anxiety disorder experience a long-term, distressing and unreasonable fear of having or developing a serious illness.
- [Tips for Talking to Aging Parents About Their Finances](https://www.vha.ca/blog/tips-for-talking-to-aging-parents-about-their-finances/) - Tips for talking to a parent, parents or loved one about their finances and to encourage an open dialogue about finances moving forward.
- [Keeping a Loved One With Dementia Safe This Summer](https://www.vha.ca/blog/keeping-a-loved-one-with-dementia-safe-this-summer/) - Summertime can be a lot of fun but there are also safety concerns for older adults with dementia like recognizing dangers or communicating basic needs.
- [Chronic Pain: Supporting a Loved One](https://www.vha.ca/blog/supporting-a-family-member-or-friend-living-with-chronic-pain/) - Different from acute pain that occurs quickly after an injury or illness and improves with treatment, chronic pain persists for three months or longer.
- [Back to School for an Immunocompromised Child](https://www.vha.ca/blog/back-to-school-for-an-immunocompromised-child/) - Families of children with weakened immune systems have had to choose between going back to school or protecting their health since the pandemic.
- [Brain Games for Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/blog/brain-games-for-older-adults/) - Brain games may help compensate for age-related brain changes to help those living with dementia remain more functional.
- [Planning a Non-Traditional Funeral or Celebration of Life](https://www.vha.ca/blog/planning-a-non-traditional-funeral-or-celebration-of-life/) - Depending on your beliefs or traditions, a ‘celebration of life’ that isn’t rooted in religion is becoming a popular way to honour a person who has passed.
- [Having Conversations About Safety at Home With Aging Loved Ones](https://www.vha.ca/blog/having-conversations-about-safety-at-home-with-aging-loved-ones/) - It’s important to think through what may be needed to help them stay safe at home for as long as possible and have conversations about safety.
- [Coping with Diabetes Distress](https://www.vha.ca/blog/coping-with-diabetes-distress/) - Constant demands over time can cause what experts call diabetes distress, or the difficult emotional response to living with and managing diabetes.
- [From off-site hospital wing to comprehensive transitional care centre: VHA and East Toronto Health Partner's Kew Beach Unit experiences remarkable growth to become model of integrated care delivery](https://www.vha.ca/news/from-off-site-hospital-wing-to-comprehensive-transitional-care-centre-vha-and-east-toronto-health-partners-kew-beach-unit-experiences-remarkable-growth-to-become-model-of-integrated-care-delivery/) - When VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) and Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) and launched the Kew Beach Unit in 2020, it was meant to be a temporary off-site hospital wing designed to create additional bed capacity in response to hospital pressures arising from COVID-19. Two years later, the site – located at the former Atrium at Kew Beach
- [An Angel at her door: Client shares heartfelt poem about the impact of personal care](https://www.vha.ca/news/an-angel-at-her-door-client-shares-heartfelt-poem-about-the-impact-of-personal-care/) - When Personal Support Worker Jane Kariuki knocked on her client’s door for her usual daily visit, she never expected to be leaving with a lifelong treasured memory. “She opened the door with a big smile on her face and said ‘I have a surprise for you,” recalls Jane. VHA Client Linda van Will proceeded to
- [Navigating the Workplace With a Visible or Non-Visible Disability](https://www.vha.ca/blog/navigating-the-workplace-with-a-visible-or-non-visible-disability/) - An estimated 22% of Canadians over 15 years of age have a visible or non-visible disability that limits a person’s movements, senses or daily activities.
- [Supporting a Child with a Learning Disability](https://www.vha.ca/blog/supporting-a-child-with-a-learning-disability/) - Supporting a Child with a Learning Disability - 2022 July 2026 https://www.vha.ca/blog/supporting-a-child-with-a-learning-disability/ Home Care Services
- [Interprofessional Education Days Explore Transition, Diversity and Inclusion in Paediatric and Palliative Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/interprofessional-education-days-explore-transition-diversity-and-inclusion-in-paediatric-and-palliative-care/) - This fall, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) hosted the third annual Palliative Interprofessional Education Symposium (PALLIES) and the sixth annual Paediatric Interprofessional Education Symposium, also known as PIES Day. These education events bring together VHA staff and service providers from various roles on the paediatric and palliative teams, as well as valued external partners to improve
- [Blending Holiday Traditions as a Multi-Faith Family](https://www.vha.ca/blog/blending-holiday-traditions-as-a-multi-faith-family/) - Over the busy winter holiday season, celebrating or blending holiday traditions as a multi-faith family may be challenging.
- [Reframe Resolutions for a More Intentional New Year](https://www.vha.ca/blog/reframe-resolutions-for-a-more-intentional-new-year/) - The natural urge for a fresh start can be a great opportunity to set goals and make positive change at the start of a new year.
- [Bonds that Matter: VHA Service Providers receive record number of nominations from Clients for 2023 Client Choice Awards](https://www.vha.ca/news/bonds-that-matter-vha-service-providers-receive-record-number-of-nominations-from-clients-for-2023-client-choice-awards/) - VHA is made up of caring and committed people who truly want to help and love what they do. In every role, VHA team members lead with purpose, build bonds that matter, and are passionate about providing high quality care, with great heart, to the communities we serve. VHA's annual Client Choice Awards give clients
- [Celebrating VHA’s 2023 Client Choice Awards](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-vhas-2023-client-choice-awards/) - VHA is made up of caring and committed people who truly want to help and love what they do. In every role, VHA team members lead with purpose, build bonds that matter, and are passionate about providing high quality care, with great heart, to the communities we serve. VHA’s annual Client Choice Awards give clients and families
- [VHA Client Partner Sonya Lockhart helps select VHA’s new board members](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-client-partner-sonya-lockhart-helps-select-vhas-new-board-members/) - Involving the client voice to help design new services or make quality improvements has been key to VHA’s success in providing spectacular client-centred care. Client partners bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and their unique healthcare journeys offer invaluable insights. This year, Client Partner and new Co-Chair of VHA’s Client and Carer Advisory Council,
- [Age-Related Memory Changes or the Early Signs of Dementia? Recognizing the Difference](https://www.vha.ca/blog/age-related-memory-changes-or-the-early-signs-of-dementia-recognizing-the-difference/) - Recognizing the difference between age-related memory changes or the early signs of dementia
- [Reminders for Clients and Families during Cold and Flu Season](https://www.vha.ca/news/reminders-for-clients-and-families-during-cold-and-flu-season/) - The cooler temperatures and shorter days signal a changing season, and the unfortunate arrival of cold and flu season here in Canada. Staying up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters and staying home when you feel ill are important ways to keep yourself and community healthy. As we approach cold and flu
- [Empowered Everyday: In Conversation with Leadership Award Winner Christina D’Orazio](https://www.vha.ca/news/empowered-everyday-in-conversation-with-leadership-award-winner-christina-dorazio/) - The VHA leadership awards is an annual recognition program to further build and strengthen VHA’s culture of leadership excellence by recognizing individuals at all levels who demonstrate impactful leadership. Christina D’Orazio, Registered Nurse, is a Leadership Award recipient in the Empowered Everyday category. Awardees in this category raise the bar for themselves and others around
- [Building Bonds that Matter: In Conversation with Leadership Award Winner Monica Olagundoye](https://www.vha.ca/news/building-bonds-that-matter-in-conversation-with-leadership-award-winner-monica-olagundoye/) - The VHA leadership awards is an annual recognition program to further build and strengthen VHA’s culture of leadership excellence by recognizing individuals at all levels who demonstrate impactful leadership. Monica Olagundoye, Care Team Supervisor, is a Leadership Award recipient in the Building Bonds that Matter category. Awardees in this category create meaningful connections with others,
- [Leading with Purpose: In Conversation with Leadership Award Winner Iris Lee](https://www.vha.ca/news/leading-with-purpose-in-conversation-with-leadership-award-winner-iris-lee/) - The VHA leadership awards is an annual recognition program to further build and strengthen VHA’s culture of leadership excellence by recognizing individuals at all levels who demonstrate impactful leadership. Iris Lee, HR Technology & Workforce Analytics Business Partner, is a Leadership Award recipient in the Leading with Purpose category. Awardees in this category are trailblazers
- [Vision Changes and Dementia](https://www.vha.ca/blog/vision-changes-and-dementia/) - If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, their vision could be affected and this can cause changes in behaviour that may be confusing.
- [Community InnoVHAtion Lab explores technology to better age in place](https://www.vha.ca/news/community-innovhation-lab-explores-technology-to-better-age-in-place/) - What comes to mind for you when you think about innovative technology? What kinds of tools are being used, and by who? If you pictured people, were they children or teens, young adults or older adults? If an older adult using a new technology wasn’t your first thought, you’re not alone. Many new technologies, even
- [Helping a Loved One with a Mental Illness Accept Treatment](https://www.vha.ca/blog/helping-a-loved-one-with-a-mental-illness-accept-treatment/) - If someone you love is struggling with a mental illness and refusing to get help, it can be distressing. Here are some general strategies that may be helpful.
- [Supporting a Grieving Parent After the Death of a Spouse](https://www.vha.ca/2021/supporting-a-grieving-parent-after-the-death-of-a-spouse/) - if you’ve recently experienced a loss, here are some strategies to help you be there for your parent and also encourage your own health and healing.
- [Compassionate Care Strategies Using the 7 ‘A’s of Dementia](https://www.vha.ca/2021/compassionate-care-strategies-using-the-7-as-of-dementia/) - The 7 ‘A’s of Dementia represent possible brain changes in dementia patients and understanding these changes can encourage positive care strategies.
- [Communicating with Someone who is Non-Verbal](https://www.vha.ca/blog/communicating-with-someone-who-is-non-verbal/) - Brain damage caused by an accident, stroke or disease that takes away someone’s ability to speak can be devastating for both the person and their family. You can feel like they’re a million miles away unable to speak or hear you. If your loved one has experienced speech loss you may be reluctant to visit
- [Resources and Support for Young Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/resources-and-support-for-young-caregivers/) - Caring for a family member or loved one, although rewarding, can also be an incredibly challenging role. Adults who find themselves in this position often struggle to balance their caregiving duties with life’s other demands. For younger caregivers, it can be even more challenging. While many people think of caregivers as older adults, data from
- [Celebrating the Social Workers of VHA](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-the-social-workers-of-vha/) - March is Social Work Month across Canada and March 4-10 is Social Work Week in Ontario. These events are important opportunities to highlight and recognize the valuable contributions of social workers. This year’s theme #SocialWorkOpensDoors, reflects on how social workers use their unique expertise to find new and empowering pathways and solutions for the people
- [Aspiring Teacher Gains Volunteer Experience with VHA](https://www.vha.ca/blog/aspiring-teacher-gains-volunteer-experience-with-vha/) - Brooke Lothian has always had a way with kids. The third of four children, she had a close bond with her baby brother and was always mentoring younger students in her dance class. “They would gravitate towards me. I was a role model, I guess,” she says modestly. “I think it was my dance teacher’s
- [Turning Volunteer Experience into Career Success](https://www.vha.ca/blog/turning-volunteer-experience-into-career-success/) - Volunteering provides great opportunities to gain skills, expand one’s network and have a positive impact on the community. And in the case of Shameika Rose, it was also the gateway to employment at VHA. Shameika started volunteering with VHA’s Child and Family Support program in 2018 after learning about it at a college fair. “I
- [Inspiring Inclusion: Celebrating International Women’s Day at VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/news/inspiring-inclusion-celebrating-international-womens-day-at-vha-home-healthcare/) - “Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists; it is making a new space, a better space for everyone.” - George Dei, Canadian scholar on race and anti-racism Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, girls, Two Spirit, trans
- [‘Embracing Equity’ This International Women’s Day](https://www.vha.ca/news/embracing-equity-this-international-womens-day/) - International Women’s Day on March 8 is a chance to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls.
- [From Challenge Comes Change: Choose to Challenge this International Women's Day](https://www.vha.ca/news/from-challenge-comes-change-choose-to-challenge-this-international-womens-day/) - Each year on International Women’s Day, we stop to celebrate the economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, raise awareness around the barriers that still exist, inspire support for organizations that help women and reignite a call to action for accelerating gender equality. It’s a global day of unity, celebration and advocacy and
- [Celebrating the Women of VHA this International Women’s Day](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-the-women-of-vha-this-international-womens-day/) - Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of cisgender (a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex) and transgender (a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex) women and to reignite a call
- [How to Integrate More Plant-Based Foods Into Your Diet](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-to-integrate-more-plant-based-foods-into-your-diet/) - There has been growing interest in the benefits of eating a plant-based diet and these advantages have also been well researched.
- [2023 Client Experience Survey Results](https://www.vha.ca/news/2023-client-experience-survey-results/) - VHA is deeply committed to staying connected with the clients and families we serve about the service we provide, collecting their feedback to improve care experiences. VHA conducts satisfaction surveys to gather insights and to help focus quality improvement efforts where they are needed most. We are pleased to share the 2023 results from feedback
- [PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE: CEO Dr. Kathryn Nichol Shares VHA’s Priorities for 2024](https://www.vha.ca/news/preparing-for-the-future-ceo-dr-kathryn-nichol-shares-vhas-priorities-for-2024/) - It is an exciting year ahead at VHA as we aim to fully realize the plans we set out in VHA’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025: Care to Transform and engage broadly to set a new plan to guide us into the future. Alongside strategic planning, we have several key priorities this year in support of our
- [Tips for Caregivers to Set and Maintain Boundaries Over the Holidays](https://www.vha.ca/blog/tips-for-caregivers-to-set-and-maintain-boundaries-over-the-holidays/) - Without boundaries, routine responsibilities combined with holiday expectations can leave caregivers particularly burned out as the year comes to an end.
- [VHA’s Child and Family Community Support Programs Strengthen Families in Crisis](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-child-and-family-community-support-programs-strengthen-families-in-crisis/) - For over 30 years, families with young children experiencing difficult circumstances have received support through VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)’s Child and Family Programs. These families include a grieving father caring for a new baby and three school-aged children after losing his wife during childbirth, a recent immigrant and single mother of newborn quadruplets, and a
- [Help in the Home for Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/help-in-the-home-for-caregivers/) - It’s difficult to be a caregiver and manage all the housework. You may need help with things like bathing the person you are caring for. Here are some tools that will assist you to find the help you need, and where it is available. All you need to ask yourself is: what help do I
- [New Online Support Program for Dementia Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/new-online-support-program-for-dementia-caregivers/) - Neuropsychiatrists developed a free, online education program for dementia caregivers, patients and their loved ones to bring more clarify to dementia.
- [Increasing Black Representation in Leadership: A Key Priority for VHA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team](https://www.vha.ca/news/increasing-black-representation-in-leadership-a-key-priority-for-vhas-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-team/) - When collecting data for VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)’s second Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Survey in 2022, the organization looked specifically at the experiences of Black, African or Caribbean, East Asian and South East Asian staff and service providers. The findings, highlighted in VHA’s DEI Report published early last year, indicate that Black, African or
- [VHA Partners with Circle of Care to Provide Specialized Support for Holocaust Survivors](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-partners-with-circle-of-care-to-provide-specialized-support-for-holocaust-survivors/) - It is estimated that there are between 13,000 and 15,000 Holocaust survivors living in Canada and Toronto has the largest Survivor community in the country.
- [Cloud DX Signs Contract for Remote Care Monitoring with VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/news/cloud-dx-signs-contract-for-remote-care-monitoring-with-vha-home-healthcare/) - 1/24/2024 January 24, 2024 - 6:30 AM PST Cloud DX Signs Contract for Remote Care Monitoring with VHA Home HealthCare VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of home care nursing, rehab and personal support services in Ontario, serving over 100,000 clients and families each year. News in Summary Cloud DX
- [New Partnership with Acute Wound Care Clinic Aims to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes-Related Amputations](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-new-partnership-with-acute-wound-care-clinic-aims-to-reduce-the-risk-of-diabetes-related-amputations/) - Compared to the general population, people living with diabetes are over 20 times more likely to undergo a toe, foot or lower leg amputation.
- [Helping a Teenager Living with a Chronic Disease Gain More Health Independence](https://www.vha.ca/blog/helping-a-teenager-living-with-a-chronic-illness-gain-more-health-independence/) - If your child is living with a chronic illness, they will need to take on more responsibility managing their disease during the teenage years.
- [How to Save Money at the Grocery Store](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-to-save-money-at-the-grocery-store/) - Skyrocketing inflation has made it difficult to manage the cost of living and it is more important than ever to find ways to save at the grocery store.
- [The Evolution of Compassionate, High Quality Care: Reflections from VHA’s President and CEO Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/news/the-evolution-of-compassionate-high-quality-care-reflections-from-vhas-president-and-ceo-dr-kathryn-nichol/) - As the holiday season approaches, taking the opportunity to reflect and share appreciation for all we have accomplished together over these past twelve months is a meaningful and essential way to reset before we gear up to address the year ahead. This year it has been great to see our teams once again gathering in
- [Hospital News Magazine: "New Healthcare Program Keeps Residents Safe at Home"](https://hospitalnews.com/new-healthcare-program-keeps-residents-safe-at-home/#new_tab) - Ethel McGuire has lived in the same East Toronto apartment building for 30 years. For the last 25, she has been the building manager. For Ethel, looking out for the seniors in the building is a natural part of her role. “Just over eight years ago, when I hadn’t seen Mr. Carter in a few
- [East Toronto Health Partners: "#OneEastToronto – Meet Nadine Williams"](https://ethp.ca/oneeasttoronto-meet-nadine-williams/#new_tab) - #OneEastToronto shares the faces of East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), a group of more than 100 community, primary care, home care, hospital and social services organizations in East Toronto, as well as patient and caregiver advisors, working together to improve the way people find and get care. Meet Nadine Williams, Program Supervisor, MGH2Home Program at
- [East Toronto Health Partners: "#OneEastToronto — Meet Matt Wong"](https://ethp.ca/newsroom/oneeasttoronto-meet-matt-wong) - #OneEastToronto shares the faces of East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), a group of more than 50 community, primary care, home care, hospital and social services organizations in East Toronto working together to improve the way local residents access and receive care. Meet Matt Wong, manager of professional practice and infection prevention and control lead at
- [Longwoods Insights: "Honouring Staff and Improving Care: VHA’s Client Choice Awards"](https://www.longwoods.com/content/27230/insights/honouring-staff-and-improving-care-vha-s-client-choice-awards#new_tab) - It started as a way to model spectacular care – the kind of care that we want every client to receive. It quickly became a pivotal tool in addressing the health human resources crisis and fostering interprofessional understanding and respect. Like many organizations, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) – a large not-for-profit homecare organization operating in
- [Canadian Healthcare Technology Magazine: "Digital Transformation through Partnerships in Home Healthcare"](https://www.canhealth.com/2023/10/31/digital-transformation-through-partnerships-in-home-healthcare/#new_tab) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has a vision for how technology can improve their clients’ and care providers’ experiences, and Canadian software vendor GoldCare is helping to bring it to life. Here, the two senior leaders share their secrets for a productive, mutually beneficial customer-vendor partnership. VHA is a not-for-profit homecare organization that provides care and
- [Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/infection-prevention-and-control-practices-for-caregivers/) - People over the age of 65 and those with chronic diseases are more susceptible to infection and negative outcomes from illnesses of all types. If you are a caregiver or you live with someone who is at-risk of severe illness, it is essential to follow regular strong infection prevention practices. Infection prevention skills are especially
- [Helping a Loved One Live Well With Chronic Kidney Disease](https://www.vha.ca/blog/helping-a-loved-one-live-well-with-chronic-kidney-disease/) - Kidneys are small and mighty organs that filter any excess fluid, chemicals and waste which can accumulate as blood moves through the body.
- [The Role of Assistive Devices in Preventing Falls at Home](https://www.vha.ca/blog/the-role-of-assistive-devices-in-preventing-falls-at-home/) - As we age, a number of factors can make falls more likely. These include decreased mobility, reduced balance, visual changes, chronic illness, medications and other health challenges. Falls are the leading cause of injury for people over the age of 65. Studies show that 90% of hip fractures are caused by falls and 40% of
- [How to Create a Legal Will in Ontario](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-to-create-a-legal-will-in-ontario/) - This planning will prevent extra stress and costs for your loved ones and make sure that your wishes are carried out as you intend.
- [Unique Wrap-Around Services to Help Vulnerable York Region Residents at Risk of Eviction and Homelessness](https://www.vha.ca/news/unique-wrap-around-services-to-help-vulnerable-york-region-residents-at-risk-of-eviction-and-homelessness/) - The number of individuals who are at risk of losing their housing due to clutter and unsanitary living conditions has been a growing problem in Ontario. Many mental health and housing security experts agree that the isolation and lapse in community services that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to this visible increase in clutter
- [VHA Pilot Project Provides Rapid Access to Care for Eligible Occupational Therapy Clients](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-pilot-project-provides-rapid-access-to-care-for-eligible-occupational-therapy-clients/) - Jana Ferma, pictured above, is an occupational therapist at VHA Home HealthCare. Occupational therapists (OTs) in homecare support individuals and families who are recovering from illness or injury, have chronic health conditions or disabilities, or are terminally ill. Although their roles are varied and complex, OTs help clients transition from hospital to home, safely manage
- [New healthcare program MGH2Home keeps East Toronto residents safe at home](https://www.vha.ca/news/new-healthcare-program-mgh2home-keeps-east-toronto-residents-safe-at-home/) - “He thrived because of this care.” Ethel McGuire has lived in the same East Toronto apartment building for 30 years. For the last 25, she has been the building manager. For Ethel, looking out for the seniors in the building is a natural part of her role. “Just over eight years ago, when I hadn’t
- [Essential Care on Weekends for Personal Support: Finding Capacity Within Travel Time](https://www.vha.ca/news/essential-care-on-weekends-for-personal-support-finding-capacity-within-travel-time/) - The human resources shortage continues to impact organizations across the healthcare sector. There are many factors contributing to this crisis, many of which were apparent long before the pandemic. But COVID-19 certainly exacerbated the issues and organizations across the health system are eager to find solutions to ensure clients continue receiving the care they need
- [Announcing VHA's 2017 Barbara Blackstock-Cody Client Choice Award Winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/2017-barbara-blackstock-cody-client-choice-award-winners/) - We’re committed to involving clients and their families in VHA initiatives. So when we asked for your help finding this year’s Client Choice Award winners, we received more than 400 nominations! To those who nominated, thanks for your effort. It was a tough decision because all nominees are deserving.
- [VHA Awarded Best Practice Spotlight Organization Designation for 2023-2025 Marking Fifth Term](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-awarded-best-practice-spotlight-organization-designation-for-2023-2025-marking-fifth-term/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is pleased to announce that it has been re-designated a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) for the 2023-2025 term.
- [VHA Welcomes New Board Members to Drive Work Forward](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-welcomes-new-board-members-to-drive-work-forward/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) welcomed 3 new members to our Board of Directors this month. Bryan Dinh, Chief Commercial Officer for Switch Health; Sarah Downey, President and CEO, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH); and Rob Lee, VP, Digital Health & Chief Information Officer, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, all bring unique skills and a
- [Summer Activities for Older Adults in Toronto](https://www.vha.ca/blog/summer-activities-for-older-adults-in-toronto/) - If you have plans to visit the city—or live nearby and want to make the most of your staycation— here are some summer activities for older adults in Toronto.
- [Scarborough Mirror: As Scarborough's Grace Place struggles to feed 20,000 a month, one woman redistributes food on her own](https://www.toronto.com/news/as-scarboroughs-grace-place-struggles-to-feed-20-000-a-month-one-woman-redistributes-food/article_2b164098-f911-5bf4-a2eb-5869a20250b4.html#new_tab) - Article originally published on Toronto.com on July 13, 2023, written by Mike Adler. Kaila herself was using the foodbank during the pandemic while she worked part time so she could stay home to support her young daughter with online learning. A personal support worker, Kaila Jonsen knows things about people she works with that even
- [CBC News: "COVID-19 the 'perfect storm' for people battling hoarding disorder"](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-people-hoarding-disorder-1.6000849) - Article originally published on CBC News on April 26, written by Stephen Wentzell. Canadians who hoard have been finding it difficult to control their disorder this past year due to COVID-19 restrictions that have cut them off from the support they need. They are "already among our most isolated clients ... and the pandemic just made that all so
- [Weaving us Together: Celebrating the Volunteers of VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/news/weaving-us-together-celebrating-the-volunteers-of-vha-home-healthcare/) - Each year, during National Volunteer Week, we are celebrating the volunteers of VHA Home HealthCare and their generosity and commitment.
- [Age-Related Hearing Loss: Signs, Causes, Treatment and Prevention](https://www.vha.ca/blog/age-related-hearing-loss-signs-causes-treatment-and-prevention/) - Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, is the gradual loss of hearing in both ears as a person ages, with the risk increasing above the age of 65.
- [Canadian Healthcare Technology: Home-care client portal improves organizational efficiency](https://www.vha.ca/news/canadian-healthcare-technology-home-care-client-portal-improves-organizational-efficiency/) - GoldCare, a leading provider of healthcare information management solutions for home and community care, has recently launched a new web-based client & family portal named MyCloudCare. This portal empowers clients by allowing them to connect with their care team and organizational resources using their cell phone, tablet, or a home computer. “The MyCloudCare portal enhances
- [Beach Metro: Kew Beach Unit on Kingston Road provides transitional care program for Michael Garron Hospital patients](https://beachmetro.com/2023/02/14/kew-beach-unit-on-kingston-road-provides-transitional-care-program-for-michael-garron-hospital-patients/#new_tab) - In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to take a toll on Ontario’s healthcare system, hospitals including East York’s Michael Garron saw an increase in patients being admitted. To help alleviate some of the pressures on the medical system, Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) and VHA Home HealthCare launched the Kew Beach Unit, a transitional care
- [London Free Press: Advocates, fire officials eye dangers as hoarding cases in London keep rising](https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/advocates-fire-officials-eye-dangers-as-hoarding-cases-in-london-keep-rising#new_tab) - An agency that helps Londoners living in cluttered, squalid conditions stay in their homes is on track for a record year of calls, a service that will become even more important amid the coordinated housing push in the city, officials say. VHA Home HealthCare is a homelessness prevention service that helps people struggling with hoarding
- [Longwoods: Strategic Opportunism and the Moral Imperative to Grow](https://www.longwoods.com/content/27100/insights/strategic-opportunism-and-the-moral-imperative-to-grow#new_tab) - Having recently marked two years as the president and CEO of VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), I have been reflecting on the constructive tension between strategy and opportunism in the healthcare sector today. The changing landscape of healthcare in Ontario is rife with opportunities to pilot new projects and test fresh ideas. Despite the pandemic-related challenges
- [National Nursing Week: Our Nurses, Our Future](https://www.vha.ca/news/national-nursing-week-our-nurses-our-future/) - May 8-12 marked National Nursing Week, an annual celebration taking place the same week as Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12. With this year’s Nursing Week theme in mind, “Our Nurses, Our Future,” we would like to reflect on the great work our nurses have done and recognize the important role they all have to play
- [VHA Home HealthCare Celebrates Personal Support Worker Day](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-celebrates-personal-support-worker-day/) - Every year on May 19, Personal Support Worker Day is a chance to celebrate and honour the essential role Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Home Support Workers (HSWs) play in Ontario’s healthcare system. Approximately 34% of the province’s PSWs work in home and community care, supporting people to remain in their own homes and helping
- [Quality Improvement and Mental Health Initiatives Drive VHA’s Best Practice Spotlight Organization Designation](https://www.vha.ca/news/quality-improvement-and-mental-health-initiatives-drive-vhas-best-practice-spotlight-organization-designation/) - Quality Improvement and Mental Health Initiatives Drive VHA Home HealthCare's Best Practice Spotlight Organization Designation
- [HR Director brings Personal Immigration Experience to Lead with Purpose at VHA](https://www.vha.ca/news/hr-director-brings-personal-immigration-experience-to-lead-with-purpose-at-vha/) - VHA's Ernesto Sequera, Director, HR, Talent Acquisition and Development shares personal immigration story and how this connects to his leadership at VHA.
- [Design Day: Bringing VHA’s team together to develop a collaborative approach for clinical leaders so they can offer better support to their teams and provide even greater person-centred care to clients](https://www.vha.ca/news/design-day-bringing-vhas-team-together-to-develop-a-collaborative-approach-for-clinical-leaders-so-they-can-offer-better-support-to-their-teams-and-provide-even-greater-person-centred-care-t/) - On March 22, more than 90 participants from different roles and teams across VHA, including staff, service providers, and client partners gathered at St. James Cathedral Event Centre, for Design Day. At this fun and informative day-long event, participants learned about interprofessional care, explored what VHA can do to enhance leadership and interprofessional competency for
- [VHA nurses join Ontario’s Chief Nurse for a Special Roundtable Discussion centred around Home and Community Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-nurses-join-ontarios-chief-nurse-for-a-special-roundtable-discussion-centred-around-home-and-community-care/) - On Tuesday, February 28, Dr. Karima Velji, Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice and Assistant Deputy Minister of Health for the Province of Ontario, held a roundtable with a group of VHA Home HealthCare nurses. During the event, Dr. Velji spoke passionately about her vision and priorities and shared her appreciation for the important role
- [Travel Safety Tips for Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/blog/travel-safety-tips-for-older-adults/) - If you plan on travelling outside of Canada, there are some important travel safety tips for older adults to follow.
- [What is Advance Care Planning?](https://www.vha.ca/2018/what-is-advance-care-planning/) - Advance Care Planning is a way to communicate your end-of-life decisions and to name someone who can ensure that these wishes are honoured.
- [Helping Your Child Deal with Death](https://www.vha.ca/2018/helping-your-child/) - After the death of a loved one, children may feel and show their sadness in many different ways and how they cope will depend on the support they receive.
- [Failing Intelligently to Succeed](https://www.vha.ca/blog/failing-intelligently-to-succeed/) - New ideas and insights rarely turn into successful outcomes on the first try. Technology disrupts. Markets change. Failing happens.
- [Creating the Senior Friendly Seven (SF7)](https://www.vha.ca/blog/creating-the-senior-friendly-seven-sf7/) - First launched in care facilities, senior friendly care principles have now extended into home care as many seniors live and receive their care in the home.
- [Self-Care for Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://www.vha.ca/blog/self-care-for-caregivers-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/) - It is always a challenge to find the time and energy for self-care, but when your needs are taken care of, the person you are caring for will benefit as well
- [Parenting In the COVID Era](https://www.vha.ca/blog/parenting-in-the-covid-era/) - Parenting in the COVID era has meant working from home, on the front-lines or navigating a job loss, while also keeping children healthy, educated and happy.
- [Mental wellness and the benefits of pets](https://www.vha.ca/blog/mental-wellness-and-the-benefits-of-pets/) - The rise of The Pet Effect, or the idea that pets can positively impact humans' well-being, has made Emotional Support animals increasingly common.
- [Dementia Caregiving and COVID-19](https://www.vha.ca/blog/dementia-caregiving-and-covid-19/) - Dementia caregivers who relied on day programs and support from friends and family are now navigating full-time responsibilities due to pandemic restrictions.
- [Staying Active Through COVID-19](https://www.vha.ca/blog/staying-active-through-covid-19/) - For many people, being homebound and living and working in the same space during the COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging to be physically active.
- [How to take care of yourself emotionally](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-to-take-care-of-yourself-emotionally/) - Efforts to take care of yourself emotionally are an important part of your overall health and will prepare you for new challenges that come your way.
- [Assistive device and mobility aid programs to help clients keep their independence](https://www.vha.ca/blog/assistive-device-and-mobility-aid-programs-to-help-clients-keep-their-independence/) - An assistive device and/or mobility aid can help people experiencing mobility challenges perform the activities of daily living and stay independent for longer.
- [Managing Re-Entry Anxiety as COVID-19 Restrictions Ease](https://www.vha.ca/blog/managing-re-entry-anxiety-as-covid-19-restrictions-ease/) - After the safety of lockdown, everyday activities like taking public transit can cause significant distress that experts are now calling re-entry anxiety.
- [Understanding mental health illnesses, anxiety and depression and how to get help](https://www.vha.ca/blog/understanding-mental-health-illnesses-anxiety-and-depression-and-how-to-get-help/) - Mental health illnesses like anxiety and depression are common among older adults as some of the common parts of aging can begin to take a toll.
- [How to Have Better Conversations About Racism with Older Loved Ones ](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-to-have-better-conversations-about-racism-with-older-loved-ones/) - To address individual and systemic racism, we all need to take action to effect change and this includes difficult conversations with aging loved ones.
- [Home modification programs to help clients keep their independence](https://www.vha.ca/blog/home-modification-programs-to-help-clients-keep-their-independence/) - For those living with a disability, chronic illness, or age-related challenges, a home modification program can drastically improve their quality of life.
- [What is Health Care Literacy and Why Is It Important to You?](https://www.vha.ca/blog/what-is-health-care-literacy-and-why-is-it-important-to-you/) - Health care literacy is an essential life skill and every day Canadians are asked to make health-related decisions that require the application of these skills
- [Coping with a new chronic illness diagnosis](https://www.vha.ca/blog/coping-with-a-new-chronic-illness-diagnosis/) - It is common to feel grief, denial, anger, sadness and shame afer a chronic illness diagnosis, but with good self-management, these feelings can fade in time.
- [Nutrition and chronic disease self-management](https://www.vha.ca/blog/nutrition-and-chronic-disease-self-management/) - Healthy eating is critical to chronic disease self-management but can be difficult due to a limited income, eating alone, or adjusting to others’ cooking.
- [Navigating Back-to-School During a Pandemic](https://www.vha.ca/blog/navigating-back-to-school-during-a-pandemic/) - On top of usual concerns like getting good grades and fitting in, back-to-school in a pandemic means a whole new level of uncertainty for parents and kids.
- [Preparing for Flu Season During COVID-19](https://www.vha.ca/blog/preparing-for-flu-season-during-covid-19/) - This flu season health officials are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best knowing that COVID-19 measures should also impact influenza transmission.
- [Driving and Dementia: When to Give up the Keys](https://www.vha.ca/blog/driving-and-dementia-when-to-give-up-the-keys/) - As dementia is progressive and motor and cognitive skills get worse over time, at some point driving and dementia will become dangerous.
- [Tech Tools for Family Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/tech-tools-for-family-caregivers/) - Tech tools can help caregivers coordinate care schedules, identify safety hazards, manage medications and simplify other vital caregiving tasks.
- [Face Masks and Dementia Care](https://www.vha.ca/blog/face-masks-and-dementia-care/) - Depending on the stage of dementia, there are ways to encourage your loved one to wear face masks and other strategies if that's not an option.
- [How to manage multiple chronic diseases](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-to-manage-multiple-chronic-diseases/) - New Chronic Illness Diagnoses is a great resource for those who are new to managing chronic diseases to prevent comorbidities.
- [Facing Grief and Loss in Pandemic Times](https://www.vha.ca/news/facing-grief-and-loss-in-pandemic-times/) - Grief is a difficult, painful and unpredictable process at any time, but for people experiencing a loss during the pandemic, it can be harder than ever before.
- [When a Loved One with Dementia Doesn’t Recognize You Anymore](https://www.vha.ca/blog/when-a-loved-one-with-dementia/) - One of the most heartbreaking symptoms of dementia is when a person you love stops recognizing the important people in their life.
- [Using interpretation services for those with chronic diseases](https://www.vha.ca/blog/using-interpretation-services-for-those-with-chronic-diseases/) - Interpretation services can help you effectively communicate with your care providers and understand their advice on managing your chronic disease.
- [​​​​​​​Tips for Celebrating Halloween During the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://www.vha.ca/blog/covid-halloween-safety-tips/) - With some added safety measures, a little creativity and a lot of positivity, we can still honour our Halloween traditions, have fun and stay safe.
- [What is an Advanced Care Directive and Why You Should Have One](https://www.vha.ca/blog/what-is-an-advanced-care-directive-and-why-you-should-have-one/) - An Advanced Care Directive will help your loved ones at a later time when they are under a lot of stress, emotionally fragile or unsure of the next steps.
- [Essential Travel in a Pandemic: Fly Safe and Arrive Healthy](https://www.vha.ca/news/essential-travel-in-a-pandemic/) - Canada continues to advise against non-essential travel to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but work demands or a family emergency can make travel unavoidable.
- [Conference Investigates the Complex Relationship Between Hoarding Disorder and Trauma](https://www.vha.ca/news/conference-investigates-the-complex-relationship-between-hoarding-disorder-and-trauma/) - 72 percent of people with hoarding disorder experienced a general “lack of warmth” throughout their early experiences rather than being deprived of things.
- [Foods for Bone Health](https://www.vha.ca/blog/foods-for-bone-health/) - For many adults, bone health starts to deteriorate at around 30 years of age when their bones begin to break down faster than they can rebuild.
- [Celebrating the Holidays Safely During Pandemic Times](https://www.vha.ca/blog/celebrating-the-holidays-safely-during-pandemic-times/) - Many traditional holiday events carry a high risk for possibly spreading COVID-19, so just like the rest of 2020, the holidays will have to be different.
- [Caring for Someone with COVID-19 at Home](https://www.vha.ca/blog/caring-for-someone-with-covid-19-at-home/) - If someone you love has COVID-19 and can recover safely at home, there are steps you must take to prevent the spread of infection.
- [Finding Positivity in a New Year](https://www.vha.ca/blog/finding-positivity-in-a-new-year/) - In the new year, encouraging optimistic thinking will help you focus on the positive and face challenges with solutions.
- [Let’s Talk About Anxiety: How to Help Someone You Love](https://www.vha.ca/2021/lets-talk-about-anxiety-how-to-help-someone-you-love/) - One in four Canadians will experience an anxiety disorder at some point and it can be very upsetting if anxiety is affecting someone you love.
- [Recognizing Mental Illness in Children and Youth](https://www.vha.ca/2021/recognizing-mental-illness-in-children-and-youth/) - In developing children, it can be hard to tell which changes are developmentally appropriate or if they are actually symptoms of a mental illness.
- [Celebrating Spring Holidays Safely](https://www.vha.ca/2021/celebrating-spring-holidays-safely/) - Tips to make sure that this year’s spring holidays are special, fun and most importantly safe, despite celebrating during another lockdown.
- [Making the Most of your Virtual Healthcare Visit](https://www.vha.ca/2021/making-the-most-of-your-virtual-healthcare-visit/) - Virtual care works best when you’re prepared, so here are some tips to help you or a loved one maximize your next virtual appointment.
- [Non-Verbal Communication in Dementia Care](https://www.vha.ca/2021/non-verbal-communication-in-dementia-care/) - The difficult decline in communication skills caused by dementia can change the way your loved one hears, processes and responds to information.
- [Gift Ideas for Celebrating a Loved One with Dementia this Father’s Day](https://www.vha.ca/2021/gift-ideas-for-celebrating-a-loved-one-with-dementia-this-fathers-day/) - Here are some thoughtful gift ideas to help you celebrate your loved one with dementia this Father’s Day that may provide comfort or bring them joy.
- [Recognizing and Responding to the Warning Signs of Suicide](https://www.vha.ca/2021/recognizing-and-responding-to-the-warning-signs-of-suicide/) - COVID-19 has caused stress and disruption to all parts of life and we have seen a rise in mental health issues including suicide and suicidal behavior.
- [Sleep Changes in Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/2021/sleep-changes-in-older-adults/) - Sleep patterns naturally evolve with age, so it’s common for seniors to experience disrupted sleep through the night and an early wake time in the morning.
- [Back-to-School for the Second Time in a Pandemic](https://www.vha.ca/2021/back-to-school-for-the-second-time-in-a-pandemic/) - As the pandemic stretches on, here are some positive strategies to help you prepare your kids and ease the transition back-to-school.
- [Women and Heart Disease](https://www.vha.ca/2021/women-and-heart-disease/) - Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Canadian women as they are five times more likely to die from heart disease than breast cancer.
- [Understanding Palliative Care](https://www.vha.ca/2021/understanding-palliative-care/) - The earlier you or a loved one receive palliative care the better, to help you and your family manage the many challenges of illness and disease.
- [Cooking for One](https://www.vha.ca/2021/cooking-for-one/) - If you live alone or have different dietary needs or preferences from the rest of your household, it can be hard to find the motivation for cooking for one.
- [Managing Increased Heartburn with Age](https://www.vha.ca/2021/managing-increased-heartburn-with-age/) - Learn about the differences between heartburn, acid reflux and GERD, how to manage your symptoms and when to talk to a doctor.
- [What’s for Dinner? Meal Planning Strategies for Busy Families](https://www.vha.ca/2021/whats-for-dinner-meal-planning-strategies-for-busy-families/) - If you make countless trips to the grocery store each week or are regularly stressed out figuring out what to feed your family, meal planning may be the answer.
- [How to Prevent and Manage Constipation](https://www.vha.ca/2021/how-to-prevent-and-manage-constipation/) - If you’re an older adult struggling with constipation, there are many ways to manage symptoms and improve your well-being and quality of life.
- [Headache or Migraine? How to Tell the Difference](https://www.vha.ca/2021/headache-or-migraine-how-to-tell-the-difference/) - Understanding the difference between a headache and a migraine can help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms to prevent or minimize your pain.
- [Ideas, Advice, and Energy Come Together at Clinical Lead Retreat](https://www.vha.ca/blog/ideas-advice-and-energy-come-together-at-clinical-lead-retreat/) - A one-day retreat designed for Clinical Leads put them in touch with each other and provided new tools and tips to help them lead for success. Ask Clinical Lead (CL) Maya Majmudar what she loves doing, she’ll say it’s organizing, planning and looking after the details. Those skills are definitely an asset in her 40+
- [Caring for Yourself in the Last Days and Hours of Caregiving](https://www.vha.ca/blog/caring-for-yourself-in-the-last-days-and-hours-of-caregiving/) - Palliative caregivers often move between grief, sorrow, anger and fear to relief, comfort and guilt when their caring role ends.
- [Safe Winter Driving Tips for Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/safe-winter-driving-tips-for-caregivers/) - Winter can make caregiving even more difficult, so here are some safe winter driving tips to keep you prepared and safe when venturing out on the roads.
- [Let’s Talk About Depression: How to Help Someone You Love](https://www.vha.ca/blog/lets-talk-about-depression-how-to-help-someone-you-love/) - While difficult days are normal and expected, if hopelessness and despair are affecting day-to-day activities, it's likely clinical depression.
- [Valentine’s Day Gifts for Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/blog/valentines-day-gifts-for-caregivers/) - Valentine’s Day is a great chance to let a special caregiver in your life know how much they are loved, and appreciated.
- [Transitioning from Hospital to Home](https://www.vha.ca/blog/transitioning-from-hospital-to-home/) - As caregiver, it’s important to plan ahead to help your loved one recover successfully transition from hospital to home and avoid readmission.
- [Planning for the Holidays During a Pandemic - Again!](https://www.vha.ca/2021/planning-for-the-holidays-during-a-pandemic-again/) - Here are some guidelines to help you reconnect with family and friends and get back to the traditions we know and love over the holidays.
- [Combating Winter Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder](https://www.vha.ca/blog/combating-winter-depression-or-seasonal-affective-disorder/) - If you notice a shift in your mental health triggered by the change of seasons, you may have a type of clinical depression called seasonal affective disorder.
- [Spotting Signs of Mental Illness in an Aging Loved One](https://www.vha.ca/blog/spotting-signs-of-mental-illness-in-an-aging-loved-one/) - It can be difficult to identify mental illness in older adults because the symptoms can mimic age-related health issues or the symptoms of chronic disease.
- [Recognizing and Responding to Elder Abuse](https://www.vha.ca/blog/recognizing-and-responding-to-elder-abuse/) - Elder abuse, or any intentional or negligent act that causes harm or distress to an older adult, is a serious and growing public health issue.
- [Presenting VHA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report](https://www.vha.ca/news/presenting-vhas-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-report/) - It brings us great pleasure to present VHA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Report for 2021. VHA’s Anti-Black Racism Action Group launched its first VHA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey in summer 2021. Staff and service providers as well as volunteers and Board members were asked to respond to statements in a number of key
- [VHA Invests In Internationally Educated Nurses](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-invests-in-internationally-educated-nurses/) - VHA Home HealthCare's Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) have a long history of being an important part of our workforce. Our IENs bring with them their own unique experience and expertise and play a critical role in our healthcare system. Recognizing that the journey towards certification can often be a challenge for many IENs, VHA has
- [VHA Home HealthCare contributes home care perspective at national launch for envisAGE, a pan-Canadian initiative to help improve the quality of life for seniors](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-contributes-home-care-perspective-at-national-launch-for-envisage-a-pan-canadian-initiative-to-help-improve-the-quality-of-life-for-seniors/) - On January 25, 2023, a national launch event was held to unveil envisAGE, a large-scale pan-Canadian initiative with the mission of catalyzing Canada’s AgeTech ecosystem by supporting innovators to grow and scale their enterprises and deliver technology solutions that help older Canadians maintain a better quality of life, longer. The envisAGE network, co-led by MEDTEQ+
- [Increased Occupational Therapy is Improving Quality of Life for Stroke Survivors](https://www.vha.ca/blog/increased-occupational-therapy-is-improving-quality-of-life-for-stroke-survivors/) - Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in Canada and according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, there are an estimated 50,000 strokes each year. Research supports that access to timely and appropriate rehabilitation from occupational therapists (OTs)—in coordination with physiotherapists, speech language pathologists (SLPs) and the rest of the stroke-rehab team—strongly influences a
- [At Home with VHA: Meet PSW Coach Joie Francisco](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-psw-coach-joie-francisco/) - At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA. In every role and across every team, our staff and service providers create possibilities for more independence. Meet Joie Francisco, Personal Support Care Team Coach and Personal Support Worker (PSW) who works in Toronto providing care for our clients. How long have
- [At Home with VHA: Meet the In-House Pharmacist Team](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-the-in-house-pharmacist-team/) - At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up our team. In every role, VHA care providers and staff are creating possibilities for more independence every day. We recently welcomed a team of In-House Pharmacists to VHA, filling first-of-their-kind roles as full-time experts to help our frontline teams and clients ensure safe
- [National Nursing Week: VHA Nurses are there to Answer the Call](https://www.vha.ca/news/national-nursing-week-vha-nurses-are-there-to-answer-the-call/) - May 9-15, 2022 marks National Nursing Week, an annual celebration taking place the same week as Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12. The theme this year is #WeAnswerTheCall and was developed by the Canadian Nurses Association to showcase the many roles that nurses play in a patient’s health-care journey. The pandemic brought to light the courage and commitment
- [At Home with VHA: Meet Lyka Obial, Data Engineer, IT Digital Services & Analytics](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-lyka-obial-data-engineer-it-digital-services-analytics/) - At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up our team. In every role, VHA care providers and staff are creating possibilities for more independence every day and contribute to something spectacular. Meet Lyka Obial, Data Engineer. Lyka’s role is key to supporting the priority outlined in VHA’s Strategic Plan to use data
- [Connecting with VHA’s New Board Chair Ian Brunskill](https://www.vha.ca/news/connecting-with-vhas-new-board-chair-ian-brunskill/) - Ian Brunskill recently assumed the position of Board Chair at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). We connected with Ian to discuss what brought him to VHA and what he is excited about for his new role. Here is a condensed version of our conversation. Ian, congratulations on your new role as VHA’s Board Chair. You’ve been
- [Connecting with Amr Elimam, the first Client Partner to join VHA’s Board of Directors](https://www.vha.ca/news/connecting-with-amr-elimam-the-first-client-partner-to-join-vhas-board-of-directors/) - Amr Elimam has been a VHA Client Partner for nearly five years. In this role, he has made a remarkable impact as Co-Chair of VHA’s Client and Carer Advisory Council. Now, Amr is beginning an exciting new chapter with VHA as the first Client Partner to join the organization’s Board of Directors. We connected with
- [At Home with VHA: Meet OT Anna Caulfield](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-ot-anna-caulfield/) - At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up our workforce. In every role, VHA care providers and staff champion the needs of our clients and create possibilities for more independence. October is Occupational Therapy Month, so we’re recognizing some of the spectacular rehab therapists on our team. Meet Anna Caulfield, an
- [At Home with VHA: Meet OT Ghazal Shearer](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-ot-ghazal-shearer/) - At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up our workforce. In every role, VHA care providers and staff champion the needs of our clients and create possibilities for more independence. October marks Occupational Therapy Month, so we’re recognizing some of the spectacular rehab therapists on our team. Meet Ghazal Shearer, an
- [At Home with VHA: Meet Curtis Heimstra](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-curtis-heimstra/) - At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up our workforce. In every role, VHA care providers and staff champion the needs of our clients and create possibilities for more independence. October marks Occupational Therapy Month, so we’re recognizing some of the spectacular rehab therapists on our team. Meet Curtis Heimstra, an
- [At Home with VHA: Meet Heidi Bakker](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-heidi-bakker/) - At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up our workforce. In every role, VHA care providers and staff champion the needs of our clients and create possibilities for more independence. October is Occupational Therapy Month, so we’re recognizing some of the spectacular rehab therapists on our team. Meet Heidi Bakker, an
- [Take a stand and #FightRacism on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination](https://www.vha.ca/news/take-a-stand-and-fightracism-on-the-international-day-for-the-elimination-of-racial-discrimination/) - March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is a day observed at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) and around the world to focus attention on the harmful effects of racism and the need to foster racial harmony. This day was founded by the United Nations (UN) in 1966 to mark
- [SickKids and VHA Collaborate on Innovative Program to Improve Transitions in Care for Children with Medical Complexity](https://www.vha.ca/news/sickkids-and-vha-collaborate-on-integrated-service-connected-care/) - When a child’s medical needs are complex and dependent on technologies like mechanical ventilators or gastrostomy tubes, the transition from hospital to home can be a scary and overwhelming process. Accessing specialized home care that safely supports a child with medical complexity is challenging because advances in technologies and paediatric practice move rapidly and not
- [Supporting a Safe and Healthy Work Environment in Home and Community Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/supporting-a-safe-and-healthy-work-environment-in-home-and-community-care/) - As a RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization, VHA has been using best practices to prevent, recognize and manage challenges to protect our care providers.
- [Does Your Child Need Speech Therapy?](https://www.vha.ca/2018/does-your-child-need-speech-therapy/) - Children all have their own unique skills and personalities and as they grow, they reach key milestones at their own pace. Although there is a general pattern kids follow while developing language, the range of what’s considered normal is so wide. If you’re worried about your child’s speech and language skills, it can be hard
- [Choosing Leaps over Wintering: CEO Kathryn Nichol Shares VHA’s Priorities for 2023](https://www.vha.ca/news/choosing-leaps-over-wintering-ceo-kathryn-nichol-shares-vhas-priorities-for-2023/) - 2023 marks the fourth year of VHA’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025: Care to Transform. As ever, we are focused on our mission of creating possibilities for more independence, championing the needs of clients and families and delivering high quality, integrated care. Concurrently, Ontario continues to push forward with their agenda of transforming the health system to
- [VHA THRU team plays critical role in Team Toronto’s Home Stretch Vaccine Push](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-thru-team-plays-critical-role-in-team-torontos-home-stretch-vaccine-push/) - As part of Team Toronto, VHA Home HealthCare’s (VHA) Tactical HealthCare Response Unit (THRU) is running a new fixed COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Toronto’s Rexdale neighbourhood to target an area of the city in greatest need of protection. The clinic opened on June 23 at the Albion Arena in partnership with University Health Network, City
- [Hospital News: "Bringing vaccines to one of the highest need neighbourhoods"](https://www.vha.ca/news/hospital-news-bringing-vaccines-to-one-of-the-highest-need-neighbourhoods/) - For many months, hospitals and numerous health and community care organizations have been working together to vaccinate eligible populations against COVID-19. In Toronto, this collaborative effort, known as 'Team Toronto', is focused on getting as many residents vaccinated as quickly as possible based on available supply. On July 10, Toronto Mayor John Tory and the
- [VHA  and partners open new fixed pop-up vaccine clinic in Rexdale COVID-19 hot spot](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-and-partners-open-new-fixed-pop-up-vaccine-clinic-in-rexdale-covid-19-hot-spot/) - June 24, 2021 Toronto, Ontario—VHA Home HealthCare’s (VHA) Tactical Healthcare Response Unit (THRU) is running a new pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Toronto’s Rexdale neighbourhood that opened on June 23 2021 in partnership with University Health Network, City of Toronto and Rexdale Community Health Centre. The Rexdale neighbourhood has experienced higher rates of COVID-19 infection
- [Flu Season: VHA brings influenza vaccine to frontline through mobile clinics across GTA](https://www.vha.ca/news/flu-season-vha-brings-influenza-vaccine-to-frontline-through-mobile-clinics-across-gta/) - Flu season is here and with an ongoing pandemic, keeping essential healthcare workers protected from illness and infection like the seasonal flu is more important than ever. To support these efforts, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) ran a series of mobile flu clinics for its staff and service providers this fall. The program, known as the VHA Stop’n Shot, took place from November 22-December 3 across the Greater
- [VIDEO: VHA THRU Team gets COVID-19 vaccines to those who need them most](https://www.vha.ca/news/video-vha-thru-team-gets-covid-19-vaccines-to-those-who-need-them-most/) - VHA Home HealthCare's Tactical HealthCare Response Unit is getting communities THRU health challenges, starting with providing COVID-19 vaccines to Toronto neighbourhoods in greatest need. THRU is a strategic team of experienced nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and non-clinical staff who can urgently respond to community health needs and challenges anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area. https://youtu.be/qUe5KyRu3o0
- [Integrated Care in Action: Collaborative Partnership Delivers Care in the Community](https://www.vha.ca/news/integrated-care-in-action-collaborative-partnership-delivers-care-in-the-community/) - Kew Beach staff with Courtney Bean (left), Carol Annett (back centre) and MGH President and CEO Sarah Downey (front centre) VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is an active member in twelve Ontario Health Teams in the regions where we provide service, working with partners to provide integrated community-based care. Two examples that have taken place this
- [Offsite hospital wing increases lifesaving capacity in East Toronto during COVID-19](https://www.vha.ca/news/offsite-hospital-wing-increases-lifesaving-capacity-in-east-toronto-during-covid-19/) - “My mom is receiving great care,” says Lorraine, whose mother Isobel is a patient at Michael Garron Hospital and is now housed at the Kew Beach Unit, a temporary hospital wing based at the Atrium at Kew Beach Retirement Home in East Toronto. In the race to find new ways to protect and support more patients
- ['As a patient, it feels like everybody's connected and you're the centre hub of the wheel’](https://www.uhn.ca/corporate/News/Pages/As_a_patient_it_feels_like_everybody_connected_and_you_are_the_centre_hub_of_the_wheel.aspx#new_tab) - Frank Proctor felt like a whole team was looking out for him. A few days before Frank underwent surgery at Toronto General Hospital last summer to remove two nodules on his left lung, registered nurse Emily Hannon offered her phone number – and a promise. If he needed anything, at any time, before or after
- [VHA celebrates one year of Integrated Care partnership with UHN](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-celebrates-one-year-of-integrated-care-partnership-with-uhn/) - June 2020 marks a very exciting milestone for VHA: the one-year anniversary of our Integrated Care (IC) partnership with the University Health Network (UHN) and St. Joseph's Health System. The goal of the program is to create a better care experience for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers – while being more cost effective and improving
- [VHA becomes lead home care agency for Integrated Care at UHN](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-becomes-lead-home-care-agency-for-integrated-care-at-uhn/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has partnered with the University Health Network (UHN) to deliver a new model of care, creating an improved, more seamless experience for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers through the Integrated Care at UHN program. VHA has been named the lead home care agency for this program, an important milestone in improving patient
- [Inaugural VHA RAIN Drop Event Presents New Research: an Economic Analysis Supporting Increased Investment in Ontario’s Home Care Sector](https://www.vha.ca/news/inaugural-vha-rain-drop-event-presents-new-research-an-economic-analysis-supporting-increased-investment-in-ontarios-home-care-sector/) - Better for Healthcare Workers, Better for Patients, Better for Ontarians The number of Ontarians in need of home care services has been growing rapidly with demand projected to increase by 53% between 2019 to 2031. The majority of older adults want to remain at home for as long as possible; for most, home care is
- [Alistair Forsyth Appointed Vice President, Digital Health and Chief Information Officer at VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/news/alistair-forsyth-appointed-vice-president-digital-health-and-chief-information-officer-at-vha-home-healthcare/) - December 1, 2022 I am very pleased to announce that Alistair Forsyth has been appointed to the newly created role of Vice President, Digital Health and Chief Information Officer for VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), effective January 1st, 2023. Digital Health is a critical priority for VHA and for the entire healthcare sector. The elevation of
- [VHA Makes Changes to Phone System to Improve Client Experience](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-makes-changes-to-phone-system-to-improve-client-experience/) - VHA has made some recent changes to our phone system to improve the experience for our clients and families when they are connecting with our Client Care Office Team. One of these adjustments includes 3 new steps for clients and families when they are calling VHA's office to reach our Client Care Office Team. Here
- [VHA partners with GoldCare and Bell to enhance service](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-partners-with-goldcare-and-bell-to-enhance-service/) - TORONTO – VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)’s Customer Service Centre is in the midst of a major digital transformation. Working with partner organizations GoldCare and Bell Canada, VHA has embarked on a systems integration that will deliver faster response times for clients and their loved ones, and a more efficient workflow for VHA team members. Imagine
- [Announcing our amazing 2022 Client Choice Award Recipients and Nominees](https://www.vha.ca/news/announcing-our-amazing-2022-client-choice-award-recipients-and-nominees/) - At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) our staff and service providers are passionate about delivering quality care with great heart and helping clients and families live with more independence in their community. Every year through VHA’s Client Choice Awards, hundreds of clients show their support and gratitude for their care providers by nominating them for this
- [Refill Your Cup Emotional Support Resources Directory: A new tool for healthcare workers everywhere](https://www.vha.ca/news/refill-your-cup-emotional-support-resources-directory-a-new-tool-for-healthcare-workers-everywhere/) - A new resource for timely, accessible and low-cost mental health resources is now available. The Refill Your Cup: Emotional Support Resources Directory contains tools, including culturally specific supports, for some of healthcare worker’s biggest stressors like burnout, grief and bereavement and supporting others during times of stress. The directory was created by members of the
- [President & CEO Dr. Kathryn Nichol shares exciting developments for VHA's valued clients and families](https://www.vha.ca/news/president-ceo-dr-kathryn-nichol-shares-exciting-developments-for-vhas-valued-clients-and-families/) - To VHA’s valued clients and families, I am writing to share an update on some exciting developments at VHA. We are actively engaged in the health system transformation that is underway in Ontario. VHA is playing a key role in initiatives to test new models of care, driving research projects to guide health care improvements
- [Exploring Ontario Health Team Governance Models](https://www.vha.ca/news/exploring-ontario-health-team-governance-models/) - On May 18, 2022, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) held a panel event to explore models of governance for Ontario Health Teams. The event was moderated by VHA's Kathryn Nichol, President & CEO and Lauren Black, General Counsel and Privacy Officer. The event featured four speakers: Susan Grundy, Senior Business Lawyer and Board Member; VHA Stacy
- [VHA and NYTHP pilot first-ever Remote Care Palliative Pathway for Province of Ontario](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-and-nythp-pilot-first-ever-remote-care-palliative-pathway-for-province-of-ontario/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is playing a leading role in launching the first-ever palliative remote care pathway for the Province of Ontario. The program enables nurses to monitor clients remotely virtually and communicate with their care team, supporting symptom management while clients live comfortably and safely at home. The Remote Patient Monitoring: Palliative and Supportive
- [Simple Comforts Can Make a Significant Impact](https://www.vha.ca/news/simple-comforts-can-make-a-significant-impact/) - Through home and community support, VHA Home HealthCare’s (VHA) staff and service providers often see clients with urgent needs that aren’t able to be met by family, charitable organizations or government programs. These essential needs can include anything from clothing and eyeglasses to incontinence products, diapers, fresh food, health care services or safety equipment. For
- [Caring for Someone with Multiple Sclerosis](https://www.vha.ca/2012/caring-for-someone-with-multiple-sclerosis/) - Multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs when the immune system attacks the fatty tissue that covers nerve fibres (called myelin), causing scars to form. These scars can interfere with messages being sent to the brain which causes symptoms such as vision problems and poor coordination. Caring for someone with MS can be challenging and draining. Here are
- [COVID-19 Update for Clients and Families from CEO Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/news/covid-19-update-for-clients-and-families-from-ceo-kathryn-nichol/) - To VHA’s valued clients and caregivers, While we have all been navigating this pandemic for close to two years now, the current situation is different than any other point in this public health crisis. Over 2020/21, the focus for the health sector was infection prevention and control – and ensuring that we changed our practices
- [VHA surpasses $21K fundraising goal in Annual Community Recovery Campaign for United Way Greater Toronto](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-surpasses-21k-fundraising-goal-in-annual-community-recovery-campaign-for-united-way-greater-toronto/) - Each year, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) runs a fundraising campaign in support of United Way Greater Toronto. 2021 was a challenging year for many, but staff and service providers banded together to contribute and ultimately surpass its goal of $21,000. United Way Greater Toronto is the largest non-governmental supporter of social services in the region.
- [At Home with VHA: Meet Sandra Li-James, Vice President of Quality, Best Practice & Education and Chief Nursing Executive](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-sandra-li-james-vice-president-of-quality-best-practice-education-and-chief-nursing-executive/) - At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up our team. At every role and at every level, our team works together to champion the needs of our clients and families. Meet Sandra Li-James, Vice President, President, Quality, Best Practice, Education and Chief Nursing Executive. Sandra was appointed to this role earlier
- [AgeTech@Home Hackathon Generates Creativity & Active Collaboration](https://www.vha.ca/news/agetechhome-hackathon-generates-creativity-active-collaboration/) - The dull, grey, shrinking days of late fall can make the most optimistic of people feel a little uninspired. For most AgeTech@Home Hackathon participants, though, the series of brainstorms, workshops and prototyping activities that took place throughout November 2021 filled the month with energy, possibilities, actions and outcomes. The event, a partnership between VHA Home
- [A Year of Recovery and Opportunity: CEO Kathryn Nichol Shares VHA’s Priorities for 2022](https://www.vha.ca/news/a-year-of-recovery-and-opportunity-ceo-kathryn-nichol-shares-vhas-priorities-for-2022/) - 2022 will be a year of both recovery and opportunity, and, as January closes, the team at VHA is fully focused on the year ahead. As Wave 5 of COVID shows promising signs of waning, there is more and more hope that 2022 will see the disease begin to move from being pandemic (a worldwide
- [VHA honours Black History Month 2022 this February](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-honours-black-history-month-2022-this-february/) - February marks “Black History Month” or “Black/African Heritage Month” in Canada. In 1995, Canada officially recognized Black History Month following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. For many Canadians, recognizing Black History Month provided a doorway into the culture and experience of Black/African people. Many
- [How one client found a “lifeline” through VHA Virtual Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/how-one-client-found-a-lifeline-through-vha-virtual-care/) - Navigating a flight of stairs may not feel significant for some, but for leZlie lee kam (pictured above), it was a triumph that was achieved with support from virtual care services provided by VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). leZlie is a VHA client and partner who was referred to virtual occupational therapy services late last year
- [Call for Research Participants: Home Care Journey Mapping](https://www.vha.ca/news/call-for-research-participants-home-care-journey-mapping/) - Many home care clients might need more care in hospital at some point when living in the community and receiving personal support. These transitions to and from hospital can be a source of stress for clients and their family. We want to explore these experiences to better understand why the transition to hospital happened, and
- [National Caregiver Day: Sharing the real story of an unpaid caregiver](https://www.vha.ca/news/national-caregiver-day-sharing-the-real-story-of-an-unpaid-caregiver/) - When Ralda Singleton’s son Stephen was born 45 years ago, her journey in motherhood began, and she also started learning how to be a fearless caregiver and advocate. Ralda is just one of an estimated 8.1 million extraordinary unpaid caregivers across the country. Each year in April, National Caregiver Day celebrates and recognizes the important
- [Hospital News: Addressing health human resources challenges by supporting diverse communities](https://hospitalnews.com/addressing-health-human-resources-challenges-by-supporting-diverse-communities/#new_tab) - As the health system grapples with the health human resources crisis, a first-of- its-kind report offers a critical look inside the workforce and experiences of one of the most diverse and underfunded health sectors in Ontario, home care. The COVID-19 global pandemic has had lasting health, social and economic impacts. It has also served as
- [VHA Announces Sandra Li-James as New VP, Quality, Best Practice and Education and C.N.E.](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-announces-sandra-li-james-as-new-vp-quality-best-practice-and-education-and-c-n-e/) - We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Sandra Li-James to the role of Vice President, Quality, Best Practice, Education and Chief Nursing Executive at VHA Home HealthCare. Sandra is a passionate and committed health care leader with over 25 years of diverse experience guiding and engaging interprofessional teams and promoting excellence in practice
- [5th Annual Interprofessional PIES event focused on health accessibility, equity and creating supportive environments for home care](https://www.vha.ca/news/5th-annual-interprofessional-pies-event-focused-on-health-accessibility-equity-and-creating-supportive-environments-for-home-care/) - On November 30, VHA hosted its fifth Paediatric Interprofessional Education Symposium, also known as PIES Day, to bring together staff and service providers from various areas and roles at VHA, all of whom are involved in care for paediatric clients, to share and learn together with external partners. This year's theme was Health Accessibility and
- [OCSA Pre-budget consultation submission to support home and community care](https://www.vha.ca/news/ocsa-pre-budget-consultation-submission-to-support-home-and-community-care/) - Three Key Investments into Home and Community Care Needed to Safeguard the Future Sustainability of our Health System The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is an organization that represents and advocates for the home care and community support sector in Ontario. VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is a full member of OCSA. OCSA has released its
- [VHA Symposium Focuses on Solutions for Occupational Health and Safety](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-symposium-focuses-on-solutions-for-occupational-health-and-safety/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), in partnership with the Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease (CROED), hosted a symposium this spring to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders providing care and support to people at home and in the community, and representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. The event
- [Globe Newswire: World Education Services Bring Together Health Care Leaders to Discuss Strategy to Integrate Internationally Educated Health Professionals to Help Meet Ontario’s Health Care Needs](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/04/11/2420391/0/en/Health-Care-Leaders-Gather-to-Discuss-Strategy-to-Integrate-Internationally-Educated-Health-Professionals-to-Help-Meet-Ontario-s-Health-Care-Needs.html#new_tab) - TORONTO, April 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, World Education Services (WES) is convening leaders from hospitals, long-term care, and home care alongside other key health care stakeholders to talk about the role of immigrant health professionals in their sectors. This is the first time these stakeholders will assemble to share their vision of how
- [VHA's Updated Mask Usage Guidelines for Clients as of October 2020](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-updated-mask-usage-guidelines-for-clients-as-of-october-2020/) - To help keep everyone as safe as possible during COVID-19, VHA Home HealthCare is asking that all clients wear a mask during visits from VHA care providers, particularly when receiving care in close contact, within 2 metres or 6 feet. We understand there will be a few clients who cannot tolerate a mask because of
- [Mobilizing a Whole Community: Policy and Strategy Implications of an Integrated Local System Response to a Global Health Crisis](https://www.vha.ca/news/mobilizing-a-whole-community/) - As part of the East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), our CEO, Carol Annett contributed to this article on the lessons learned after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The East Toronto Health Partners include more than 50 organizations working collaboratively to create an integrated system of care in the east end of Toronto. This
- [Announcing our 2020 Client Choice Winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/client-choice-2020/) - Every day, caregivers at VHA Home HealthCare create opportunities for more independence for the clients and families they serve. Each year, we invite clients to nominate their caregivers who have gone above and beyond to provide spectacular care for VHA’s Barbara Blackstock-Cody Client Choice Awards. The response was once again overwhelming with over 300 nominations
- [VHA Paediatric and Palliative teams explore caregiver resiliency through virtual interprofessional education days](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-paediatric-and-palliative-teams-explore-caregiver-resiliency-through-virtual-interprofessional-education-days/) - This month, VHA Home HealthCare passed two impressive interprofessional education milestones. VHA’s Paediatric team held its fourth annual education symposium, also known as PIES Day. PIES had been such a success in previous years that the palliative team joined in and hosted the first-ever Palliative Interprofessional Education Symposium, thoughtfully named PALLIES Day. This year’s events
- [VHA and ETHP Partners share insights about the future of digital integration and Ontario Health Teams](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-and-ethp-partners-share-insights-about-the-future-of-digital-integration-and-ontario-health-teams/) - Last week on October 28th and 29th, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) hosted its annual Community Connect conference virtually. The event featured presentations from industry experts centred around integrated care and Ontario Health Teams (OHTs). VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) Chief Information Officer Alistair Forsyth was invited to take part in a panel discussion called Virtual
- [At Home with VHA: Katherine Zagrodney, Research Associate](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-our-people-katherine-zagrodney-research-associate/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare. Meet Katherine Zagrodney, a Research Associate at VHA. She is also a PhD candidate in Health Economics, Health Services Research at IHPME, University of Toronto. What do you love most about your
- [VHA receives Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada in 2020 survey](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-receives-exemplary-standing-from-accreditation-canada-in-2020-survey/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has been accredited by Accreditation Canada for the past 20 years. We are pleased to share the news that in 2020, VHA was once again accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest level of recognition Accreditation Canada awards. “I am incredibly proud of our whole team,” said Carol Annett, President & CEO
- [At Home with VHA: Tamara Clancy, Care Team Supervisor](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-our-people-tamara-clancy-care-team-supervisor/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare. Meet Tamara Ashley Clancy, Care Team Supervisor. What do you love most about your role at VHA? The Care Team Supervisor role allows me to continue practicing my nursing skills, through client status
- [VHA recruiting participants to explore effects of COVID-19 on families of children receiving home care](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-recruiting-participants-to-explore-effects-of-covid-19-on-families-of-children-receiving-home-care/) - Do you have experience with children’s home healthcare during COVID-19? Then you're invited to join the COCOON Study VHA's research team has began a new research project, COCOON, looking at the impact of COVID-19 on home healthcare services for children with rare diseases and/or complex needs. The goal is to gather real-time information to help address concerns,
- [‘Integrated care in action:’ East Toronto Health Partners mobile flu clinics help seniors through flu season](https://www.vha.ca/news/integrated-care-in-action-east-toronto-health-partners-mobile-flu-clinics-help-seniors-through-flu-season/) - Flu season puts a strain on healthcare systems everywhere each winter. Last Fall, as Canadians faced the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was important for as many people as possible to receive the flu vaccine to keep people healthy and out of hospital. A collaboration from East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP) Ontario Health
- [At Home with VHA: Meet Punita Laurier, Occupational Therapist](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-punita-laurier-occupational-therapist/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare. In honour of Black History Month this year, we're shining a light on members of VHA's Anti-Black Racism Action Group as they advocate for and work towards positive change in their work
- [Celebrate Black History Month with VHA](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrate-black-history-month-with-vha/) - Every year, Canadians are invited to take part in the festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present, during Black History Month. This is a time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate,
- [At Home with VHA: Meet Akil Ade, Best Practice Supervisor](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-akil-ade-best-practice-supervisor/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare. In honour of Black History Month this year, we're shining a light on members of VHA's Anti-Black Racism Action Group as they advocate for and work towards positive change in their work
- [VHA Stories: Recovery and Hope during COVID-19](https://www.vha.ca/2021/vha-stories-recovery-and-hope-during-covid-19/) - A year since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, the efforts of home care workers on the front lines continue to show that in many cases home is the safest place to receive care. Throughout this crisis, VHA’s staff and service providers have made countless sacrifices and faced many challenges. For some, this has meant exhaustion
- [My first day as CEO: Contribution from Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/2021/my-first-day-as-ceo-contribution-from-dr-kathryn-nichol/) - The following story is part of a blog series by Dr. Kathryn Nichol as she shares reflections and experiences from her first days as VHA’s President and CEO. First Day! Well I have had a few first days in my life. First day as a nurse, first day as a mom, first day in a
- [VHA PSW hiring program helps immigrants and refugees find new opportunities and home in Canada](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-psw-hiring-program-helps-immigrants-and-refugees-find-new-opportunities-and-home-in-canada/) - “It’s been a beautiful journey. Beautiful, and hectic,” shared Diala Charab, a Personal Support Worker at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) who came to Canada and joined the organization in Fall 2020. Like many frontline healthcare workers, Diala is part of a team that brings compassionate care to clients across Toronto. But what many might not
- [At Home with VHA: Meet Project Manager Vithu Kugathasan](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-project-manager-vithu-kugathasan/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare. Meet Vithu Kugathasan, Project Manager. Describe your role at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). My role is Project Lead at VHA. My work initially started with the EMRI Team, working to help coordinate
- [Hospital News: April 2021 Edition - Event to celebrate and provide support for unpaid caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/news/hospital-news-april-2021-edition-event-to-celebrate-and-provide-support-for-unpaid-caregivers/) - Check out our article featured in the April 2021 edition of Hospital News! Unpaid caregivers, the family and friends caring for people at home, are the backbone of the health care system. They provide ongoing care for those with chronic illnesses at home, often with limited supports. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a particularly challenging
- [My COVID-19 Vaccine Experience with Occupational Therapist Deborah Spivak](https://www.vha.ca/2021/my-covid-19-vaccine-experience-with-occupational-therapist-deborah-spivak/) - As Ontarians continue their efforts to protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19, vaccines offer hope during a challenging time for many. Many frontline health care providers at VHA Home HealthCare have had the opportunity to receive their vaccine and want to share their experience to help others make informed decisions. Here’s what Deborah Spivak,
- [Inspiring and Enlightening: My first month as CEO by Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/2021/inspiring-and-enlightening-my-first-month-as-ceo-by-dr-kathryn-nichol/) - The past 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of learning and if you remember my learning curve from the last post, I think I may well be moving down the curve towards YIKES! But what I can say is that it has been both inspiring and enlightening. One of the inspiring moments was hearing the
- [VHA's Vice President of Client Services, Barbara Cawley, is Retiring](https://www.vha.ca/news/vice-president-of-client-services-barb-cawley-is-retiring/) - It is with mixed emotions that I share that BARBARA CAWLEY is retiring from her position as Vice President, Client Services at VHA ...
- [VHA celebrates our volunteers for National Volunteer Week](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-celebrates-our-volunteers-for-national-volunteer-week/) - Happy National Volunteer Week from all of us at VHA Home HealthCare For 2021, we would like to express our sincere thanks for everything our volunteers have done in the last year. During a time that was surely challenging for you, you stepped up and gave all you could! You performed awe-inspiring acts of kindness
- [Staying Connected: Volunteer coaches help clients access Virtual Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/staying-connected-volunteer-coaches-help-clients-access-virtual-care/) - Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as everyone has been encouraged to stay home as much as possible and to maintain physical distancing, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) quickly developed the means and protocols to safely and effectively deliver many of our services virtually. Since the launch of VHA Virtual Care in spring 2020, over 35,000 virtual visits
- [My first 60 days as CEO: Contribution from Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/2021/my-first-60-days-as-ceo-contribution-from-dr-kathryn-nichol/) - I have always liked reading…. In fact, I am a self-professed information junkie so TMI (Too Much Information) doesn’t really exist for me. This has been helpful during the first two months in this role as there is a TON of information available on starting a new job and how to plan for and succeed
- [At Home with VHA: Meet Sara Fung, Professional Practice Specialist & Registered Nurse](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-sara-fung-professional-practice-specialist-registered-nurse/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare. Meet Registered Nurse Sara Fung, Professional Practice Specialist for Nursing and Personal Support. Outside of her role at VHA Sara is the co-host of an award winning podcast where she examines hot
- [“Nothing about me, without me”: VHA’s ongoing commitment to working together with clients and caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/news/nothing-about-me-without-me-vhas-ongoing-commitment-to-working-together-with-clients-and-caregivers/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is committed to engaging client and family partners in all we do. VHA’s Client and Family Voice program was initially launched in 2014 within our Client Services Department under the leadership of Barbara Cawley, VHA’s Vice President, Client Services. This strategic approach helped foster early success by creating a link between
- [What Matters Most: Survey Reveals Positive Client and Family Experiences Throughout the Pandemic](https://www.vha.ca/news/what-matters-most-survey-reveals-positive-client-and-family-experiences-throughout-the-pandemic/) - High-quality, client-centered care is at the heart of everything that we do at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), and after a year like never before, we are both thrilled and relieved to confirm that pandemic challenges did not impact the quality or delivery of our services. VHA conducts independent Client Experience and Quality Surveys every year
- [VHA continues trailblazing as an RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-continues-trailblazing-as-an-rnao-best-practice-spotlight-organization/) - Since 2015, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has been a designated Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO), a credential awarded by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) which recognizes success in implementing Best Practice Guidelines and providing the highest level of professional practice and delivering evidence-based care across all disciplines. The BPSO designation is reviewed every
- [Champlain Rehab Solutions providing opportunities for student placements despite COVID challenges](https://www.vha.ca/news/champlain-rehab-solutions-providing-opportunities-for-student-placements-despite-covid-challenges/) - Clinical practice placements provide a practical opportunity for physiotherapy and occupational therapy students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom, along with exposure to the different scopes of practice. Unfortunately, just like all areas of life, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted academics around the globe, including these work-integrated learning experiences
- [VHA Home HealthCare Announces New Vice President, Client Services](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-announces-new-vice-president-client-services/) - It gives me great pleasure to announce that DAVID FRY will be joining the senior management team of VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) in the position of Vice President, Client Services. David will begin in the role on July 12, 2021. David comes to VHA with extensive home care leadership experience and a track record of
- [Video: VHA CEO Kathryn Nichol  talks caregiving and the future of home care with Family Caregiver Tilak Dutta](https://www.vha.ca/news/video-vha-ceo-kathryn-nichol-talks-caregiving-and-the-future-of-home-care-with-paediatric-clients-father-tilak-dutta/) - In March 2021, VHA welcomed Dr. Kathryn Nichol to her new role of President & CEO. Now, Kathryn is connecting with clients, families and staff to learn more about their journey and experiences in home care. In this interview, Kathryn sits down with Tilak Dutta, who is and research partner and the father of a
- [Housing a Generation of Essential Workers: The Cost of Inaction](https://www.vha.ca/news/housing-a-generation-of-essential-workers-the-cost-of-inaction/) - VHA partner organization WoodGreen Community Services and The Toronto Board of Trade released a report in July 2021 on Affordable Housing for Essential Workers in Toronto. VHA personal support worker Joie Francisco had the opportunity to contribute to the report: Joie is a Toronto Personal Support Worker who rents one bedroom in a 4-bedroom boarding
- [Toronto Star: "Shortage of affordable housing for workers costs the GTA a ‘staggering’ $8 billion annually"](https://www.vha.ca/news/toronto-star-shortage-of-affordable-housing-for-workers-costs-the-gta-a-staggering-8-billion-annually/) - Article originally posted in Toronto Star July 20, 2021 by Tess Kalinowski, Toronto Star's Real Estate Reporter.
- [At Home with VHA: Meet VHA’s New Vice President, Client Services](https://www.vha.ca/news/meet-vhas-new-vice-president-client-services/) - At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up our team. At every role and at every level, our team works together to champion the needs of our clients and families. Meet David Fry, VHA's Vice President, Client Services. This role overseas VHA’s large team of personal support workers, nurses and rehab therapists
- [“I can see clearly now the fog is gone!” Field testing project finds solutions for foggy eye protection for frontline health care workers](https://www.vha.ca/news/i-can-see-clearly-now-the-fog-is-gone-field-testing-project-finds-solutions-for-foggy-eye-protection-for-frontline-health-care-workers/) - For well over a year, frontline home care staff have been wearing extra personal protective equipment (PPE) while providing care to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)’s Research team surveyed Personal Support and Nursing staff to find out about their experience providing care while wearing masks and either face shields
- [Toronto Star: "When privacy and public health clash: Vulnerable families face fear and frustration not knowing if health-care workers are vaccinated"](https://www.vha.ca/news/toronto-star-when-privacy-and-public-health-clash-vulnerable-families-face-fear-and-frustration-not-knowing-if-health-care-workers-are-vaccinated/) - Alison Engel-Yan worries her immunocompromised daughter may be in close contact with an unvaccinated nurse, but the mother of three doesn’t know for sure, despite her best efforts. This lack of transparency is a result of privacy legislation that hinders Ontario families from learning whether or not their health-care workers are vaccinated against COVID-19, causing
- [Brampton Guardian: "Workers' right to privacy must not trump the right to health care"](https://www.vha.ca/news/brampton-guardian-workers-right-to-privacy-must-not-trump-the-right-to-health-care/) - Parents whose children have physical disabilities that leave them immunocompromised have a very long list of things to fight for and worry about every single day. It’s an ongoing battle just to maintain all the health care and supports their kids need to stay healthy, grow up and thrive in school. It’s no surprise that
- [North York Mirror: "North York CARES home health care program is 'keeping people out of hospital'"](https://www.vha.ca/news/north-york-mirror-north-york-cares-home-health-care-program-is-keeping-people-out-of-hospital/) - Debora Kaufman had low blood pressure and low oxygen levels when she was admitted to hospital after a fall at her North York home one morning in late December. By the evening, the senior’s condition had deteriorated, and her son Yuli Kaufman was asked to come to North York General Hospital (NYGH) to say his
- [VHA Home HealthCare to provide advanced service and communication for clients and staff with CloudCare 2.0](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-to-provide-advanced-service-and-communication-for-clients-and-staff-with-cloudcare-2-0/) - Toronto, Ontario. August 13, 2021. VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) and GoldCare are pleased to announce a strategic new partnership that will bring impressive modern features and functionality to VHA’s staff, service providers, clients and families.
- [At Home with VHA: Meet Adam Benn, VHA's new Manager of Diversity Equity and Inclusion](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-meet-adam-benn-vhas-new-manager-of-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare. Meet Adam Benn, who joined VHA in August 2021 as our first-ever Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Tell us a little bit about what brought you to VHA, and your new
- [Video: VHA's CEO Kathryn Nichol talks with Hermyn Pearce, a VHA PSW, about her experiences during a pandemic](https://www.vha.ca/news/video-vhas-ceo-kathryn-nichol-talks-with-hermyn-pearce-a-vha-psw-about-her-experiences-during-a-pandemic/) - In March 2021, VHA welcomed Dr. Kathryn Nichol to her new role of President & CEO. Now, Kathryn is connecting with clients, families and staff to learn more about their journey and experiences in home care. In this interview, Kathryn sits down with Hermyn Pearce, a VHA Personal Support Worker who has been with our
- [Ontario home care companies to require COVID-19 vaccinations for staff](https://www.vha.ca/news/ontario-home-care-companies-to-require-covid-19-vaccinations-for-staff/) - As leaders of organizations providing government funded home care in Ontario, we have made the decision to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all of our team members. As an integral part of the continuum of care for our clients, we are proud to join our partners across the health system in taking this important step
- [My first 6 months as CEO: Very proud! A contribution by Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/2021/my-first-6-months-as-ceo-very-proud-a-contribution-by-dr-kathryn-nichol/) - Very proud! Well with the beginning of September comes the 6-month mark of my role as President and CEO at VHA Home HealthCare. Since my last blog, we have been through Wave 3 of the pandemic which was aptly described as “crushing”, participated in mass vaccination efforts across the province, are supporting recovery planning and
- [Wearing PPE in Home Care? This video from VHA shows you the right steps](https://www.vha.ca/news/wearing-ppe-in-home-care-this-video-from-vha-shows-you-the-right-steps/) - In this video, we review the proper steps for screening clients for COVID-19 symptoms and taking the appropriate measures to put on and remove personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the latest infection prevention guidelines for home and community care. https://youtu.be/VLGhNfEnNcA Narrator: In this video we'll review the proper steps for screening the client for
- [VHA launches ‘Good Neighbours Enroute’ essential delivery program with help from United Way Greater Toronto Emergency Community Fund](https://www.vha.ca/news/good-neighbours-enroute-launch/) - Imagine for a moment that you are new to Canada and have a newborn child to care for, or you are a senior who lives alone. During the pandemic, income has been sparser and visits from loved ones are farther and fewer between. It is more challenging than ever to make sure the fridge and
- ['If I can make life better for one person, it is all worth it:' VHA Client Partner Amr Elimam shares passion for caregiver advocacy](https://www.vha.ca/2021/vha-client-partner-amr-elimam-shares-passion-for-caregiver-advocacy/) - Amr Elimam is the primary caregiver for his sister Dina. Dina has been a client of VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) since 2013. “About 4 years ago, I had a complaint about Dina’s care. I called into VHA’s office and asked to speak to the CEO. The line was transferred right to the CEO and I
- [Mobile Vaccination Program Bringing COVID-19 Vaccines to Homebound Toronto Seniors](https://www.vha.ca/news/mobile-vaccination-program-bringing-covid-19-vaccines-to-homebound-toronto-seniors/) - As COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out across the province it has become increasingly clear that even when a population is eligible, the vaccine isn’t always within reach. In Ontario, there are over 75,000 seniors with medical, cognitive, or social frailties that leave them unable to access vaccination clinics, and without the necessary support this homebound
- [VHA’s CEO Kathryn Nichol Reflects on 2021](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-ceo-kathryn-nichol-reflects-on-2021/) - As we come to the end of another extraordinary year and I reflect on the past 12 months, I am more inspired by and thankful for our team at VHA than ever before. Our people looked after each other, provided 24/7 high quality and safe care for clients and families in their homes and communities
- [VHA Holiday Drive supports Client Families who need it most this Winter Season](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-holiday-drive-supports-client-families-who-need-it-most-this-winter-season/) - Each holiday season, VHA Home HealthCare’s Human Resources team coordinates efforts to support a number of client families who are part of Community Support programming (CSP). This year, CSP identified 7 families, and a total of 25 children who need support to help make a challenging winter season more merry and bright through donations from
- [Announcing VHA Home HealthCare's 2021 Client Choice Award winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/announcing-vha-home-healthcares-2021-client-choice-award-winners/) - At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) our staff and service providers are known for providing high quality care with great heart. In 2007, VHA started an annual program to recognize and honour staff and service providers who demonstrate spectacular client care. We transformed this staff recognition program into the Client Choice Awards in 2015 and began
- [MaRS: "Co-designing digital solutions for complex problems in healthcare settings"](https://www.marsdd.com/news/co-designing-digital-solutions-for-complex-problems-in-healthcare-settings/#new_tab) - Article originally posted on MaRS by Lily Lo on July 18, 2017. The MaRS Centre is full of scientists and entrepreneurs who are disrupting the status quo in areas that have long-established practices and processes, such as banking, drug discovery and teaching. Our health team is tackling an area that has been an issue for
- [2021 Client Choice Award nominations reach new heights](https://www.vha.ca/news/2021-client-choice-award-nominations-reach-new-heights/) - At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) our staff and service providers are known for providing high quality care with great heart. In 2007, VHA started an annual program to recognize and honour staff and service providers who demonstrate spectacular client care. We transformed this staff recognition program into the Client Choice Awards in 2015 and began
- [Fall 2021 Update from VHA's President and CEO, Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/news/fall-2021-update-from-vhas-president-and-ceo-dr-kathryn-nichol/) - The beginning of September marked 6 months in my new role as President and CEO of VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) and I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a brief update to our valued clients and families. There have been many proud and challenging moments during these past months, many of which have involved
- [Be Part of Shaping VHA’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan](https://www.vha.ca/news/be-part-of-shaping-vhas-2020-2025-strategic-plan/) - Over the next few months, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is charting its Strategic Plan for 2020-2025 and we’d like YOU to help! We’re looking for clients and caregivers to answer a few key questions for us to help shape our priorities for our next strategic plan. How can I help? On March 18, 2019, we’ll
- [Caring for Someone with Epilepsy](https://www.vha.ca/2018/caring-for-someone-with-epilepsy/) - March is Epilepsy Awareness Month in Canada. Caring for someone who has epilepsy can be challenging, and the need for care is different from person to person. Although some people with epilepsy are able to live independently, others require full time care. As a caregiver, there are things that you can do to help your
- [Caring for Someone with Parkinson’s](https://www.vha.ca/blog/caring-for-someone-with-parkinsons/) - April is Parkinson Awareness Month. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to control his or her movements. Each case is different, and needs to be treated uniquely. People who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s can often live without help for the first few years but may need more help as the
- [Much Too Young: The Untold Story of Young Caregivers and Alzheimer’s](https://www.vha.ca/2018/much-too-young-the-untold-story-of-young-caregivers-and-alzheimers/) - “At 21, Alzheimer’s was the last thing on my mind. My mom was my everything. And then suddenly I had to be hers.” Kathryn Fudurich was forced to grow up quickly when her mother Patricia was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s when Kathryn was only 21 years old. While small signs like misplacing things, losing track
- [VHA and SickKids Pilot Integrates PSWs into Bedside Clinical Care and as Core Members of the Health Team](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-and-sickkids-pilot-integrates-psws-into-bedside-clinical-care-and-as-core-members-of-the-health-team/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has uncovered many realities about the health care system in Ontario and that includes the vital role personal support workers (PSWs) play across all care settings. After COVID restrictions significantly affected the Hospital for Sick Children’s (SickKids) volunteer system, a new partnership with VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) was formed to fill this
- [Free Virtual Event for Caregivers on National Caregiver Day](https://www.vha.ca/news/national-caregiver-day-event/) - Click here to register for the event Unpaid caregivers, the family and friends caring for people at home, are the backbone of the health care system. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a particularly challenging and isolating time for them, as many of the programs and services they rely on are not available. As a home
- [Family Caregivers are healthcare heroes during the pandemic](https://www.vha.ca/news/family-caregivers-are-healthcare-heroes-during-the-pandemic/) - COVID-19 adds to challenges for those who care for ailing loved ones. When Anwara Siddique’s mother, Naroon, was diagnosed with Pick’s disease a decade ago, she very quickly lost her memory, speech and the ability to care for herself. For years, Naroon paced the house for hours on end, and once she could no longer
- [Press Release: Unpaid caregivers playing key role in health care system celebrated at Heart of Home Care Awards on National Caregiver Day](https://www.vha.ca/news/press-release-unpaid-caregivers-playing-key-role-in-health-care-system-celebrated-at-heart-of-home-care-awards-on-national-caregiver-day/) - Unpaid caregivers playing key role in health care system celebrated at Heart of Home Care Awards on National Caregiver Day TORONTO, ONTARIO, April 6, 2021 - Unpaid caregivers, the family and friends caring for people at home, provide critical support for those living with chronic illness and disability. These caregivers make a significant contribution to health care
- [Watch our 2021 Heart of Home Care Awards Ceremony!](https://www.vha.ca/news/watch-our-2021-heart-of-home-care-awards-ceremony/) - Unpaid caregivers, the family and friends caring for people at home, provide critical support for those living with chronic illness and disability. These caregivers make a significant contribution to health care in Ontario and are generally unrecognized and have limited supports. The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly challenging and isolating for them. On Tuesday, April
- [Globe Newswire: "Media Advisory: Heart of Home Care Award Presentation"](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2011/06/02/1392422/0/en/Media-Advisory-Heart-of-Home-Care-Award-Presentation.html#new_tab) - TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 2, 2011) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) will present the sixth annual Heart of Home Care Award to Baylee Levy to honour her dedication in caring for her son Sar Levy for the past 24 years at VHA head office this Monday June, 6, 2011. Who: Baylee Levy, a family caregiver
- [Globe Newswire: "24/7 Care for 24 Hours: A Mother's Love, Compassion and Perseverance Honoured With Sixth Annual Heart of Home Care Award"](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2011/06/07/1392434/0/en/24-7-Care-for-24-Hours-A-Mother-s-Love-Compassion-and-Perseverance-Honoured-With-Sixth-Annual-Heart-of-Home-Care-Award.html#new_tab) - TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 7, 2011) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) honoured an exceptional individual – Baylee Levy of North York – this year's Heart of Home Care Award last night at its Toronto head office. The award recognizes the remarkable efforts of a friend or family member who has gone above and beyond the
- [Globe Newswire: "Media Advisory: Heart of Home Care Award Presentation to Inspirational Family Caregivers"](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2012/06/06/1392439/0/en/Media-Advisory-Heart-of-Home-Care-Award-Presentation-to-Inspirational-Family-Caregivers.html#new_tab) - TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 6, 2012) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) presents the seventh annual Heart of Home Care Award, recognizing two outstanding family caregivers. What: Award presentation and photo opportunity Who: Award Recipients Jean Gervais is a mother who's been caring for her son Michael, who suffered a severe car accident and was then
- [Globe Newswire: "Media Advisory: Remarkable Family Caregivers to Receive 2013 Heart of Home Care Award"](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2013/06/04/1392455/0/en/Media-Advisory-Remarkable-Family-Caregivers-to-Receive-2013-Heart-of-Home-Care-Award.html#new_tab) - TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 4, 2013) - VHA Home HealthCare will present the ninth annual Heart of Home Care Awards to four inspirational family caregivers. What: Award presentation and photo opportunity Who: Award Recipients Leomina Valderrama is a mother, breast cancer survivor, and primary caregiver to her 11-year-old son Brendell who is non-mobile, non-verbal and
- [Meet our 2014 Heart of Home Care Award Winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/meet-our-2014-heart-of-home-care-award-winners/) - VHA Home HealthCare’s Heart of Home Care Awards honour the extraordinary efforts of an unpaid caregiver in Ontario. The winners and nominees have gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide a loved one who is disabled, elderly or chronically ill with the support needed to live at home in comfort and with
- [North York Mirror: "North York’s Vicky Willis receives Heart of Home Care award:](https://www.toronto.com/news-story/4568430-north-york-s-vicky-willis-receives-heart-of-home-care-award/#new_tab) - Article originally published in North York Mirror on June 10, 2014. North York native Vicky Willis was honoured with a Heart of Home Care award Monday, June 9. Willis, who attended York Mills Collegiate Institute, is one of four recipients of this year’s awards, presented by VHA Home HealthCare to recognize the remarkable efforts
- [CityNews: "Paying tribute to 2015 Heart of Home Care Award winners"](https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2015/05/11/paying-tribute-to-2015-heart-of-home-care-award-winners/#new_tab) - Video originally posted by CityNews on May 11, 2015. They’re unsung heroes who rarely get a moment to themselves. With an aging population there will be more of them. Videographer Audra Brown takes a look at the work being done to recognize dedicated care givers. Watch the full video clip in the link.
- [CBC’s Coverage of 2015 Heart of Home Care Awards](https://www.vha.ca/news/cbcs-coverage-of-2015-heart-of-home-care-awards/) - VHA Home HealthCare’s Heart of Home Care Award honours the extraordinary efforts of an unpaid caregiver in Ontario. The winners and nominees have gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide a loved one who is disabled, elderly or chronically ill with the support needed to live at home in comfort and with
- [Meet our 2015 Heart of Home Care winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/meet-our-2015-heart-of-home-care-winners/) - VHA Home HealthCare’s Heart of Home Care Awards honour the extraordinary efforts of an unpaid caregiver in Ontario. The winners and nominees have gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide a loved one who is disabled, elderly or chronically ill with the support needed to live at home in comfort and with
- [snapd North Toronto: "VHA’s 2015 Heart of Home Care Awards Presentation"](https://northtoronto.snapd.com/events/view/840857#new_tab) - Article originally posted by snapd on June 1, 2015. Last month VHA Home HealthCare presented it's 10th annual Heart of Home Care Awards to three inspirational family caregivers. There was a caregiver luncheon, discussion panel, and award presentation. The award winners were Joanne Barker, Dora O'Brien and Fred Heeney, and they were presented with
- [Meet our 2016 Heart of Home Care Award Winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-heart-of-home-care-award-presentation/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) honoured three caregiving heroes – Suzanne Retter of Oshawa, Fiona Conely of Scarborough and Memoona Ismail of Toronto –who won this year’s Heart of Home Care Award at the not-for-profit’s annual event on April 25, 2016. The award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of a friend or family member who has gone
- [Digital Journal: "Remarkable Caregivers Treated to "Day Out" at 11th Annual Heart of Home Care Awards"](http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2916518#ixzz67qgTmhhl#new_tab) - Remarkable Caregivers Treated to "Day Out" at 11th Annual Heart of Home Care Awards VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) honoured three caregiving heroes - Suzanne Retter of Oshawa, Fiona Conely of Scarborough and Memoona Ismail of Toronto - who won this year's Heart of Home Care Award at the not-for-profit's annual event, held yesterday in Toronto.
- [Hospital News: "Heart of Home Care Award: Friends for life"](https://hospitalnews.com/friends-for-life/#new_tab) - Article originally published in Hospital News on July 27, 2016. A hand carved wooden cane leans casually in the corner of Suzanne Retter’s homey and comfortable two bedroom apartment in Oshawa. On the table, there’s a well-used, sturdy-looking camera keeping an observant yet patient eye on the dining room… Though Suzanne’s good friend Bert
- [Zoomer Radio: Interview with Karen Gillespie, Heart of Home Care Winner](https://zoomerradio.ca/show/zoomer-week-in-review/podcast-zoomer-week-in-review/2017/04/11/zoomer-week-review-podcast-april-9/?_ga=2.229157915.608866304.1615244332-949079113.1615244332#new_tab) - This week marked National Caregiver Day, and the honours were handed out in Toronto this week. Libby speaks to one of the winners, Karen Gillespie, who has a remarkable story. Click here to listen to Libby's interview with Karen.
- [Media Advisory: Call for nominations seeks caregiving heroes to honour with Heart of Home Care Awards](https://www.vha.ca/news/call-for-nominations-seeks-caregiving-heroes-to-honour-with-heart-of-home-care-awards/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Call for nominations seeks caregiving heroes to honour with Heart of Home Care Awards ~ 14th annual award ceremony will recognize four exceptional unpaid caregivers in April ~ TORONTO, ON, January 14, 2019 – Nominations for the annual Heart of Home Care Awards presented by VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) are now
- [Join Us April 2nd For VHA’s Heart Of Home Care Awards](https://www.vha.ca/news/join-us-april-2nd-for-vhas-heart-of-home-care-awards/) - Now in its 15th year, VHA’s Heart of Home Care Awards event celebrates the unsung heroes of the health care system—family and friend caregivers—on National Caregivers’ Day. Held at The Forth Event Boutique in Toronto, the afternoon is sure to be filled with love, laughter, great stories, live music and maybe a few tears as
- [Meet our 2019 Heart of Home Care Award Winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/meet-our-2019-heart-of-home-care-award-winners/) - On Tuesday, April 2, 2019 VHA brought together 4 amazing caregivers to share their stories for National Caregiver Day and award them with a Heart of Home Care Award in recognition of their amazing efforts when caring for their loved ones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd1sjL41UMc&feature=emb_title&ab_channel=VHAHomeHealthCare Carolyn, Young Caregiver Award When Carolyn was 10, her grandmother, Olga, was diagnosed
- [Media Advisory: Remarkable Caregivers Treated to Day Out at 15th Annual Heart of Home Care Awards on National Carers Day](https://www.vha.ca/news/media-advisory-remarkable-caregivers-treated-to-day-out-at-15th-annual-heart-of-home-care-awards-on-national-carers-day/) - TORONTO, ON, April 2, 2019 – VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) honoured four caregiving heroes – Nazaneen Qauomi, Lindsey Yeskoo, Patrick Santillo and Carolyn Cowan – with Heart of Home Care Awards at the not-for-profit’s 15th annual event today in Toronto. The award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of a friend or family member who has gone
- [Annual PALLIES Education Symposium focuses on unique psychosocial outcomes of palliative care](https://www.vha.ca/news/pallies-2021/) - Elizabeth Siwoku, PSW (left), Allison Cooke, Clinical Educator (centre) and Akil Ade, Nursing Supervisor, played roles in organizing and presenting PALLIES 2021. On October 7, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) held its second annual Palliative Interprofessional Education Symposium, also known as PALLIES. This year’s theme was Psychosocial Domains of Palliative Care. VHA personal support workers, rehab service providers and nurses specializing
- [Providing Essential Home Support to Those in Need](https://www.vha.ca/news/providing-essential-home-support-to-those-in-need/) - Betty lives with Multiple Sclerosis and needs assistance with regular household chores. She has come to think of Amber, a Home Support Worker from VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) who visits every two weeks, as a bright spot. “I was finding it very challenging to manage all the housekeeping myself and it was causing me a
- [Toronto Star: "Nursing Week: More than 140 nurses nominated for Nightingale Award"](https://www.thestar.com/life/2013/05/07/nursing_week_more_than_140_nurses_nominated_for_nightingale_award.html#new_tab) - Article originally posted in Toronto Star on May 7, 2013 The Toronto Star Nightingale Award is presented each year to an Ontario nurse nominated for recognition by their patients or peers. The recipient and honourable mentions are selected by a panel of representatives from the Star and Ontario's nursing associations. Jean Adams, RN, Trillium Health,
- [VHA 'Super Nurse' Helps Injured Boy](https://www.vha.ca/blog/vha-super-nurse-helps-injured-boy/) - “Nurses are angels in comfortable shoes.” In May VHA Registered Nurse Heather Jacques-Henry had an eventful trip home from her regular shift at a children’s school. She was at a subway station in Toronto and heard a group of teenage boys talking about one of them being cut. Glancing over, she noticed the leg of
- [VHA Nurse Dusanka Kalabic nominated for 2020 Hospital News Nursing Hero Award](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-nurse-dusanka-kalabic-nominated-for-2020-hospital-news-nursing-hero-award/) - This month, VHA nurse Dusanka Kalabic was named as one of Canada’s top nurses as a nominee for the 2020 Hospital News Nursing Hero Award. “I really appreciate being recognized by my clients and colleagues, especially now,” says Dusanka, who has been a nurse with VHA for over 15 years and has been a key
- [Toronto Star: "Admitted to Canada under pilot program, refugee nurses ready for work as PSWs"](https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/09/19/admitted-to-canada-under-pilot-program-refugee-nurses-ready-for-work-as-psws.html) - Article originally published on September 19, 2020 in the Toronto Star, written by Maan Alhmidi. OTTAWA—Halfway through their 14-day quarantine period, Diala Charab and Yehya Al-Ayoubi are excited to start working as health-care aides after arriving Sunday from Lebanon. Despite COVID-19 travel restrictions that prevent most people from coming to Canada, the two nurses were exempted, resettled
- [In a crisis, you need that leader: Extraordinary Nurse Practitioner is an essential leader throughout COVID-19 and beyond](https://www.vha.ca/news/extraordinary-nurse-practitioner/) - Kathryn Nichol, Vice President, Quality, Best Practice, Research and Education and Chief Nursing Executive (left) and Palma Abalo, Nurse Practitioner (right) “Courageous is the first word that comes to mind,” said Kathryn Nichol, Vice President, Quality, Best Practice, Research and Education and Chief Nursing Executive at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). She’s talking about nurses on
- [VHA Nurses share the importance of foot care—and why you shouldn’t put it off](https://www.vha.ca/2021/vha-nurses-share-the-importance-of-foot-care-and-why-you-shouldnt-put-it-off/) - As Ontario reopens, people are beginning to return back to personal care services. To support our health and well-being, foot care services play a vital role.
- [From Park Sessions to Virtual Games: VHA’s Paediatric OTs Prove That in a Pandemic Flexibility Perseveres](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-paediatric-ot/) - When the pandemic initially put a stop to paediatric occupational therapy (OT) services, Lindsey Colangelo and her colleagues in Toronto were really concerned about how they would continue to support the children and families they care for.VHA quickly put the guidelines and processes in place for services to be provided virtually where possible and Lindsey
- [VHA launches Virtual Hoarding Support to help isolated clients amid COVID-19](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-launches-virtual-hoarding-support-to-help-isolated-clients-amid-covid-19/) - With in-person gatherings at an all-time low, isolation has become a challenge for many as physical distancing measures in Ontario continue in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Isolation is even more difficult for vulnerable populations, like those living with hoarding disorder. For severe cases, the disorder can create unsafe living environments, further alienation
- [Creativity and Collaboration Optimizing Virtual Care Services for VHA’s London Rehab Team](https://www.vha.ca/news/creativity-and-collaboration-optimizing-virtual-care-services-for-vhas-london-rehab-team/) - COVID-19 has made virtual care services available across many parts of our health care system and it’s clear that this shift that isn’t going anywhere. For rehab therapists at VHA Home HealthCare in London, their virtual care success stories have been driven by new partnerships, creative work and a willingness to embrace change, that will
- [VHA and GoldCare Collaborate to Improve Communication with Clients](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-and-goldcare-collaborate-to-improve-communication-with-clients/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) and GoldCare have formed a new strategic partnership to bring impressive modern features and functionality to VHA’s staff, service providers, clients and families. VHA has migrated to CloudCare 2.0, the cloud-based version of GoldCare’s healthcare and information management system that can be accessed from anywhere and offers new features and functionality
- [Toronto News: "East Toronto groups form community-focused health-care network"](https://www.toronto.com/news-story/9798214-east-toronto-groups-form-community-focused-health-care-network/) - Article originally published on toronto.com on January 8, written by Joanna Lavoie. East Toronto groups form community-focused health-care network East Toronto Health Partners is one of 24 in Ontario A new integrated health-care network is now up and running in East Toronto. Ontario’s Minister of Health and Deputy Premier Christine Elliott officially named the Toronto
- [Practicing Life Lessons as a Social Worker](https://www.vha.ca/blog/practicing-life-lessons-as-a-social-worker/) - “I’ve been a victim of domestic abuse, where I ended up in a women’s shelter with my son…it was very awkward for me, I’m a social worker and I’m supposed to know the signs,” says Prudence Oreggio, a social worker at VHA for the past eight years. Prudence didn’t let this chapter of her life disempower
- [Know the Difference Between Having Clutter vs. Compulsive Hoarding](https://www.vha.ca/blog/know-the-difference-between-having-clutter-vs-compulsive-hoarding/) - With all the hype and attention around the topic of hoarding through television and the news, more and more people are becoming aware of the symptoms and how compulsive hoarding is actually a mental illness, similar to depression or anxiety. You may be looking for ways to support a parent or spouse organize, sort and
- [East Toronto Health Partners: "Bundle of Care program helps East Toronto residents with essential support at home amidst COVID-19"](https://ethp.ca/newsroom/bundle-of-care-program-helps-east-toronto-residents-with-essential-support-at-home-amidst-covid-19) - Article originally published in the East Toronto Health Partners newsletter on April 28, 2021. In the wake of the first wave of COVID-19 as community support services deemed non-essential had to close their doors indefinitely, vulnerable populations across the province were left without services they relied on for their physical and mental well-being. Seniors and
- [At Home with VHA: Extreme Cleaner, Emilija, talks about life changing moments at her work](https://www.vha.ca/blog/extreme-cleaner-emilija-talks-about-life-changing-moments-at-her-work/) - “To love what you do and feel that it matters – how could anything be more fun?” – Katherine Graham “Growing up, I had terrible social anxiety issues; even talking on the phone was a really hard thing to do,” says Emilija Cooke, an Extreme Cleaner at VHA for the past two years. The program, which
- [Globe Newswire: "VHA Home HealthCare’s Extreme Cleaning Program Helps People Reclaim Their Home"](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2012/12/06/1392450/0/en/VHA-Home-HealthCare-s-Extreme-Cleaning-Program-Helps-People-Reclaim-Their-Home.html#new_tab) - LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 6, 2012) - VHA Home HealthCare is launching the London Extreme Cleaning Program in the city of London. The Extreme Cleaning program helps people - many of whom suffer from mental health challenges or physical challenges - avoid impending eviction due to the unsanitary living conditions of their homes. VHA's Extreme
- [Extreme Cleaning Expands to London](https://www.vha.ca/news/extreme-cleaning-expands-to-london/) - Hoarding and its associated clutter can pose a tremendous health and safety risk to people who live in or visit hoarding environments. In some cases, it is also grounds for eviction. VHA’s Extreme Cleaning program helps people – many of whom suffer from mental health challenges – avoid impending eviction due to the unsanitary condition
- [Durham Community Foundation Supports VHA’s Extreme Cleaning Social Support Volunteer Program with Grant](https://www.vha.ca/news/durham-community-foundation-supports-vhas-extreme-cleaning-social-support-volunteer-program-with-grant/) - TORONTO, ON, January 14, 2016 – VHA Home HealthCare is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the Durham Community Foundation for its Extreme Cleaning Social Support Volunteer Program. These funds will help to support services that keep vulnerable individuals safe and their homes clean, including recruitment, training and support for program volunteers.
- [London Community Foundation funds VHA Hoarding Initiative](https://www.vha.ca/news/london-community-foundation-funds-vha-hoarding-initiative/) - The effort to address the challenges posed by hoarding in London, Ontario got a big boost in November with the announcement that the London Community Foundation awarded VHA Home HealthCare a $186,000 Community Vitality Grant to support the London/Middlesex County Hoarding Support Services Network.​ “This grant is an incredible start to provide the much needed
- [Rogers TV: "Hoarding Support Network receives a major grant"](https://rogerstv.com/media?lid=237&rid=9&gid=267310#new_tab) - Video originally aired on Rogers TV on December 22, 2016. To watch the full segment, visit the Rogers TV webpage.
- [Hoarding: Helping a Loved One Clear Out](https://www.vha.ca/2018/hoarding-helping-a-loved-one-clear-out/) - People who hoard are consumed by an obsessive collection of personal belongings that may seem worthless to others. Hoarding is not the same as collecting things, living with clutter or being a pack rat. It is a mental health disorder that can cause dangerous living environments, crippling shame and impair daily functions. For those who
- [Toronto Star: "Municipalities work to support those with hoarding issues"](https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2019/04/26/municipalities-work-to-support-those-with-hoarding-issues.html#new_tab) - Article originally posted on Toronto Star on Fri, April 26, 2019 by Michelle McQuigge (Canadian Press). Municipalities work to support those with hoarding issues From within the walls of her two-bedroom Toronto apartment, Yvonne Zilber has produced enough material to fully furnish two houses. Giving old possessions to family and friends has allowed her to
- [National Post: "Municipalities work to support those with hoarding issues"](https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/municipalities-work-to-support-those-with-hoarding-issues#new_tab) - Article originally posted on National Post on Fri, April 26, 2019 by Michelle McQuigge (Canadian Press). Municipalities work to support those with hoarding issues From within the walls of her two-bedroom Toronto apartment, Yvonne Zilber has produced enough material to fully furnish two houses. Giving old possessions to family and friends has allowed her to
- [CityTV: "Municipalities work to support those with hoarding issues"](https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/04/26/municipalities-work-to-support-those-with-hoarding-issues-2/#new_tab) - Article originally posted on CityTV on Fri, April 26, 2019 by Michelle McQuigge (Canadian Press). Municipalities work to support those with hoarding issues From within the walls of her two-bedroom Toronto apartment, Yvonne Zilber has produced enough material to fully furnish two houses. Giving old possessions to family and friends has allowed her to reduce
- [680 News: "Municipalities work to support those with hoarding issues"](https://www.680news.com/2019/04/26/municipalities-work-to-support-those-with-hoarding-issues/#new_tab) - Article originally posted on 680 News on Fri, April 26, 2019 by Michelle McQuigge (Canadian Press). Municipalities work to support those with hoarding issues From within the walls of her two-bedroom Toronto apartment, Yvonne Zilber has produced enough material to fully furnish two houses. Giving old possessions to family and friends has allowed her to
- [New Hoarding Website Ends the Search for Support](https://www.vha.ca/news/new-hoarding-website-ends-the-search-for-support/) - Looking back, Yvonne Zilber realizes there were signs that she might be prone to hoarding. “I used to collect stamps and coins and put things in groups,” she says, but her habits didn’t become a problem until after she became sick. “I suffered a psychological blow and was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety,” she
- [A Heart-Healthy Diet for Managing Heart Disease](https://www.vha.ca/2018/a-heart-healthy-diet-for-managing-heart-disease/) - If you, along with 1.3 million Canadians, have been diagnosed with heart disease, good nutrition is essential to managing symptoms and preventing complications. Healthy eating, coupled with an active lifestyle, can stop or even reverse the effects and help you take control of your recovery. Eating for your heart will help reduce blood pressure and
- [Managing and Staying Healthy with Type 2 Diabetes](https://www.vha.ca/blog/staying-healthy-with-type-2-diabetes/) - Caring for someone with Type 2 diabetes can be very challenging. Though every situation and person are unique, there are some common steps you can take as a caregiver to help your loved one cope. To help you do this, you both need to learn as much as you can about Type 2 diabetes and
- [Defying The Forces of Nature to be a Dietitian](https://www.vha.ca/blog/defying-the-forces-of-nature-to-be-a-dietitian/) - “My father was worried about my choice in profession,” says Karmen Yuen, who defied all odds to become a registered dietitian. “He passed away when I was 17 years old and nutrition was an unknown territory for a family where everyone had a business background,” adds Karmen. Being the youngest, Karmen sees herself as a
- [Taking the Lead on Wander Prevention](https://www.vha.ca/blog/taking-the-lead-on-wander-prevention/) - On January 9th of this year, Barbara Kasler wandered away from her home at around 2:30am. The 89 year old lives with dementia and was found walking in her pajamas and slippers several hours later by a reporter covering the story. Alert but confused, she was cold but otherwise in good health. Kasler’s story is
- [Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia](https://www.vha.ca/2012/caring-for-a-loved-one-with-alzheimers-disease-or-dementia/) - Alzheimer’s and Dementia are both diseases that involve memory loss and changes in behaviour & abilities that worsen over time. Caring for a parent or loved one with either disease can be a challenge and seem overwhelming. Here are some tips from a caregiver who provides care for her mom who suffers from dementia. Plan ahead. You
- [Dementia Caregiving Challenges: Anger and Difficult Behaviour](https://www.vha.ca/blog/dementia-caregiving-challenges-anger-and-difficult-behaviour/) - People with dementia can sometimes get aggressive and angry. They may shout, hit or act inappropriately. This behaviour can be very different from their usual character. They can be disinhibited, meaning, they use words that are rude and not appropriate. They may do things that embarrass others or forget how to act in public. This
- [Hospital News: "Virtual reality and dementia care" - Dr. Sandra McKay talks about VHA Virtual Reality project](https://hospitalnews.com/virtual-reality-and-dementia-care/#new_tab) - Article originally published in Hospital News on October 2, 2017 by Ilan Mester. Imagine walking into a long-term care facility where residents living with dementia have access to headsets that immerse them into a peaceful forest. This reality might not be that far off. Some hospitals are already integrating virtual reality (VR) for various purposes
- [VHA Home HealthCare’s Activation Project is Bringing New Life to Dementia Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcares-activation-project-is-bringing-new-life-to-dementia-care/) - People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel – Maya Angelou Traditional dementia care has long been criticized for being impersonal, unstimulating and too task-focused. Brandi D’Souza, a physiotherapist at VHA Home HealthCare, along with her colleagues Wilfred Leung and Motria
- [New VHA webpage to help those living with Dementia](https://www.vha.ca/news/new-vha-webpage-to-help-those-living-with-dementia/) - We know caregiving is a difficult role. Sometimes it can feel lonely and it can be hard to find the information you need. This can be especially challenging when caring for someone with dementia. VHA is hoping a new website with information about dementia care will provide some help. The website can be found at
- [Caring for Someone with Congestive Heart Failure](https://www.vha.ca/blog/caring-for-someone-with-congestive-heart-failure/) - February is Heart Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health.Managing heart failure is not an easy task and if a loved one has been diagnosed they may not be able to do it alone. Day-to-day tasks can become more challenging and the diet and lifestyle changes, medications and stress can
- [VHA Heart in Mind toolkit provides a new way to empower caregivers and clients affected by dementia](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-heart-in-mind-toolkit-provides-a-new-way-to-empower-caregivers-and-clients-affected-by-dementia/) - VHA Home HealthCare’s Heart in Mind Activation Therapy was released this September, providing new and creative ways to engage loved ones and clients living with dementia. Heart in Mind Activation Therapy is a free online toolkit designed to provide practical ideas to engage with clients living with dementia in a meaningful way. The module provides
- [Press Release: Building a better future for personal support workers](https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/news-and-publications/press-releases/building-a-better-future-for-personal-support-workers) - A network of Canadian healthcare partners are working alongside personal support workers to future-proof the profession through education and advocacy. Toronto, ON— April 12, 2021 — Today the Centre for Ambulatory Care Education (CACE), along with a network of healthcare partners, announces plans for the next phase of the CACE Homecare Curriculum; a free, education science-informed
- [Investing in Personal Support Workers now, and for our future, with the Future Skills Grant](https://www.vha.ca/news/investing-in-personal-support-workers-now-for-our-future/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is part of a network of health care providers working to protect personal support workers (PSWs) against health crises, advocate for them, and provide resources to support their line of work. The network, which includes The Institute for Education Research (TIER) at UHN, the Centre for Ambulatory Care Education (CACE) at
- [Essential Care on Weekends for Personal Support – An Innovative Approach to Building Capacity](https://www.vha.ca/news/ecows-personal-support-innovative-building-capacity/) - The featured image above shows personal Support Worker coaches Cynthia Matundan (left) and Joie Francisco (right). Both are members of VHA Home HealthCare's Essential Care on Weekends Steering Committee. The shortage of health human resources is a significant challenge for many organizations across the health sector, and the pandemic has only made things worse. VHA
- [VHA Action Group brings transformative anti-racism and allyship education opportunities to leaders](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-action-group-brings-transformative-anti-racism-and-allyship-education-opportunities-to-leaders/) - This fall, the Anti-Black Racism Action Group at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) launched its first-ever anti-racism and equity training for leaders. The sessions were led by renowned speaker and educator Camille Dundas. “My primary goal with my training sessions is to interrupt thinking and decision making norms, in order to shine light on hidden biases
- [Champions of Change: Improving medication administration in home care](https://www.vha.ca/news/champions-of-change-improving-medication-administration-in-home-care/) - As a registered nurse at VHA Home HealthCare, Safi Barat often found that he wanted to explore solutions to issues that came up in his work. Some of these issues related to medication administration and the potential for human error. When the opportunity to be part of the Champions of Change Fellowship program emerged, he
- [VHA Home HealthCare Human Resources Wins Innovative HR Team Award](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-human-resources-wins-innovative-hr-team-award/) - VHA Home HealthCare’s Human Resources (HR) team has been recognized with an Innovative HR Team 2021 Award from Canadian HR Reporter magazine. A key area of focus for the HR team is recruitment - finding and securing qualified staff and service providers with great heart who are aligned with our values of quality and caring
- [VHA CEO Kathryn Nichol talks client-centred care and family caregiving with Client Partner Amr Elimam](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-ceo-kathryn-nichol-talks-client-centred-care-and-family-caregiving-with-client-partner-amr-eliman/) - Since VHA's President and CEO Kathryn Nichol began her new role in March 2021, she's been connecting with people across the organization to learn more about their stories, perspectives and journeys in home care. In this video, Kathryn sits down with Amr Elimam, a Client Partner and Co-chair of VHA's Client and Carer Advisory Council
- [Dr. Sandra McKay receives AGE-WELL Honorary Fellow Award](https://www.vha.ca/news/dr-sandra-mckay-receives-age-well-honorary-fellow-award/) - Dr. Sandra McKay, Vice President of Research & Innovation at VHA Home HealthCare, has received a 2021 AGE-WELL Honorary Fellow Award. The award recognizes members of the AGE-WELL network who have made long term and substantial contributions to research and innovation in the AgeTech sector, as well as a significant contribution to AGE-WELL. AGE-WELL is Canada’s technology
- [Defying Definition: Seeing Beyond Disability](https://www.vha.ca/blog/defying-definition-seeing-beyond-disability/) - If you saw Christopher’s profile on a social media site he’d seem just like an average 15-year-old boy: his favourite game is Pokemon GO!, he loves to hang out at the mall and, as of August, he was really into the latest in the Ghostbusters franchise.Once described as a “sensitive kid,” Christopher is getting better
- [A Rare Relationship: Living with Rett Syndrome](https://www.vha.ca/blog/a-rare-relationship-living-with-rett-syndrome/) - “When she smiles, we forget about all our problems and challenges,” says Nazir Motala, father and caregiver to 25 year-old Tasneem. Tasneem has Rett syndrome, a rare progressive genetic neurological disorder caused by underproduction of an important brain protein. Over time, the disease takes a devastating toll: most people with Rett syndrome cannot speak, walk
- [How a Double Stroller Can Change a Life](https://www.vha.ca/news/double-stroller-can-change-life/) - “After my C-section with the second baby, the nurse referred me to VHA, it was like my prayers had been answered,” says Pooja excitedly. As a recent immigrant to Canada and a mother to two children under the age of two, life certainly has its challenges. Being miles away from her home in Bangladesh, without
- [Dedication, Sweat & Flexibility: Three Steering Committees Collaborate with Client Partners to Deliver a Roadmap for Change](https://www.vha.ca/blog/dedication-sweat-flexibility/) - Through changing portfolios, staff changes and shifting priorities, VHA stayed dedicated to the work of the three Steering committees focused on improving services for key client populations. It was a tall order from the beginning – do the research, identify the priorities, and then collaborate with stakeholders to create a roadmap for the future for
- [VHA’s First PALLIES Day engages caregivers in inner resiliency](https://www.vha.ca/news/pallies-day/) - After great success with its annual Paediatric Interprofessional Education Symposium (PIES Day) over the last four years, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) decided to spread the idea by hosting its first ever Palliative Interprofessional Education Symposium, also known as PALLIES Day.“I’m thrilled that we are taking the success of the paediatric symposium to our well-deserved, spectacular
- [VHA Playdate Gives Kids Rare Chance to Socialize and Break to Parents](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-playdate-gives-kids/) - For a total of six weeks a unique pilot is running to give kids with complex medical needs a rare chance to hang out and play together, and their parents—who have few chances for respite as caregivers—a much needed weekend break. The brainchild of VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), a not for profit organization founded in
- [VHA Playdate Program Gets Boost from Emajjin Foundation](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-playdate-program-gets-boost-from-emajjin-foundation/) - Emajjin Children’s Foundation’s annual fundraising gala was a smashing success and helped raise thousands of dollars in support of VHA’s Playdate program. Emajjin partners with organizations that enhance the lives of children to help them reach their full potential. This year’s Denim and Diamonds theme celebrated the playfulness of the program attendees who were there
- [VHA Playdate Returns for 2019](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-playdate-returns-for-2019/) - Veronica Karakosidis sits in the school gym watching her twin boys play. Like most eight-year-olds, Sammy and Frankie are “happy, busy, non-stop little guys—very cute,” says their proud mom. “They just want to play.” The twins are not entirely typical kids though. Sammy and Frankie have Angelman Syndrome, a nervous system disorder that can affect
- [PIES Day 2020 Explores Caregiver Resiliency and Creating Environments to Thrive](https://www.vha.ca/news/pies-day-2020-explores-caregiver-resiliency-and-creating-environments-to-thrive/) - On September 30th, VHA hosted its fourth Paediatric Interprofessional Education Symposium, also known as PIES Day. This year’s event took place virtually for the first time in its history. “The event has come so far in four years. Regardless of how we’re meeting, I’m personally delighted that PIES lives on,” shares Kathryn Nichol, Vice President
- [CTV News: "New program brings special needs children together"](https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=988556&playlistId=1.3147823&binId=1.815892&playlistPageNum=1&binPageNum=1#new_tab) - Video originally aired as part of a CTV News segment on November 5, 2016. Watch the full video about Playdate on the CTV News website.
- [PhD Student Wins VHA’s Award Supporting Children with Medical Complexity in the Homecare Setting](https://www.vha.ca/news/phd-student-wins-vhas-award-supporting-children-with-medical-complexity-in-the-homecare-setting/) - When Francine Buchanan welcomed her son into the world in 2013, her whole life changed. “The combination of being born both prematurely and with major birth defects kept my son in the hospital for 507 days on a ventilator and feeding tube,” says Francine who was the first ever winner of our Graduate Student Award
- [Navigating Sensory Processing Challenges with Children](https://www.vha.ca/2018/navigating-sensory-processing-challenges-with-children/) - From birth, children explore and understand the world around them using their senses. They discover sights, sounds, flavours, smells and textures, slowly developing their experiences over time. But, for some kids, the world can be too much. Toys, sand, clothing labels, bright sunshine, fireworks, crowds or crunchy food can be stressful and overwhelming. Though all
- [Necessity is the Parent of Invention](https://www.vha.ca/blog/necessity-is-the-parent-of-invention/) - For parents who have children with medical complexities, even the simplest tasks can pose real challenges to complete. These moms and dads aren’t just resilient, they’re also incredibly creative with the solutions they develop to make day-to-day living easier and more comfortable for their kids and, sometimes, also for themselves as caregivers. VHA client and
- [At Home with VHA: OT Amanda Landry Empowers Parents in Child Development](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-ot-amanda-landry-empowers-parents-in-child-development/) - Amanda Landry is one of VHA’s Occupational Therapists and the Clinical Lead on the Central East Paediatric Team. She loves working with kids and helping parents promote their child’s development through play. We chatted with Amanda about her inspirations and her passion for global teaching. What inspired you to become an Occupational Therapist? At the
- [Celebrating our 2020 Client Choice Award Winners and the over 300 spectacular staff and service providers who were nominated!](https://www.vha.ca/news/the-2020-client-choice-award-winners/) - Every day, VHA caregivers create opportunities for more independence for the clients and families they serve. Each year, we invite clients to nominate their caregivers who have gone above and beyond to provide spectacular care for VHA’s Barbara Blackstock-Cody Client Choice Awards. Earlier this year, before COVID-19 made its footprint on history, we took the
- [Brampton Guardian: "Brampton occupational therapist nominated for prestigious company award"](https://www.vha.ca/news/brampton-guardian-brampton-occupational-therapist-nominated-for-prestigious-company-award/) - When Neetu Kumar walks into a client’s house, she doesn’t just whip out her clipboard. She takes a look at her surroundings, sits down with the client and tries to truly connect with them. Maybe they are a cancer patient, growing weak from chemotherapy, or someone who has been in a traumatic car accident where
- [Flu season is here. Here’s what you need to know about staying protected from infection.](https://www.vha.ca/2021/flu-season-is-here-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-staying-protected-from-infection/) - The cooler temperatures and shorter days signal a changing season, and the unfortunate arrival of cold and flu season here in Canada. While the success of Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout along with some ongoing restrictions means many communities are well protected against severe illness and infection due to COVID-19, the coronavirus vaccine is not proven
- [Toronto Star: "How to deliver ‘patient-centred’ health care in Ontario"](https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/2012/04/03/how_to_deliver_patientcentred_health_care_in_ontario.html#new_tab) - Article originally posted by Toronto Star on April 3, 2012 by Carol Goar Felister Mburu might be the happiest home-care worker in Toronto. She loves her job. She loves her clients. She puts a human face on Ontario’s overstretched, bureaucratic home-care system. She earns roughly $29,000 a year — half the provincial average. On an
- [Hospital News: "Returning Home from the Hospital"](https://hospitalnews.com/returning-home-from-hospital/#new_tab) - Article originally posted by Hospital News on April 12, 2010. The idea of moving out of hospital and back home seems, on the surface, to be a transition worth celebrating. After all, for many patients it means returning to a familiar environment where they can enjoy creature comforts on the road to recovery. But it
- [Chatham Daily News: "Keeping seniors healthy, safe and active"](https://www.chathamdailynews.ca/2012/11/20/keeping-seniors-healthy-safe-and-active/wcm/362e72da-bcbe-c6ab-e857-67f8f56499a3#new_tab) - Article originally posted by Chatham Daily News on November 20, 2012. Three more sessions are planned in Chatham-Kent this fall for the Seniors on the Move program, sponsored by New Horizons for Seniors and VHA Home Health Care. The group has already been to senior centres in Wheatley, Blenheim, Ridgetown, Bothwell and Walpole Island providing
- [Dealing with Loss and Grief](https://www.vha.ca/2011/dealing-with-loss-and-grief/) - The death of a loved one brings shock and grief–no matter how well prepared you are. All death is sudden, even when it’s expected. If you’ve provided care to an aging or ill family member, the emotions of loss can sometimes be overwhelming. Common reactions you may have after a loss include: Shock is probably
- [Town Crier/Streeter: "Home Care Award honours mom"](https://streeter.ca/toronto/news/home-care-award-honours-mom/#new_tab) - Article originally posted by Town Crier (now Streeter) on July 18, 2011. North York woman recognized for dedicating her life to caring for her son. For Baylee Levy, a typical early morning involves the organization of over 100 pills. Some are crushed to tiny pieces while around 30 capsules are taken apart and spread over
- [North York Mirror: "Devoted mom wins award caring for disabled son"](https://www.toronto.com/community-story/65079-devoted-mom-wins-award-caring-for-disabled-son/#new_tab) - Article originally posted by North York Mirror on June 10, 2011 by Lisa Queen. Like any woman looking forward to becoming a mother, Baylee Levy was full of dreams imagining the joys of raising her children. She was thrilled when she and her husband Joe found out she was expecting twins. But Levy's pregnancy was
- [Hospital News: "New toolkit addresses challenge of clutter and hoarding in home care"](https://hospitalnews.com/new-toolkit-addresses-challenge-of-clutter-and-hoarding-in-home-care/#new_tab) - Article originally posted by Hospital News on Thurs, April 1, 2011. Whether they’re caused by a chronic condition like arthritis, an accident, or aging, mobility issues and fall risks are always a top-of-mind concern for workers and clients of home health care. What if though, you not only had to navigate the room with a
- [CTV News: "Overrun with stuff: Why 'hoarders' can't let go"](https://www.ctvnews.ca/overrun-with-stuff-why-hoarders-can-t-let-go-1.598481#new_tab) - Article originally posted by CTV News on January 22, 2011 by Angela Mulholland. We all hold onto souvenirs. Perhaps it's tickets stubs, our children's first drawings or even decorative figurines. But behind the doors of thousands of homes across Canada, there are people who can't part with anything, whose collections have taken over and in
- [Toronto Star: "Hoarding, depression a health risk for seniors"](https://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/diseases_cures/2010/08/25/hoarding_depression_a_health_risk_for_seniors.html#new_tab) - Article originally posted by The Toronto Star on August 25, 2010 by Susan Pigg. Dan looks surprisingly relaxed sitting in a wheelchair outside his North York apartment, waiting for the door to be opened on his life. He only starts to flinch as a team of “extreme cleaners” dons protective suits, arms themselves with garbage
- [Longwoods: "The ALIVE Program: Developing a Web-Based Professional Development Program for Nursing Leaders in the Home Healthcare Sector"](https://www.longwoods.com/content/21747/nursing-leadership/the-alive-program-developing-a-web-based-professional-development-program-for-nursing-leaders-in-th) - Article done by Sara Lankshear, Sherri Huckstep, Nancy Lefebre, Janis Leiterman and Deborah Simon. Abstract Home healthcare nurses often work in isolation and rarely have the opportunity to meet or congregate in one location. As a result, nurse leaders must possess unique leadership skills to supervise and manage a dispersed employee base from a distance.
- [Hospital News: "Innovative benefits program supports UHN employees"](https://hospitalnews.com/innovative-benefits-program-supports-uhn-employees-caring-for-aging-parents/#new_tab) - Article originally posted by Hospital News on April 1, 2010. “Jose has been a God-send” says Colleen Simpson, a research associate in the Department of Otolaryngology at Princess Margaret Hospital. Simpson is referring to Jose Medeiros, VHA Home HealthCare’s Manager of Private Services and an experienced social worker of over 20 years who recently helped
- [Scarborough Mirror: "Volunteers lend exhausted parents a helping hand"](https://www.toronto.com/news-story/25007-volunteers-lend-exhausted-parents-a-helping-hand/#new_tab) - Article originally published in Scarborough Mirror on July 31, 2008. Scarborough program serves 'at-risk' communities Raising one child involves a lot of hard work, but raising two, is exhausting. "You do not get a break," said Merva Hutchinson, a single mother to eight-month-old twin boys, Andy and Darius. "One may be asleep the other is
- [VHA and COTA Health Announce Service Integration](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-and-cota-health-announce-service-integration/) - COTA Health’s rehabilitation services team joined the VHA family to form our newest division: VHA Rehab Solutions. The integration brought over 400 new staff and service providers to us and expanded our basket of solutions to include: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, dietetics and social work services. It also lands VHA in two new
- [Toronto Star: "Even heroes could use some help"](https://www.thestar.com/opinion/2007/06/20/even_heroes_could_use_some_help.html#new_tab) - Article originally posted by Toronto Star on Weds, June 20, 2007 by Carol Goar. Even heroes could use some help Awards ceremonies can be pretty dull. The accolades go on interminably. The winners are either tongue-tied or eager to thank everyone they ever knew. Their achievements, while no doubt worthy, don't lift listeners' hearts. Things
- [Client and Family Town Hall Recording from October 5: VHA's Response to COVID-19: Keeping Clients, Families and Staff Safe](https://www.vha.ca/news/client-and-family-town-hall-recording-from-october-5/) - On October 5 2021, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) leaders held a virtual event for the public to share updates about VHA's move to mandatory vaccination and other initiatives to keep its community as safe as possible throughout the pandemic. You can view a full transcript and recording of the event below. https://youtu.be/_l7uuVHshNE [Tracey Turriff:] Good
- [Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/news/honouring-the-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-at-vha-home-healthcare/) - At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we are proud to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This morning, we invited the VHA community to join us in this important recognition through a smudging ceremony at our head office in Toronto.The ceremony was led by Lisa Jocko, who joined VHA 12 years ago as a
- [VHA awarded RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization designation for 2021-2023 marking fourth term](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-awarded-rnao-bpso/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is pleased to announce that it has been designated a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) by the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) for the 2021-2023 term. VHA has proudly been a BPSO since 2015. The designation recognizes success in implementing and evaluating Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) developed by the RNAO,
- [VHA Welcomes Marianne Saragosa, CIHR Health System Impact Fellow](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-welcomes-marianne-saragosa-cihr-health-system-impact-fellow/) - “Home care clients tend to be an understudied population, and yet, many require complex care and support while in their home environments,” says Marianne Saragosa, a doctoral student at the University of Toronto in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation who has received a Health System Impact Fellowship from the Canadian Institutes of
- [VHA’s Partnership with The 519 Recognizes That Safe, Inclusive and Appropriate Home Care Starts with Communication](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-partnership-with-the-519-recognizes-that-safe-inclusive-and-appropriate-home-care-starts-with-communication/) - In Canada, health care is considered to be a universal and basic human right, with equitable access protected and guaranteed by law. The reality for many though, is that health care experiences can be impacted by geographic location, socioeconomic status, race, ability, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. The LGBTQ2S (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
- [Feedback on Proposed Home & Community Care Regulations](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-feedback-on-proposed-home-community-care-regulations/) - Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) is working on new regulations regarding providing home care in Ontario. As part of the regulation development process, VHA was invited to provide feedback on the draft regulations.You can download a PDF version of the MOH's PowerPoint slides below: Update on Proposed Home and Community Care Regulations under the Connecting
- [East Toronto Health Partners: "ETHP marks progress on enhancing care for seniors with chronic illnesses"](https://ethp.ca/newsroom/ethp-marks-significant-progress-on-enhancing-care-for-seniors-with-chronic-illnesses#new_tab) - Seniors who have chronic illnesses, and their caregivers, is one of the first populations that East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP) identified as a priority for improving care for our Ontario Health Team (OHT). In 2019, a steering committee that includes representation from numerous health and community care organizations across ETHP was formed to guide this
- [Barbara Cawley Reflects on VHA’s Client Voice Journey](https://www.vha.ca/2021/barbara-cawley-reflects-on-vhas-client-voice-journey/) - “Client Voice” at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) refers to engaging and involving clients and their families when new services are being designed or quality improvements are being made. Barbara Cawley, VHA’s Vice President, Client Services and the founder of VHA’s Client Voice program, is retiring at the beginning of July. We wanted to take this
- [Keeping Yourself and Your Loved Ones Safe](https://www.vha.ca/news/keeping-yourself-and-your-loved-ones-safe/) - At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), the health and safety of our staff, service providers, clients and families is our most important priority. We encourage everyone to continue to follow proper infection prevention and control procedures to keep everyone protected from COVID-19. We want to make sure all of our clients and families have the information
- [My first 100 days as CEO: We’re moving and shaking! A contribution by Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/2021/my-first-100-days-were-moving-and-shaking-a-contribution-by-dr-kathryn-nichol/) - 100 days! Yesterday was the 100-day mark since I assumed the role of President and CEO at VHA Home HealthCare. There is so much hype about the 100-day mark! I think for me the most important thing about this milestone is to take the time to personally reflect on how much I have learned in
- [InnoVHAtion and VHA FastLabs Go Global](https://www.vha.ca/news/innovhation-and-vha-fastlabs-go-global/) - In 2019 VHA introduced its “pollination approach” to problem solving by rolling out a series of Design-Thinking based facilitator training sessions organization-wide. Known as VHA FastLabs, the model, which was developed with innovation consultancy AdapativeX and borrows from thought leaders like Google, AJ&Smart and IDEO, has been gaining momentum and fans. In May 2021, the
- [CBC Radio Canada: "Le trouble d’accumulation compulsive exacerbé par la pandémie"](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/ohdio/premiere/emissions/dans-la-mosaique/episodes/528912/rattrapage-du-mardi-27-avril-2021/17) - A CBC Radio Canada segment that aired on April 28, 2021 featuring an interview with VHA's Trudy Huet to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on hoarding disorder.
- [Join us for a Community Q&A on COVID-19 Vaccines, moderated by our CEO Kathryn Nichol](https://ethp.ca/vaccinewebinar) - Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine? Join us for a Community Q&A next Tuesday, April 20th to get the facts from local experts. The event is free and open to all, but registration is required.
- [Newmarket Era: "Newmarket woman honoured for unpaid caregiver service, community kindness"](https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/10369105-newmarket-woman-honoured-for-unpaid-caregiver-service-community-kindness/) - Article originally published in the Newmarket Era on April 11, written by Aileen Zangouei. Heart of Home Care Awards celebrated on National Caregiver Day April 6. A Newmarket woman was honoured at the Heart of Home Care Awards virtually this year on National Caregiver Day. April 6 marked National Caregiver Day and VHA Home HealthCare
- [Toronto Star: "Newmarket woman honoured for unpaid caregiver service, community kindness"](https://www.thestar.com/local-newmarket/news/2021/04/11/newmarket-woman-honoured-for-unpaid-caregiver-service-community-kindness.html) - Article shared in Toronto Star's local news section. Originally published in Newmarket Era on April 11, written by Aileen Zangouei. Heart of Home Care Awards celebrated on National Caregiver Day April 6. A Newmarket woman was honoured at the Heart of Home Care Awards virtually this year on National Caregiver Day. April 6 marked National
- [Toronto Star: "An award for Kathy Kohls: 45 years of loving"](https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/04/08/an-award-for-kathy-kohls-45-years-of-loving.html) - Article shared in Toronto Star’s local news section. Originally published in The Sudbury Star on April 6, written by Hugh Kruzel. Chelmsford woman wins Caring with Compassion Award. Unassumingly, Kathy Kohls gently opens the display box sitting in the sunshine on the living room coffee table. “I never did this to win awards,” she said.
- [The Sudbury Star: "An award for Kathy Kohls: 45 years of loving"](https://www.thesudburystar.com/news/local-news/an-award-for-kathy-kohls-45-years-of-loving) - Article originally published in The Sudbury Star on April 6, written by Hugh Kruzel. Chelmsford woman wins Caring with Compassion Award. Unassumingly, Kathy Kohls gently opens the display box sitting in the sunshine on the living room coffee table. “I never did this to win awards,” she said. Nominated by eldest daughter Lorna Kohls-Newland,
- [CTV News: "Northern Ontario, Chelmsford, caregiver receives national honour"](https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/chelmsford-caregiver-receives-national-honour-1.5377074) - Article originally published by CTV News Northern Ontario on April 6, 2020. Written by Lyndsay Aelick. SUDBURY -- It’s National Caregiver Day and a Sudbury area woman is being recognized. Kathy Kohl has been caring for her daughter Sandra for 45 years. Sandra was born with Prader-Willi syndrome, which affects both her mental and physical
- [CTV News: "Day honours selfless caregivers"](https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2175853) - News segment originally aired on CTV Northern Ontario on April 6, 2020. Today is National Caregivers Day. It is a day set aside to honour people who spend their time and effort taking care of people and often doing it in unpaid roles. And a Sudbury area women is being celebrated after being named the
- [VHA Home HealthCare receives United Way Greater Toronto Allan Slaight Seniors Fund to help vulnerable seniors connect to community](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-receives-united-way-allan-slaight-seniors-fund/) - NEW PROJECTS WILL HELP VULNERABLE SENIORS CONNECT TO COMMUNITY United Way Greater Toronto’s Allan Slaight Seniors Fund supports 15 projects over 6 years March 29, 2021 – Nine innovative new projects funded by United Way Greater Toronto’s Allan Slaight Seniors Fund will engage vulnerable seniors in creative ways that reduce their social isolation, which has
- [Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) will now be called Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS)](https://www.vha.ca/news/local-health-integration-networks-lhins-will-now-be-called-home-and-community-care-support-services-hccss/) - The Ontario Ministry of Health announced today that Local Health Integration Networks, or LHINs, will be called Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) as of April 1, 2021. This new business name does not change the services that have been provided through the LHINs for clients and families or the way those services are
- [Toronto Star: "They got their COVID-19 vaccines. Now, in their own languages, they want to tell you how it felt — and why it matters"](https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/03/16/they-got-their-covid-19-vaccines-now-in-their-own-languages-they-want-to-tell-you-how-it-felt-and-why-it-matters.html) - Article originally published in the Toronto Star on March 16, 2021, written by Evelyn Kwong. In Cantonese, Punjabi, Tagalog and many other different languages, health care workers and LTC residents aged 22 to 94 explain why they got the COVID-19 vaccine to help combat vaccine hesitancy in their communities. With COVID-19 vaccines flowing into Canada by
- [My Learning Curve: My 15th day as CEO from Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/2021/my-learning-curve-my-15th-day-as-ceo-from-dr-kathryn-nichol/) - You know the feeling…. You have started something that you know will be a challenge and… the “easing in” period is over. My daughter says this is kind of like 2 weeks into a new grade or a new program and you realize that your first big assignment is actually due tomorrow and exams are
- [Press release: Toronto Hospitals and Ontario Health Teams launch COVID-19 Vaccine Call Centre and Website](https://www.vha.ca/news/covid-19-call-centre-and-website/) - (March 8, 2021) Toronto, ON – Toronto hospitals and their partner Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) joined forces today to launch a centralized COVID-19 call centre and website to support eligible adults in Toronto to pre-register or book their vaccination appointments. The Toronto COVID-19 Vaccine Call Centre and Website (www.vaccineto.ca) will be one central place to
- [VHA Client shares personal home care journey](https://www.vha.ca/2021/vha-client-shares-personal-home-care-journey/) - Hi there, my name is Paul and I’m a client of VHA Home HealthCare. I’m writing this to you in the hopes that my story can provide some comfort and reassure you that you are not alone.My home care journey started on a day that was like many other days. I was walking home from
- [VHA Announces Dr. Kathryn Nichol as New CEO](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-announces-dr-kathryn-nichol-as-new-ceo/) - On behalf of VHA’s Board of Directors, it gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Dr. Kathryn Nichol as the new President and CEO of VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) effective March 1, 2021.Kathryn is a familiar member of the VHA family, having joined the organization in 2016 as Vice President, Quality, Best Practice,
- [Durham Post: "Durham homeless celebrate at The HUB"](https://durhampost.ca/durham-homeless-celebrate-at-the-hub#new_tab) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) helped unsheltered residents in the Region of Durham celebrate the holidays at the The HUB at the Ajax Community Centre.
- [Meet this year's Spectacular Spirit Surprise winners!](https://www.vha.ca/news/spectacular-spirit-surprise-2020/) - We know that COVID-19 has made 2020 a difficult year for everyone, so VHA spread the holiday spirit gave back to our clients, workers, and community!
- [Gifts of Gratitude: Year-end reflections from across VHA](https://www.vha.ca/news/gifts-of-gratitude-year-end-reflections-from-across-vha/) - No doubt about it, 2020 has been a challenging and heartbreaking year on so many fronts. But it has also been a year marked with kindness, courage and remarkable achievements. As the holiday season draws near with COVID-19 still raging on, I am doing my best to focus on the rays of light that I
- [VHA's COVID-19 Response](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-covid-19-response/) - VHA launched an Incident Command Team in response to the coronavirus pandemic on January 24th, 2020. This dedicated 24-member team managed and closely monitored VHA’s ability to continue to provide excellent service, the impacts of COVID-19 on our clients and families and on our staff and service providers, personal protective equipment supply and distribution, ever-changing
- [A bright light in a dark time: How investments in research are helping VHA innovate](https://www.vha.ca/news/a-bright-light-in-a-dark-time-how-investments-in-research-are-helping-vha-innovate/) - As we continue to grapple with COVID-19’s second wave, one positive outcome of the uncertainty we have all faced throughout the pandemic has been the rapid acceleration and funding of COVID-related research across Canada and around the world. Health care partners have banded together to provide care in their communities and have joined forces to
- [Dr. Kathryn Nichol presents Home Safe Home Presentation during UHN's BiG Ideas Lecture Series](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDg6Oph1RAw&ab_channel=EducationTechnology&MediaServices-UHN) - What did we learn from Ontario's home care sector from COVID-19? Dr. Kathryn Nichol's BiG Ideas Lecture on lessons learned in the home care sector during COVID-19 is so timely as we make our way through the second wave.
- [VHA PSW Featured on The New to Canada Podcast after moving to Canada to help during the COVID-19 second wave](https://plinkhq.com/i/1529804050/e/1000500999920) - After working as nurses in Lebanon during the 1st wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Diala Sharab and her husband were given the opportunity to bypass travel restrictions and immigrate to Canada as skilled refugees. Since then, they have been adjusting to life as newlyweds and making a difference in vulnerable people’s lives in Canada. In
- [Keeping Each Other Safe: A Message from VHA's Vice President of Client Services​](https://www.vha.ca/news/keeping-each-other-safe-a-message-from-vhas-vice-president-of-client-services​/) - Greetings. My name is Barbara Cawley, Vice President of Client Services at VHA Home HealthCare.I have had the opportunity to hear from many of you in my role overseeing all of our personal support, nursing, rehab and community support services at VHA and as Co-chair of VHA’s Client and Carer Advisory Group. I know this
- [VHA celebrates one year of reducing hallway medicine on Sunnybrook’s ED One team](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-celebrates-one-year-of-reducing-hallway-medicine-on-sunnybrooks-ed-one-team/) - On October 28th, 2019, a new program made its debut in the emergency department of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The program is known as ED One, and it was created with one primary goal – to reduce the number of seniors receiving care in the hospital hallway and get them home safely...
- [Stay Connected: A Research Study to Support Healthy Communities](https://www.vha.ca/news/stay-connected-a-research-study/) - 60% of those living with dementia will experience at least one critical wandering event. These can have serious consequences for clients and causes significant stress for caregivers.We want to explore the use of locating technology in decreasing worry and stress for caregivers, and we’re looking for participants to be a part of our study!YOUR CARE
- [Upcoming Virtual Conference on Hoarding and Trauma: Myths and Realities Explained](https://www.vha.ca/news/upcoming-virtual-conference-on-hoarding-and-trauma-myths-and-realities-explained/) - VHA Home HealthCare, Sunnybrook's Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre and the Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network have partnered to present a virtual conference. Hoarding and Trauma: Myths and Realities Explained Friday, October 23 from 8:45 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Join us to expand your knowledge and make connections with front-line workers and service providers
- [VHA announces The Caregivers’ Club Family Relief Fund Award winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-announces-the-caregivers-club-family-relief-fund-award-winners/) - In celebration of National Caregiver Day on April 7th 2020, VHA partnered with The Caregivers’ Club Family Relief Fund to provide two awards of 50 free respite care hours to Toronto-based unpaid caregivers who are caring for those with dementia. We’re pleased to announce our winners. Here’s what they have to say about winning the award...
- [Carol Annett Announcement from VHA’s Board Chair Karen Singh](https://www.vha.ca/news/carol-annett-announcement-from-vhas-board-chair-karen-singh/) - After much careful thought and consideration, Carol Annett has shared her intention to step down from her position as VHA’s President and CEO in February of 2021. Over the past 20 years at VHA, Carol has passionately focused on making our vision a reality: High quality care delivered with great heart – for every person,
- [VHA Launches New Dedicated Palliative Phone Line for Clients](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-launches-new-dedicated-palliative-phone-line-for-clients/) - We know our clients and families have a lot of demands on their time, especially those who are receiving our palliative care services. We are implementing a new dedicated palliative phone line for clients who call our offices so that they can receive quick and reliable service from our Call Centre Representatives.If you are a
- [VHA’s Ongoing Response to COVID-19 from VHA’s Chief Nursing Executive](https://www.vha.ca/news/kathryn-nichols-message-to-clients-and-families-about-infection-prevention-and-control-at-vha/) - VHA’s Ongoing Response to COVID-19 from VHA’s Chief Nursing Executive Kathryn Nichol, Vice President Quality, Best Practice, Research and Education and Chief Nursing Executive Greetings. Let me introduce myself… My name is Kathryn Nichol and I am VHA’s VP of Quality, Best Practice, Research and Education and Chief Nursing Executive. In my role as Clinical
- [At Home with VHA video with Carol and Sharon about virtual care](https://www.vha.ca/news/at-home-with-vha-video-with-carol-and-sharon/) - Every role at VHA contributes to something amazing. At Home with VHA tells the stories of those who make up VHA Home HealthCare. Listen as Carol Annett, VHA's President and CEO, speak with Sharon Rosenthal, an Occupational Therapist at VHA and Paediatric Clinical Lead in Toronto. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3IgTzGFeeU Can't see the video? Visit our YouTube channel
- [VHA’s New Chronic Disease Self-Management Online Resource](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-new-chronic-disease-self-management-online-resource/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has recently launched a website providing resources and information to support Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSM). We spoke to Sara Fung, VHA Professional Practice Specialist, to learn more about the site: Why did VHA create a Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSM) website? We wanted to provide consistent, accurate information to clients and families
- [Carol Annett’s message to Clients and Families for VOICE E-Newsletter](https://www.vha.ca/news/voice-aug-2020-letter/) - VOICE E-Newsletter to Clients & Families Carol Annett, VHA President and CEO Greetings to all VHA’s clients and families. We are pleased to bring you this first digital edition of VOICE, a newsletter providing updates & information for those we are here to support. We plan to send a message like this to you each
- [HIROC Connection: "Spot It. Prevent It! Creating a positive safety culture at VHA Home HealthCare" (p. 12)](https://www.vha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/HIROC_Connection_Fall2020.pdf#new_tab) - Article originally published in the Fall 2020 issue of The HIROC Connection, on pages 12-13, written by Michelle Holden. For Personal Support Workers (PSWs) caring for clients in the home, the work can at times be isolating. Delivering care within the four walls of clients’ homes can leave providers vulnerable in a number of
- [A Review of VHA's Current Mask Usage for Clients Information as of August 2020](https://www.vha.ca/news/a-review-of-vhas-current-mask-usage-for-clients-information/) - As mandatory masking by-laws are now in effect for public indoor enclosed areas in many regions where we provide service, we understand some staff and service providers may request that clients wear a mask while providing care. VHA is supportive of staff and service providers who would like to ask clients and family members to
- [‘Light at the end of the tunnel:’ Unsheltered resident finds hope through new Ajax Hub](https://www.vha.ca/news/light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-unsheltered-resident-finds-hope-through-new-ajax-hub/) - When Katerina McGowan, 42, found herself unexpectedly without a home in November 2019, she wasn’t sure where her life would go. Like many others in Ontario who have experienced homelessness before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, life threw a set of challenging curveballs her way. For Katerina and nearly 50 others, the Ajax Hub, an
- [House Calls Helping Vulnerable Seniors Age at Home Through the COVID Crisis](https://www.vha.ca/news/house-calls-helping-vulnerable-seniors-age-at-home-through-the-covid-crisis/) - The isolation, physical distancing, stockpiling and stay-at-home orders that we have all navigated over the past few months are not a new reality for the marginalized, home-bound seniors that the House Calls program has supported for over twelve years. Seniors with medical, cognitive and social frailty are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and House Calls has
- [VHA Research Fellow Helps Service Providers Address Caregiver Needs](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-research-fellow-helps-service-providers-address-caregiver-needs/) - As an occupational therapist (OT) in community care, Banu Sundaralingam regularly witnessed the challenging and often undervalued role of family caregivers and she started to see in-home visits as an opportunity to better understand and meet the needs of this population. “On the front-lines I was startled by the lack of support for caregivers and
- [Hospital News: "Virtual Care Shifts into High Gear in Response to COVID-19"](https://hospitalnews.com/virtual-care-shifts-into-high-gear-in-response-to-covid-19/#new_tab) - Article originally published in Hospital News on August 12, 2020. Written by VHA Communications Consultant, Crystal Gonder. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all parts of the health care system to rethink the way they deliver care and at VHA Home HealthCare, the more than 10,000 virtual visits completed by our service providers since April, have
- [Longwoods: "We Are All in This Together"](https://www.longwoods.com/content/26297/insightas/we-are-all-in-this-together) - Article originally published in Longwoods in July 2020, written by VHA's President and CEO Carol Annett Different circumstances call for different leadership styles. In the turbulent, bewildering and ambiguous world of COVID-19, clear, confident, decisive and military-style leadership was the right and necessary response to navigate uncharted waters. We were fortunate in Ontario to
- [Celebrating Pride: VHA & partners launch tools to improve care for LGBTQ2S communities](https://www.vha.ca/news/pride-month-2020-vha-partners-launch-tools-to-improve-care-for-lgbtg2s-communities/) - Pride Month is a celebration of love, identity, and community. But it’s also about acknowledging the history of LGTBQ2S rights around the world and looking ahead to ensure equity and acceptance for these communities. That’s why VHA Home HealthCare collaborated with many of our community partners to create educational resources to help decrease health barriers
- [VHA Mobilizes to Help Long-Term Care Homes in Crisis](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-mobilizes-to-help-long-term-care-homes-in-crisis/) - COVID-19 has devastated long-term care homes across the province and VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is working with hospitals and other organizations to relieve understaffed and overwhelmed facilities. Many VHA personal support workers and nurses were among the first to willingly begin working in long-term care (LTC) homes to support the hard-working LTC staff and help
- [Carol Annett speaks about the Black Lives Matter movement](https://www.vha.ca/news/carol-annett-speaks-about-the-black-lives-matter-movement/) - Black Lives Matter I'm taking what is happening around the world as a call to action, both my own and VHA's, to help create a world that ensures equity in rights, opportunities, freedom and respect. We must keep the conversation going, not just today, but for as long as it takes to bring meaningful change.
- [Register now for VHA's Upcoming Virtual Volunteer Open House on June 16th](https://www.vha.ca/news/register-now-for-vhas-upcoming-virtual-volunteer-open-house-on-june-16th/) - Volunteering brings our community together in the common cause of caring, particularly in challenging times. As we practice physical distancing, we’re more connected than ever.Why should you volunteer, now or ever? Attend VHA Home HealthCare’s free Virtual Open House on June 16th to find out how volunteering can be the key to achieving your goals
- [Hospital News: "Toronto Home Care Volunteers Ramp up for COVID-19 Relief"](https://hospitalnews.com/home-care-volunteers-ramp-up-for-covid-19-relief/) - By Isabel Terrell As home care organizations continue to provide critical services to help keep people safe at home and out of hospital, volunteers at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) are helping out in new ways amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization’s regular volunteer activities serve some of Toronto’s most vulnerable communities through hoarding support
- [Patient Experience Journal: "The Little Things: Exploring perceptions and experiences of client and family-centred care through PhotoVoice"](https://pxjournal.org/journal/vol7/iss1/6/#new_tab) - Abstract Healthcare in Canada is undergoing a paradigm shift, moving away from a prescriptive approach to care delivery to one that prioritizes clients and their families at the center of their care. In the homecare sector, this approach is commonly referred to as client- and family-centred care (CFCC), a philosophy emphasizing the need for point-of-care
- [Ajax News Advertiser: "Ajax opens hygiene hub for homeless"](https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/9960293-ajax-opens-hygiene-hub-for-homeless/#new_tab) - Article originally published in the Ajax News Advertiser on April 23. AJAX — The Ajax Hygiene Hub is now open. The hub will serve unsheltered residents at the Ajax Community Centre, providing them with access to showers, washrooms and the support services they may need. In a Twitter announcement, Mayor Shaun Collier said the
- [Durham Radio News: "Ajax launches new ‘Hygiene Hub’ to support people experiencing homelessness"](https://www.durhamradionews.com/archives/126147?fbclid=IwAR2Tu7kArCHSu9wX8EUmgb2LO4nBVFm3BoA93YQoSuIRqQ8QgFWKKPbY4XA#new_tab) - Article originally published on DurhamRadioNews.com on April 22. Ajax launches new ‘Hygiene Hub’ to support people experiencing homelessness The Town of Ajax is helping keep unsheltered individuals safe and clean during COVID-19, with the launch of their new ‘Hygiene Hub.’ A first for Ajax, the hub provides people experiencing homelessness with shower and washroom
- [VHA Celebrates National Volunteer Week 2020](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-celebrates-national-volunteer-week-2020/) - National Volunteer Week 2020 runs from April 19-25 and honours the immense dedication and generosity of the nearly 13 million volunteers across Canada from coast-to-coast.VHA Home HealthCare sees hundreds of volunteers each year who build relationships with clients across Toronto in need of ESL, Child and Family, and Hoarding Support.These amazing individuals help VHA achieve
- [Toronto Star: "She takes care of your mother. He gets your groceries to you. These are the unsung heroes who will get us through the COVID-19 pandemic"](https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/04/12/she-takes-care-of-your-mother-he-gets-your-groceries-to-you-these-are-the-unsung-heroes-who-will-get-us-through-the-covid-19-pandemic.html#new_tab) - Article originally published in the Toronto Star on April 12, written by Laura Armstrong and Katie Daubs. As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, we have all been asked to make changes. Don’t go to the beach. Don’t go to school. Don’t even think about a beer with friends in your basement or a holiday dinner with
- [Media Advisory: Award launched to provide respite to unpaid caregivers on National Caregiver Day](https://www.vha.ca/news/award-launched-to-provide-respite-to-unpaid-caregivers-on-national-caregiver-day/) - Unpaid Caregivers are playing a huge role in fighting COVID-19. Toronto, April 7th, 2020—Unpaid caregivers are the unsung and unseen heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to keep their loved ones out of the stressed hospital system, and at home where most want and need to be. This National Caregiver Day, VHA Home HealthCare has
- [BlogTO, Only in Toronto Podcast: "How personal support workers in Toronto are helping to ease the strain on hospitals amid COVID-19"](https://onlyintoronto.libsyn.com/xx-113#new_tab) - Originally aired on April 6, 2020 on the Only in Toronto podcast by BlogTO. Ontario slashed the list of essential businesses permitted to stay open, so that means no more visiting your local cannabis or hardware store. After another nice weekend in the city, people are starting to understand how to physically distance themselves from
- [Family Relief Award: Enter for a chance to win 50 hours of respite card!](https://www.vha.ca/news/family-relief-award/) - Are you a Toronto-based caregiver for someone with dementia? Do you know someone who is? VHA Home HealthCare has partnered with The Caregivers Club to provide two awards of 50 free respite care hours to Toronto-based unpaid caregivers. The winners will be announced at VHA’s Heart of Home Care Awards on April 6th. For more
- [Share Your Voice: Client Partners Play Key Roles on Three Steering Committees Improving Services for Clients and Families](https://www.vha.ca/blog/share-your-voice-client-partners-play-key-roles/) - In 2015, VHA established three steering committees to create a roadmap for how VHA would deliver our services in three significant client population areas: Palliative Care, Children with Complex Medical Needs (CCMN), and Cognitive Impairment. According to Catherine Chater, Chair of the Cognitive Impairment Committee and Professional Practice Specialist in Rehab, there were really two
- [Enter for your chance to win 50 hours of Caregiver Respite](https://www.thecaregiversclubfilm.com/toronto-award#new_tab) - The Caregivers’ Club, Family Relief Fund Award: Toronto, Ontario THE AWARD VHA Home Healthcare in Toronto has partnered with the Caregivers Club Family Relief Fund to present two awards of up to 50 hours of free home-care respite service to honour our family caregivers on National Caregivers Day and show our gratitude and support
- [Longwoods: "Towards Value in an Integrated Care Environment: Early Lessons from an Ontario Health Team"](https://www.longwoods.com/content/26159/healthcarepapers/towards-value-in-an-integrated-care-environment-early-lessons-from-an-ontario-health-team#new_tab) - Towards Value in an Integrated Care Environment: Early Lessons from an Ontario Health Team Sarah Downey, Sandra McKay and Patrick Feng ABSTRACT Integrated healthcare models are being experimented with in many jurisdictions as a way to improve patient care and lower system costs. This commentary presents early lessons from one Ontario Health Team as it
- [CBC: "How one hospital tackles hallway medicine, starting in the emergency room"](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-hallway-medicine-sunnybrook-emergency-team-1.5459855#new_tab) - Article originally published on CBC on February 13, written by Mike Crawley. Sunnybrook's 'ED One Team' aims to help seniors avoid hospital by boosting home supports. One Ontario hospital is trying to lessen its "hallway medicine" problem by forming a new team of health-care workers in its emergency room with the aim of reducing
- [Meet one of VHA's wonderful personal support workers: Van Bation](https://www.vha.ca/blog/meet-one-of-vhas-wonderful-personal-support-workers-van-bation/) - Van is celebrating his 5 year anniversary with VHA Home HealthCare this month. He is a Personal Support Worker (PSW) in Toronto and is known for being very compassionate and caring with his clients. His clients say that he always does his job with his heart and makes them feel safe and cared for, like
- [CABHI: VHA Home HealthCare and LocateMotion selected for "Staying Connected: Using Technology to Support Healthy Community Living for Persons Living with Dementia" Project](https://www.cabhi.com/completed-project-summaries/staying-connected-using-technology-to-support-healthy-community-living-for-persons-living-with-dementia/#new_tab) - Award Date: 2019 Project Lead(s): Sandra McKay Project Title: Staying Connected: Using Technology to Support Healthy Community Living for Persons Living with Dementia This project is focused at evaluating the existing features of LocateMotion, an analytics system that enables monitoring to address potential harm resulting from wandering incidents involving PLwD. It is important to understand
- [The Waiting Pain: Waiting as a form of suffering and how we can alleviate it for families](https://www.vha.ca/blog/the-waiting-pain/) - How does waiting for a transplant or to see if a transplant worked affect a child and their family? What does it do to relationships? What conversations does it spark? Can it provide healing or is it only destructive? These are some of the questions Kristina Smith, one of VHA’s Junior Researcher Development Award recipients,
- [A True Bond Between Caregiver and Client](https://www.vha.ca/blog/a-true-bond-between-caregiver-and-client/) - VHA PSW Delores Layne has a special bond with her 19-year-old client Rahul. “He has even given her a nickname,” says Loveleen, Rahul’s mother. We chatted with her to learn more about the special bond that has formed between her son and his PSW Delores over the years. What makes Delores such a special caregiver
- [Join the Board of VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/news/join-the-board-of-vha-home-healthcare/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), one of Ontario’s leading not-for-profit home and community care providers, is recruiting volunteers to serve as Directors on our Board or as members of one of our Board Standing Committees. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about home and community care and embrace our vision, mission and core beliefs. Our
- [VHA partners with CANES to open a new Integrated Care Clinic in Mississauga](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-partners-with-canes-to-open-a-new-integrated-care-clinic-in-mississauga/) - VHA regularly works with partner organizations to improve the delivery of health care to our clients. A recent example of the power of partnerships is our collaboration with CANES Community Care to open an integrated care clinic in the Central West LHIN. The Malton Integrated Care Clinic opened on December 18 and represents VHA's first
- [HIROC Podcast: "Carol Annett, President, VHA Home HealthCare and the Value of Staying Positive, Finding Good Partners, and Taking Risks"](https://www.hiroc.com/podcast/episode-19-carol-annett-president-vha-home-healthcare-and-value-staying-positive-finding#new_tab) - We are very excited to share that our President and CEO, Carol Annett, was featured as a special guest for the latest episode of HIROC’s Healthcare Change Makers! The podcast talks to leaders about driving change in our complex healthcare organizations. It also helps listeners learn valuable lessons about how to manage the bigger challenges
- [HIROC Inside: "Carol Annett: There's No Place Like Home"](https://www.hiroc.com/news/carol-annett-theres-no-place-home#new_tab) - We are very excited to share that our President and CEO, Carol Annett, was a guest editor for the December issue of The HIROC Inside!Carol’s article, titled There’s No Place Like Home, looked to the year ahead and the importance of having an open and inquiring mind, a big heart, and the courage to take
- [Toronto News: "East Toronto groups unite to provide health care during winter surge"](https://www.toronto.com/news-story/9708256-east-toronto-groups-unite-to-provide-health-care-during-winter-surge/) - Article originally published on www.toronto.com on November 26 by Joanna Lavoie. A network of service providers will provide co-ordinated care until March 2020 Naila Haji wanted her elderly father to get the flu shot, but without a family doctor able to come to his apartment to administer the vaccine, she wasn’t too sure how
- [The Star: "Toronto groups unite to provide health care during winter surge"](https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/11/26/toronto-groups-unite-to-provide-health-care-during-winter-surge.html#new_tab) - Article originally published in Toronto Star on November 26, 2019 by Joanna Lavoie. Naila Haji wanted her elderly father to get the flu shot, but without a family doctor able to come to his apartment to administer the vaccine, she wasn’t too sure how that could happen. On Sunday afternoon, Haji’s 89-year-old father, Nurali
- [Media Release: East Toronto Health Partners launch community response to ‘surge up’ during winter and flu season to improve care for clients and families, reduce hallway medicine](https://www.vha.ca/news/south-river-community-health-centre-east-toronto-health-partners-launch-community-response-to-surge-up-during-winter-and-flu-season-to-improve-care-for-clients-and-families-reduc/) - (Nov. 26, 2019) Toronto – The cold winter months and holiday season trigger a heightened demand for health and community care services, often referred to as ‘winter surge’, causing increased pressure on a system already under strain. In addition to more patients with influenza-like illness, Emergency Departments (EDs) typically see more visits for norovirus outbreaks, falls
- [Making A Difference: Meet VHA Client Partner Zinta Erdmanis](https://www.vha.ca/blog/making-a-difference-meet-vha-client-partner-zinta-erdmanis/) - Zinta Erdmanis was introduced to VHA’s caregiving services in 2016, when her husband became ill and required palliative care. Now Zinta is one of VHA’s Palliative Care Steering Committee members and a committed client partner. We sat down with Zinta to chat about her life, her experience with VHA, and the importance of being involved
- [Biometric Research Aims to Reduce Personal Support Workers Injuries](https://www.vha.ca/news/biometric-research-aims-to-reduce-personal-support-workers-injuries/) - Personal support work is a physically demanding job. Repeated bending, lifting and stretching are all part of a day’s work and, in addition to the potential for sudden acute injuries, “There are cumulative injuries that can happen,” says Emily King, VHA’s new Manager of Research Operations, who is also a postdoctoral fellow in Kinesiology at
- [Following her Path with Joyce Umoren](https://www.vha.ca/blog/following-her-path-with-joyce-umoren/) - From a very young age, Joyce Umoren dreamed of becoming a nurse. “What inspired me was the incredible attention and care I received from nurses when I was young,” she explains. She told her mother at age 6, “When I grow up I would like to be a nurse”. When the time was right, Joyce’s
- [VHA Shows Colours of LGBTQ2S Support](https://www.vha.ca/blog/vha-shows-colours-of-lgbtq2s-support/) - In recent months, you may have noticed your VHA personal support worker or care provider wearing a rainbow lanyard to display their ID tag. The rainbow lanyard is our way to help our staff and service providers indicate to our clients and their work colleagues that they and VHA support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
- [Adding up the Bill for Unpaid Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/news/adding-up-the-bill-for-unpaid-caregivers/) - When Muriel was diagnosed with dementia, her daughters shared the responsibility of caring for her as long as they could. They purchased personal support services, took time off work, set up a bed on the main floor of each sister’s house and eventually paid for long-term care when home care became unmanageable. It’s a common
- [VHA Participates in Ontario Health Team Full Application Submissions](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-participates-in-ontario-health-team-full-application-submissions/) - Earlier this year the Ministry of Health announced a plan to create Ontario Health Teams to organize and deliver health care in local communities with integrated services across health care providers. VHA Home HealthCare believes in the vision of integrated team-based care. We are pleased to be participating in multiple Ontario Health Team Full Application submissions
- [East Toronto Health Partners First Community Webinar Now Available Online](https://www.vha.ca/news/east-toronto-health-partners-first-community-webinar-now-available-online/) - Dear East Toronto community members and partners, We wanted to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks for those who were able to join us for our first East Toronto Health Partners webinar yesterday afternoon. We were very pleased with the incredible level of engagement and the many thoughtful questions that came in. We look forward
- [Register now for the East Toronto Health Partners Hosts Webinar on September 23rd!](https://www.vha.ca/news/register-now-east-toronto-health-partners-hosts-webinar-on-september-23rd/) - Dear partners, In July, East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP) progressed to the next phase of the Ontario Health Team application process. It has been a busy summer working together with partners as we develop our full application and focus on our three priority populations for year one: seniors and caregivers, with a focus on chronic
- [A Letter From VHA's President & CEO: Ontario's Evolving Health Care System](https://www.vha.ca/news/a-letter-from-vhas-president-ceo-ontarios-evolving-health-care-system/) - Carol Annett (left) and VHA’s Vice President of Client Services Barbara Cawley (second from the right) meet with Christine Elliot, Ontario’s Minister of Health (centre) and other Leaders of the East Toronto Health Partners at WoodGreen Community Services to discuss how integrated health care can improve the patient experience by focusing on patients and specific
- [How Client Partners are Helping to Guide Research at VHA](https://www.vha.ca/blog/how-client-partners-are-helping-to-guide-research-at-vha/) - Sonia Nizzer is a Research Associate at VHA and is the primary contact for client partners who are working with VHA’s Research team on projects to help clients and their caregivers. VHA tries to involve clients’ voices in every aspect of our work, and the Research team has made this an important priority. “We see
- [Have you heard about VHA's new Smiley initiative?](https://www.vha.ca/news/have-you-heard-about-vhas-new-smiley-initiative/) - VHA is introducing an innovative, easy way for you to give feedback –and it’s called Smiley! Our PSWs want to provide you with the best care possible –and want to know you’re happy with their care. We know our PSWs can make a huge difference in your life and we have heard directly from clients
- [Announcing VHA's 2019 Client Choice Winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/announcing-vhas-2019-client-choice-winners/) - This year, we received an amazing response from clients and families who submitted over 200 nominations for the Client Choice Awards. Congratulations to all of our nominees—you are clearly making a big difference in people’s lives, and we really appreciate all of the hard work, compassion and energy that you bring to your roles every
- [VHA Occupational Therapist Helps School to Win Innovative Exemplary Practice Award](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-occupational-therapist-helps-school-to-win-innovative-exemplary-practice-award/) - Sarah Chaudhery (seen right) is an Occupational Therapist with VHA Home HealthCare who works with number of schools, including St. Bernard Catholic School, a special school in the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) that has 20 pupils on the autism spectrum and no specialized programming. Last year, the school decided to try to secure
- [CBC: "How a new online resource is providing help to Toronto's hoarders"](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-hoarding-website-1.5140883#new_tab) - Article originally posted on CBC on May 18, 2019 by Taylor Simmons. 16 community and government agencies came together to create the website last month Narrow pathways weave through Yvonne Zilber's two-bedroom Toronto apartment, allowing her to pass through piles of clothes, books, dishes, picture frames and furniture pushed up against her walls. Zilber
- [VHA Home HealthCare Partners in Ontario Health Team Submissions](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-partners-in-ontario-health-team-submissions/) - For many years, VHA Home HealthCare has worked collaboratively with other health provider organizations in East Toronto. Over the past two years this group of organizations, now known as the East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), has been developing a more formal partnership to provide integrated care to our community. On May 15, 2019, the ETHP
- [New Hoarding Support Website Fills Critical Information Gap And Provides Needed Support for Torontonians](https://www.vha.ca/news/new-hoarding-support-website-fills-critical-information-gap-and-provides-needed-support-for-torontonians/) - Friday, April 26, 2019 – Toronto, ON – The Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network (THSSN) has launched a website—torontohoardingnetwork.ca—to provide Torontonians with a one-stop information site for hoarding support. The website addresses a challenging gap identified by both service providers and people with hoarding behaviours by delivering clear information about the supports that are available
- [Digital Learning at VHA: Classroom Clicks](https://www.vha.ca/blog/digital-learning-at-vha-classroom-clicks/) - It is often said that knowledge is power. But in today’s information age, knowledge—and sharing that knowledge—is not simply power, it can enhance performance and transform organizational culture. Knowledge sharing is what separates great organizations from good ones and what can help ordinary workers become extraordinary. Transferring knowledge has often presented logistical challenges in home
- [New Online Palliative Care Toolkit Designed by VHA Caregiver Partners](https://www.vha.ca/news/new-online-palliative-care-toolkit-designed-by-vha-caregiver-partners/) - “When my husband was diagnosed with ALS and immediately deemed palliative, our family entered into a new reality—a frightening and confusing reality in which we had no experience,” says Zinta Erdmanis, a VHA Client and Family Partner. Stress and a sense of being lost at the start of their journey were common themes expressed by
- [Stacie’s Secret to Happiness and Joy](https://www.vha.ca/blog/stacies-secret-to-happiness-and-joy/) - We know we have amazing staff and service providers, but there aren’t many opportunities to publicly display our affection for VHA’s best and brightest. So when VHAers got the chance to respond to Care Team Supervisor Stacie-Ann London’s Change Day Ontario pledge to “provide the best care by being mindful to the needs of the client”,
- [Bringing Happy Holidays to the Hospital](https://www.vha.ca/2018/bringing-happy-holidays-to-the-hospital/) - There truly is no place like home for the holidays, and when someone you love is in the hospital or a long-term care facility, it can be a lonely time for everyone. If home isn’t an option, there are many ways to bring joy, brighten sprits and make memories. Here are some suggestions for getting
- [Beach Metro: "Michael Garron Hospital celebrates its first World Preemie Day"](https://www.beachmetro.com/2018/11/23/30506/#new_tab) - Article originally published in Beach Metro on November 23, 2018 by Surina Nath. Parents of premature babies in east Toronto gathered at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) to celebrate the hospital’s first World Preemie Day recently. Shelly Darling, acting Director of the Maternal, Newborn, Child Program welcomed parents to the Saturday, Nov. 17 event to
- [Hand Washing for Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/2018/hand-washing-for-caregivers/) - Hand washing is quick, simple and one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illnesses. Proper hand washing is especially important if you are caring for an ill or aging loved one who may have a more difficult time fighting off infection. By washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, you can help protect
- [Partnership with UHN Cultivates QI Home Care Champions](https://www.vha.ca/news/partnership-with-uhn-cultivates-qi-home-care-champions/) - What do paediatric palliative care and isolation among seniors have in common? Both will be the focus of new initiatives created through VHA’s Research Fellowship program, delivered in partnership with University Health Network (UHN), to improve clients’ experiences and outcomes. The VHA-UHN Research Fellowship program launched in 2017 giving two VHA service providers a year
- [VHA Junior Research Grad Program Winners Announced](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-junior-research-grad-program-winners-announced/) - VHA’s Junior Research Development Program helps us find and reward the most promising young research scientists each year. Through this program, VHA co-funds three graduate students studying topics related to each of our research priority areas: (1) supporting people with cognitive impairment (2) caring for children with medical complexities at home (3) clinical and health
- [How VHA’s $450,000 grant from the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) is Reducing Falls, Improving Lives](https://www.vha.ca/news/reducing-falls-improving-lives/) - Whether it’s stubbing a toe or bumping into a piece of furniture, injuries at home are common and can cause more serious harm as people age. Nearly 80,000 older adults are hospitalized each day because of a fall, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, and many of these injuries happen in tubs or
- [Caring for Someone with Arthritis](https://www.vha.ca/2018/caring-for-someone-with-arthritis/) - Most of the over 100 types of arthritis are either degenerative (osteoarthritis) or inflammatory (rheumatoid). All conditions cause varying levels of pain, mobility issues and fatigue and can significantly impact the ability to do everyday tasks. While these are chronic, long-term disorders, there are ways to help your loved one reduce their symptoms and stay
- [The Dope on Dope](https://www.vha.ca/2018/the-dope-on-dope/) - On October 17, 2018 Canada's longstanding ban on recreational cannabis is lifted. How will this change affect health care? Dr. Bruce Empringham, Vice-President and Medical Director for Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life, discusses the myths, impacts and risks of marijuana on organizations like VHA Home HealthCare. What do you think are some of
- [Bigger and Better: VHA Occupational Therapists join Palliative Care Team](https://www.vha.ca/news/bigger-and-better-vha-occupational-therapists-join-palliative-care-team/) - The palliative care team in the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) area has expanded to now include Occupational Therapists (OTs). “I really think this is a wonderful initiative,” says VHA Toronto Central Regional Manager, Sandra Tedesco. “OT insights and expertise help us quickly handle equipment issues and help our clients (i.e. patients), especially
- [Seizing the Chance to Try New Ideas](https://www.vha.ca/news/seizing-the-chance/) - VHA’s CEO, Carol Annett (left) with Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Christine Elliott (centre) and Ontario Community Support Association CEO, Deborah Simon (right). As the “new guard” settles into the provincial government, some previously proposed solutions are being scrapped while new announcements are made. This leaves us with the obvious question, “What’s next?”
- [VHA Vice President Barb Cawley Wins Honour of a Lifetime](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-vice-president-barb-cawley-wins-honour-of-a-lifetime/) - On October 4, the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT) recognized Barbara Cawley, VHA’s Vice-President of Client Services, with its Honourary Life Membership Award at its annual general meeting in Toronto. The award acknowledges the profound impact Barbara has had on clinical practice within VHA and across the home care sector over her amazing career.
- [Research in Action Throughout 2018](https://www.vha.ca/2018/research-in-action-throughout-2018/) - 2018 has been a jam-packed year for VHA’s research team both at home, throughout Canada and in the United States. Congratulations to Dr. Sandra McKay, Director of Research at VHA, who was appointed to the Workplace Violence Prevention in Health Care Research and Development Team, established by the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Health
- [Recognizing the Signs of Postpartum Depression](https://www.vha.ca/2018/recognizing-the-signs-of-postpartum-depression/) - The sleep deprivation, overwhelming responsibilities and physical changes that come with a new baby can bring on many powerful emotions. You may experience joy, awe and bliss, while feeling scared, anxious, and overwhelmed. This jumble of emotions, known as “baby blues,” can last for a couple weeks and often go away without medical treatment. While
- [What’s Next? When Your Caregiving Journey Ends](https://www.vha.ca/2018/whats-next-when-your-caregiving-journey-ends/) - Caregivers devote endless time and energy to supporting other people’s needs, and along the way, their identity, perspectives and priorities can be changed forever. If you’re caring for a loved one and they pass away, you may experience a crippling sense of loss. Not just the loss of a loved family member or friend, but
- [Meet one of VHA’s LGBTQ Committee Client Partners: LeZlie Lee Kam](https://www.vha.ca/2018/meet-one-of-vhas-lgbtq-committee-client-partners-lezlie-lee-kam/) - LeZlie Lee Kam became a client partner with VHA two years ago. She is widely known as the “proud brown, Trini, Carib, callaloo, differently-abled, queer dyke elder.” In her late 40s, LeZlie was ravaged by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and had to go through four months of physical rehabilitation. Her differently abled body now gets great
- [A Checklist for Hiring a Personal Support Worker](https://www.vha.ca/2018/a-checklist-for-hiring-a-personal-support-worker/) - Personal Support Workers (PSWs) have a tough job that requires the right personality and mindset to ensure the best possible client care. Being a PSW can be an enriching and challenging career, but as any great PSW will tell you, you can’t succeed without the natural desire to help people. If your loved one needs
- [Learning the basics about Asthma](https://www.vha.ca/2018/learning-the-basics-about-asthma/) - Has a recent asthma diagnosis left you with lots of questions? While it can’t be cured, when asthma is managed properly, you can lead a normal, healthy life. As symptoms vary from person to person and change over time, it’s important to work with your healthcare team to track your condition and adjust treatment. To
- [Toronto Star: "Nightingale Award attracts 112 nominees"](https://www.thestar.com/life/nursing/2018/05/05/nightingale-award-attracts-111-nominees.html#new_tab) - The Toronto Star Nightingale Award is presented each year to an Ontario nurse nominated by his or her peers or patients. The recipient and honourable mentions are selected by representatives from Ontario’s nursing associations and the Star. For 2018, there are 4 nurses from VHA who have been nominated for the award.
- [Caregiver Solutions: "5 Spring Resolutions for Caregivers"](https://www.caregiversolutions.ca/caregiving/5-spring-resolutions-for-caregivers/#new_tab) - Published online at Caregiver Solutions on April 25, 2018 by VHA's communications specialist, Crystal Gonder. Each season means a fresh start and a chance to regroup, reflect and make some positive changes. Whether you are caring for an aging parent, a spouse or family member, being a caregiver is a demanding role. Here are five
- [Prepping for End-of-Life Care at Home](https://www.vha.ca/2018/prepping-for-end-of-life-care-at-home/) - More and more people nearing the end of life are deciding to spend their final days surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of their own home. They may seek the privacy, peace and security that home offers and feel more in control of their experience. A familiar view, their own space, and friends, family
- [St Catharines Standard: "A Caring Heart at Home"](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/2018/04/12/a-caring-heart-at-home.html#new_tab) - Article originally posted by St Catharines Standard on Thurs, April 12, 2018 by Cheryl Clock. On her hands and knees side-by-side with her brother, she taught him to crawl. She was six years old. He was about a year-and-a-half and living with autism. She put him on his hands and knees and moved his
- [Toronto Observer: "New ‘Young Caregiver Award’ recognizes Taylor Allen, 15"](https://torontoobserver.ca/2018/04/10/new-young-caregiver-award-taylor-allen/#new_tab) - Article originally published by Toronto Observer on April 10 by Claire Floody. Taylor Allen taught her younger brother Alex how to talk, walk and crawl. These are seemingly normal-sounding duties for an older sister, but if your brother has high-functioning autism like Alex, things can sometimes be more complicated. Although Alex is only three
- [Globe Newswire: "VHA Home HealthCare Honours Outstanding Family Caregivers on National Carers Day"](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/04/04/1459889/0/en/VHA-Home-HealthCare-Honours-Outstanding-Family-Caregivers-on-National-Carers-Day.html#new_tab) - TORONTO, April 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) honoured three caregiving heroes—Zulfikar Alladina of Toronto, Taylor Allen of Welland, and Madolina Sasa of Scarborough—who won this year’s Heart of Home Care Awards at the not-for-profit’s annual event, held yesterday in Toronto. The award—now in its 13th year—recognizes the extraordinary efforts of a friend or family
- [Media Advisory: Recognition, Inspiration and Caregiver Voices Unite in Celebration of National Carers Day](https://www.vha.ca/news/media-advisory-recognition-inspiration-and-caregiver-voices-unite-in-celebration-of-national-carers-day/) - MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Recognition, Inspiration and Caregiver Voices Unite in Celebration of National Carers Day TORONTO, March 29, 2018 – VHA Home HealthCare, a nearly century-old, not-for-profit, charitable organization, hosts its 13th annual Heart of Home Care Awards event on National Carers Day, honouring the extraordinary efforts of unpaid caregivers in Ontario. What:
- [Media Advisory: VHA Home HealthCare Optimistic About Ontario Budget Investments in Home Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-optimistic-about-ontario-budget-investments-in-home-care/) - TORONTO, ONTARIO—March 29, 2018 – VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), one of the largest not-for-profit, charitable home and community care agencies in Ontario, applauds the provincial government’s plans to invest in more home care for the million- plus clients who receive health care services in their home. “This budget is a step in the right direction,”
- [Finding Love and Laughter in a Battle with Cancer](https://www.vha.ca/news/finding-love-and-laughter-in-a-battle-with-cancer/) - In 2014, at only 47-years-old, Manjusha Pawagi was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukemia. Prior to the diagnosis, Manjusha had already led several “lives”—first as a journalist, a mother to twins, a children’s author, a lawyer, and a family court judge—before her most recent experience as a cancer survivor and author of the
- [Family Activities for People with Parkinson’s](https://www.vha.ca/2018/family-activities-for-people-with-parkinsons/) - If someone you love has Parkinson’s Disease, tremors, changed motor skills, mobility challenges and cognitive impairment can make it difficult to do the activities they’ve always enjoyed. This can be frustrating for not only your loved one, but also for family members that miss doing things together. As Parkinson’s progresses, it’s so important to encourage
- [How to Advocate for a Hospitalized Loved One](https://www.vha.ca/2018/how-to-advocate-for-a-hospitalized-loved-one/) - When someone you love is in the hospital, it can be a stressful, confusing and overwhelming time. To help navigate the endless medical jargon, countless opinions and revolving door of health professionals, you may need to be their eyes and ears. By being proactive and learning to advocate for your loved one, you will feel
- [Love Lessons from Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/2018/love-lessons-from-caregivers/) - Caregiving can be a thankless, grueling and heart-wrenching job. It can also be one of the most rewarding, loving and life-affirming things you’ll ever do. Often, it’s a big, messy mix of all these emotions. This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to recognize the incredible commitment it takes to care for a loved one. To celebrate, we
- [Karen's Tips when Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s](https://www.vha.ca/2018/karens-tips-when-caring-for-a-loved-one-with-alzheimers/) - As many empty nesters reach their late 50s, they start to plan for retirement and look forward to a new stage of life as a couple. But for Karen and Jack Gillespie, their future took a very different path. Nine years ago, at only 54-years-old, Jack was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. What started with
- [Balancing Caregiving and Your Relationship](https://www.vha.ca/2018/balancing-caregiving-and-your-relationship/) - Even the strongest relationships are put to the test when one or both partners are caregivers for someone they love. Financial pressures, exhaustion, resentment, distance and lack of privacy are just some of the ways caregiving stress can overwhelm a relationship. As a caregiver, you may become so focused on the needs of your loved
- [Five New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/2018/five-new-years-resolutions-for-caregivers/) - A new year means a fresh start and a chance to regroup, reflect and make some positive changes. Whether you are caring for an aging parent, a sick spouse or a child with complex needs, being a caregiver is an incredibly demanding role. As we welcome 2018, take a minute to recognize all your hard
- [Healthy Holiday Choices for Diabetics](https://www.vha.ca/blog/healthy-holiday-choices-for-diabetics/) - ‘Tis the season for travel, parties, baked goods, decadent snacks and alcohol. But if you have diabetes, these holiday hazards can derail an otherwise healthy routine. While you can’t control the temptations, you can maintain your weight and blood sugar levels AND enjoy the party! Try these tips to help you have a fun, festive
- [Peer Stroke Program Fosters Hope and Support](https://www.vha.ca/blog/peer-stroke-program-fosters-hope-and-support/) - After having a stroke nine years ago, Jane knows firsthand the isolation, frustration and anger that goes along with this condition. “When I was in the hospital there was no one to talk to about what I was going through. Nurses and doctors told me what they thought would happen, but they don’t know. They
- [Caregiving During the Holidays: Less Stress, More Joy](https://www.vha.ca/blog/caregiving-during-the-holidays-less-stress-more-joy/) - When a loved one needs around-the-clock care, the holiday season can trigger more stress and guilt than joy and peace. Even under the best circumstances, the holidays can be a complicated time. The day-to-day demands of caregiving combined with holiday expectations, can leave you feeling pretty overwhelmed. This year, try to be kind to yourself,
- [U of T Recognizes VHA Practicum Student for Innovative Work](https://www.vha.ca/news/u-of-t-recognizes-vha-practicum-student-for-innovative-work/) - Photo credit: IHPME Twitter Feed (@ihpmeuoft) We are proud to announce that one of VHA’s bright, young student placements was awarded first place at U of T IHPME’s Practicum Showcase: An Ignite Event on November 8. Syed Rayyan Qadri (who goes by Rayyan) was one of seven finalists invited to present at the event and he
- [Special town hall meeting held at AltspaceVR featuring VHA’s Dr. Sandra McKay](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZou09-yMVU#new_tab) - Video streamed live on Nov 13, 2017 on AltspaceVR's YouTube channel. November is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month and National Family Caregiver's Month. Join AltspaceVR for a special town hall event recognizing this important awareness campaign. Alzheimer's disease kills more people, than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Every 66 seconds someone develops the disease. What
- [Teacher in the House: Unique ESL Program Helps Newcomers Learn English at Home](https://www.vha.ca/news/teacher-in-the-house/) - As any parent will tell you, bringing a new baby into the world can be an overwhelming experience even when all the supports—relatives, neighbours and friends—are there to pitch in. But imagine if you were a newcomer with no family or friends nearby and limited language skills to communicate. It’s a barrier that many new
- [Could Virtual Reality Help Calm Alzheimer’s Patients?](https://www.vha.ca/blog/could-virtual-reality-help-calm-alzheimers-patients/) - “Mornings were my mom’s ‘witching hours,’” says Trish, a caregiver to her mother—who lived with Alzheimer’s disease—for nearly seven years before she passed away. “My dad was normally very easygoing and unflappable, but during those moments, he didn’t know what to do. My mom was fearful of something but she couldn’t communicate it. It was
- [Media Release: Toronto Program for Kids with Special Needs Seeks Funding to Continue](https://www.vha.ca/news/toronto-program-for-kids-with-special-needs-seeks-funding-to-continue/) - "Priceless" program that gives kids with medical complexities rare chance for socializing and parents much-needed break at risk of ending because of funding woes. WireService.ca Media Release (06/05/2017) TORONTO, ON - A unique program to give kids with complex medical needs a rare chance to hang out and play together may have taken its last
- [VHA Receives Best Practice Spotlight Organization Designation for 2017-2019](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-receives-best-practice-spotlight-organization-designation-for-2017-2019/) - TORONTO, ON – VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is pleased to announce that on May 26, 2017 it was awarded Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) designation from the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO). This designation recognizes VHA’s success in implementing and evaluating five Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) developed by the RNAO over a three year
- [The Sudbury Star: "Country marks National Family Caregiver Day"](https://www.vha.ca/news/the-sudbury-star-country-marks-national-family-caregiver-day/) - Article originally published in The Sudbury Star on April 4, 2017. Are you a caregiver to a loved one? Give yourself a big pat on the back. Tuesday marks National Family Caregiver Day across the country. Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault is thanking people in the northeast for the work they do every day to care
- [Niagara Falls Review: "Karen accepts award for caregivers, everywhere"](https://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/news-story/8193921-karen-accepts-award-for-caregivers-everywhere/#new_tab) - Article originally published in Niagara Falls Review on April 1, 2017. They stand at the foot of the stairs, their arms wrapped around each other. Karen Gillespie, 57, the shorter of the two, is one step higher than her 64-year-old husband, Jack. They talk to each other, eye-to-eye. Quietly. They do this, here on
- [CISION News Wire: "Follow the leaders - Eight Canadian home care organizations pioneering home care safety improvement"](http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/follow-the-leaders---eight-canadian-home-care-organizations-pioneering-home-care-safety-improvement-613826463.html#new_tab) - Follow the leaders - Eight Canadian home care organizations pioneering home care safety improvement MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Striving for safe patient care when delivering home care services poses many challenges. Inconsistencies in care planning and delivery, potential medication errors, and home safety risks are examples of possible risks. Eight leading home care
- [Watch all the videos from VHA’s Spectacular Spirit Surprise 2016](https://www.vha.ca/news/watch-all-the-videos-from-vhas-spectacular-spirit-surprise-2016/) - New for this year, VHA ended its 90th year with a splash by making the holidays extra bright for some of our clients and workers who could use a boost during the holiday season. We surprised a total of 17 people, which included both our staff and clients, with special gifts during the holiday season.
- [VHA Home HealthCare Receives “Exemplary” Accreditation Status](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-receives-exemplary-accreditation-status/) - TORONTO, ON, December 21, 2016 – VHA Home HealthCare has been accredited with “Exemplary Standing” by Accreditation Canada. The achievement marks the third consecutive time that VHA has met 99.99 percent of the accreditation body’s national standards for quality and safety. The news comes after Accreditation Canada surveyors spent three days conducting an extensive review
- [Theresa and Hope: Friends Until The End](https://www.vha.ca/blog/theresa-and-hope-friends-until-the-end/) - “She was perfect, so easy going, bubbly, spontaneous and really fun to be with. We travelled together a lot…went on a cruise, we were exactly the same,” reminisces Theresa MacKinnon, a 71-year old caregiver to VHA client, Lynda Adair (Hope). But true friends are there not just for the laughs, they’re also there for the
- [The Londoner: "London Community Foundation announces 2016 Community Vitality grants"](https://www.thelondoner.ca/2016/11/16/london-community-foundation-announces-2016-community-vitality-grants/wcm/f6bf44e2-2615-5b10-eaab-f7390b31affa#new_tab) - Article originally published in The Londoner on November 16, 2016. Four local organizations are receiving a share of $1 million through grants announced by the London Community Foundation (LCF) at their fourth annual Community Vitality Celebration November 10. Martha Powell, president and CEO of the LCF, said this year’s Community Vitality grant recipients are
- [London Community Foundation Helps Address London Hoarding Challenges with Community Vitality Grant](https://www.vha.ca/news/london-community-foundation-helps-address-london-hoarding-challenges-with-community-vitality-grant/) - London Community Foundation Helps Address London Hoarding Challenges with Community Vitality Grant LONDON November 10, 2016—VHA Home HealthCare’s (VHA) London branch is delighted to announce it has been awarded a Community Vitality Grant for over $186,000 to support the development of a London/Middlesex County Hoarding Support Services Network using the foundation’s unrestricted, Smart and Caring
- [Hospital News: "Help for caregivers"](https://hospitalnews.com/help-for-caregivers/#new_tab) - Article originally published in Hospital News on September 12, 2016. Leo Diagnault has plenty of stories to tell. As a younger man, the World War II veteran worked all across the country—on the CN rail lines, as a security guard at Rideau Hall, and as an airline mechanic. Today, Leo spends most of his
- [Hospital News: "Challenges, rewards and revelations"](https://hospitalnews.com/challenges-rewards-and-revelations/#new_tab) - Article originally published in Hospital News on August 9, 2016. Becoming a parent for the first time is a challenging experience, even in the best of scenarios. But for Fiona, motherhood was stacked with seemingly insurmountable odds. “I dropped out of high school at 16, flaked off for a few years and found myself
- [Welcome Kathryn Nichol, VHA’s New Vice-President, BPRE & CNE](https://www.vha.ca/news/welcome-kathryn-nichol-vhas-new-vice-president-bpre-cne/) - Welcome Kathryn Nichol, VHA’s New Vice-President, BPRE & CNE I am very pleased to announce that Kathryn Nichol will be joining VHA as Vice President, Best Practices, Research and Education (BPRE) & Chief Nursing Executive. Kathryn will assume the role from Bea Mudge whose upcoming retirement was announced earlier this year. Kathryn brings to her
- [Seniors with a health condition: Beating the summer heat](https://www.vha.ca/blog/seniors-with-a-health-condition-beating-the-summer-heat/) - While most of us look forward to the warm summer months, the extreme heat can be dangerous. Each summer, hundreds of Canadians are hospitalized for dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other potentially serious conditions. This can be a real worry for long-distance caregivers with parents living in a space that’s not air-conditioned. Here are
- [Activation Program Shows Promising Results](https://www.vha.ca/blog/activation-program-shows-promising-results/) - “I feel safe, my husband feels safe, we have a terrific PSW…I feel comfortable that my husband is in good hands,” says Kam Weingarten, who cares for her 88-year old husband who has Zenker Diverticulum, a condition that causes pneumonia and aspiration. Over two million people in 2012 received some form of care at home
- [Hospital News: "A caring heart gets her just reward"](https://hospitalnews.com/a-caring-heart-gets-her-just-reward/#new_tab) - This article was originally published in Hospital News on June 15, 2016. Moosa Ismail was a people person. The South African-born grandfather loved to dance and have fun. “He was quite a character,” says his daughter-in-law, Mona. “To me, he was just one happy person.” That joyfulness endured even as Moosa developed Alzheimer’s disease
- [A son, a brother and a young caregiver: Andrew shares his experience at 18](https://www.vha.ca/blog/a-son-a-brother-and-a-young-caregiver-andrew-shares-his-experience-at-18/) - We received many nominations for the Heart of Home Care award that touched our heart and so we continue sharing these amazing, inspiring stories. At 18, life is inundated with commitments to friends, playing video games and keeping up with the latest social media platform. For most teens, the idea of being a caregiver is
- [Globe Wire: "VHA Home HealthCare Wins Not-for-Profit Communications Department of the Year"](http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/-2126874.htm#new_tab) - TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 19, 2016) - VHA Home HealthCare has been awarded the 2016 Ovation Award of Distinction for Not-for-Profit Communications Department of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) - Toronto. The prestigious Ovation Awards celebrate excellence in communications and recognize extraordinary talent and the power to capture people's attention,
- [Meet our 2016 Client Choice Award Winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/client-choice-award-winners-2016/) - VHA’s Client Choice Award winners were honoured last week at the Toronto Staff and Service Provider Award Event. Their clients sent in glowing nominations of going the extra mile to provide spectacular service. We think you’ll agree. https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Ay9027yhOs?feature=oembed Van Bation, Personal Support Worker https://www.youtube.com/embed/1xA8nFQSO_0?feature=oembed Emily Laxamana, PSW https://www.youtube.com/embed/628I_l3ZJBs?feature=oembed Jil Lindo, Registered Nurse https://www.youtube.com/embed/XavqanEi0Qo?feature=oembed Esteban Silvestre,
- [Oshawa This Week: "Oshawa’s Suzanne Retter wins VHA Home Healthcare Award after caring for sick friend"](https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/6530474-oshawa-s-suzanne-retter-wins-vha-home-healthcare-award-after-caring-for-sick-friend/#new_tab) - Article originally posted by DurhamRegion.com as part of Oshawa This Week on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 by Sean Heeger. Oshawa’s Suzanne Retter wins VHA Home Healthcare Award after caring for sick friend Spent months looking after friend dying from cancer OSHAWA -- Could you give up your job and everything else to take care
- [The ABCs of Diabetes Management](https://www.vha.ca/blog/the-abcs-of-diabetes-management/) - If you or a loved one have diabetes, the risk for heart disease, stroke and other complications such as eye and kidney disease, nerve damage and foot problems increases. Keeping blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range can reduce the risk of these complications. Discuss the results of these tests with a
- [The Importance of Insulin for Diabetes Management](https://www.vha.ca/blog/the-importance-of-insulin-for-diabetes-management/) - Are you using insulin? Many people with Type 2 diabetes require medications and/or insulin to stay healthy. This is normal and important because taking medications will help you or your loved one prevent and manage possible health complications. There are a number of diabetes medications, which work in different ways. For example, some medications: Help
- [Hospital News: "Research in residence: Growing home care studies"](https://hospitalnews.com/research-residence-growing-home-care-studies/#new_tab) - Article originally published in Hospital News on April 4, 2016. Written by VHA Home HealthCare. For many, the notion of a medical research project usually conjures up images of an isolated, white, sterile room somewhere deep inside a world-class hospital or university lab. And while this may be true in some instances, VHA Home HealthCare
- [National Carers Day and VHA's #MyCarerMoment Contest](https://www.vha.ca/news/national-carers-day-and-vhas-mycarermoment-contest/) - April 5, 2016 is National Carers Day! And in honor of all the Family Cargivers, we asked VHA’s fantastic and caring staff and service providers to share their memorable carer moments with us during our #MyCarerMoment. Read the stories and watch our video below. Dorothy I went to my client one afternoon and she had
- [Nutrition and Physical Activity for People with Kidney Disease](https://www.vha.ca/blog/nutrition-and-physical-activity-for-people-with-kidney-disease/) - March 1 marked the beginning of Kidney Health Month and March 12 is World Kidney Day. When caring for someone with kidney disease it’s vital that your loved one eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to stay healthy for as long as possible. Kidney disease typically affects the body’s ability to get rid of
- [Hospital News: "Preparing your home for a loved one’s return from hospital"](https://hospitalnews.com/preparing-your-home-for-a-loved-ones-return-from-hospital/#new_tab) - Article originally published in Hospital News on February 24, 2016. Returning home from a hospital stay is a transition worth celebrating! Coming back to a familiar environment and the comforts of home can go a long way to mending spirits and physical ailments. Although your loved one might not need round-the-clock care, pain, mobility, poor
- [CTV Toronto: "Program brings occupational therapists into classrooms" - VHA Occupational Therapist Ana Talag featured](https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=806045&playlistId=1.2773129&binId=1.3378530&playlistPageNum=1#new_tab) - Segment aired in February 2016 on CTV News Toronto.
- [Winter Safety Tips for Seniors](https://www.vha.ca/news/winter-safety-tips-for-seniors/) - In a country with such harsh winters, the ice and snow doesn’t just mean tough driving conditions, it’s also a hazard for slipping and falling. This is especially a worry for seniors as falling is one of the biggest health hazards seniors face and this risk greatly increases during the winter months. A bad fall
- [Diabetes and your Feet: A Daily Foot Care Checklist](https://www.vha.ca/blog/diabetes-and-your-feet-a-daily-foot-care-checklist/) - Diabetes can affect a number of the body’s systems, including circulation, immune system and nerves. Over time, this damage may show up in the feet resulting in pain or a loss of sensation. You or your loved one may be less likely to feel a foot injury such as a blister or cut. Because the
- [The Globe and Mail: "What it’s like to clean a hoarder’s home"](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/what-its-like-to-create-order-in-a-hoarders-home/article28319145/) - Article originally posted on The Globe and Mail by VHA Extreme Cleaner Daniel Hutchens. This is part of a series that looks at extraordinary experiences in personal health. Share yours at health@globeandmail.com. Some of my co-workers and I have this running joke about cockroaches falling on our heads. And it actually happened to me for
- [Hospital News: "Co-designing home care with clients and their families"](https://hospitalnews.com/co-designing-home-care-with-clients-and-their-families/#new_tab) - Article originally published by Hospital News in November 10, 2015. Incorporating the insights, ideas and feedback of patients and their family members in the design and delivery of health services has been crucial to providing patient-centred care in many hospitals for the last several years. But in #home care, the notion of clients (patients)
- [Justin Trudeau: A day in the shoes of a Personal Support Worker](https://www.vha.ca/blog/justin-trudeau-a-day-in-the-shoes-of-a-psw/) - Source: SEIU Healthcare Canada's YouTube channel A new video released by SEIU Healthcare, the healthcare union, shows MP and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau joining Emily, a Toronto personal support worker (PSW), on a regular homecare visit with her elderly client, Antonietta. In June, the union extended an invitation to Ottawa’s three main political leaders to
- [Getting Home Care Right: VHA’s Response to the Auditor General’s Report on CCACs](https://www.vha.ca/news/getting-home-care-right-vhas-response-to-the-auditor-generals-report-on-ccacs/) - The Auditor General’s Special Report on Ontario’s Community Care Access Centres’ (CCACs) continues to thrust home and community care into the spotlight. While this much anticipated report points out some pretty big challenges and problems within our system, it also identifies opportunities for improvement. So regardless of what anyone may feel about some of the
- [VHA Home HealthCare Selected by Central East CCAC to Deliver Integrated Palliative Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-selected-by-central-east-ccac-to-deliver-integrated-palliative-care/) - TORONTO, ONTARIO, (August 19, 2015)—VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)—a not-for-profit, charitable organization—is delighted to announce it has been selected by Central East’s Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) to deliver integrated palliative care in Durham and Scarborough. “We know that overwhelmingly people want to live out their last days at home,” says VHA’s CEO and President, Carol
- [VHA Home HealthCare is seeking board directors and/or board committee candidates](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-is-seeking-board-directors-and-or-board-committee-candidates/) - VHA Home HealthCare, one of the province’s leading not for profit home care providers, is seeking qualified individuals with previous board experience and an appreciation of not-for-profit governance. We are seeking individuals with diverse life experiences and an interest in giving back to their communities. We will benefit from your leadership in one or more
- [Hitting the Gas on Home Care Reform: VHA’s Response to Globe and Mail Series on Home Care](https://www.vha.ca/news/vhas-response-to-globe-and-mail-series-on-home-care/) - Earlier this week, The Globe did a thorough job of highlighting the myriad of issues in delivering quality home care in their article No place like home? Investigating Ontario’s home-care shortcomings. The system, like the people it serves, is complex, thorny and distinctive. There is no simple one-size-fits-all solution to delivering care in the community,
- [Hospital News: "Smartphones help to improve the patient experience at home"](https://hospitalnews.com/smartphones-help-to-improve-the-patient-experience-at-home/) - Article posted in Hospital News on July 2015. Recently, many home care organizations have jumped on to the mobile information highway as a way of connecting workers out in the community with their administrative support staff back in the office. While improved connectivity and instant access to visit information/confirmation are definite pluses, for VHA
- [CBC: "Hoarders learn to unload their stuff and the stigma" - VHA’s hoarding support program helps two Toronto residents](https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/hoarders-learn-to-unload-their-stuff-and-the-stigma-1.3099034#new_tab) - Article originally published on CBC on June 6, 2015 by Janet Thomson and Manmeet Ahluwalia. Support groups are growing since hoarding was declared a mental disorder. "Jesus, Lord!" exclaims Bridgette as she stumbles into her bedroom, tripping over mounds of clothing piled on every surface. She picks a path across her room and says,
- [Globe Newswire: "VHA Home HealthCare Applauds Announcement of Increased Funding to Home Care"](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-applauds-announcement-of-increased-funding-to-home-care/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)-a not-for-profit organization that admits more than 85,000 clients (patients) annually-lauds today's announcement by Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Eric Hoskins about the Ontario government's plan to increase its home and community care investment by $750 million dollars over the next three years. "We're delighted by the news," says VHA CEO
- [Woodstock Sentinel Review: "Husband who cares for his wife with Alzheimer's at home slated to received the Heart of Homecare Award"](https://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2015/05/07/husband-who-cares-for-his-wife-with-alzheimers-at-home-slated-to-received-the-heart-of-homecare-award/wcm/7c085255-0fe7-a494-0f2b-0f4c8c4e86fc#new_tab) - Article originally published in Woodstock Sentinel-Review on May 7, 2015 by Heather Rivers. Numerous colourful artworks adorn the walls of the Heeney’s century-old farmhouse on the outskirts of Ingersoll. They are the handiwork of Elizabeth Heeney, a local professional artist, whose works have been displayed in art galleries around the province. “She painted the
- [Globe Newswire: "Powerful Caregiver Videos Capture Top Prize for VHA Home HealthCare in International Competition"](https://www.vha.ca/news/powerful-caregiver-videos-capture-top-prize-for-vha-home-healthcare-in-international-competition/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) earned top prize for Best Event Video at PR Daily's 2014 Video Awards announced May 1, 2015. The series of four videos were created for VHA's annual Heart of Home Care Awards by Toronto-based company Flash Frame Digital. The video awards program, which receives submissions from around the globe, is presented
- [Powerful Caregiver Videos Capture Top Prize for VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/news/powerful-caregiver-videos-capture-top-prize-for-vha-home-healthcare/) - TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 4, 2015) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) earned top prize for Best Event Video at PR Daily's 2014 Video Awards announced May 1, 2015. The series of four videos were created for VHA's annual Heart of Home Care Awards by Toronto-based company Flash Frame Digital. The video awards program, which receives submissions from around the globe, is
- [Announcing our 2015 Client Choice Award Winners](https://www.vha.ca/news/announcing-our-2015-client-choice-award-winners/) - VHA is committed to bringing the voices, feedback and ideas of clients and their families into all that we do. So what could be better than asking YOU our clients and families for your input and thoughts about who should win VHA’s Barbara Blackstock-Cody Client Choice Awards?We received nearly 400 nominations! Stories of committed, compassionate
- [Globe Newswire: "VHA Home HealthCare receives Best Practice Spotlight Organization Designation"](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2015/04/21/929032/0/en/VHA-Home-HealthCare-Receives-Best-Practice-Spotlight-Organization-Designation.html#new_tab) - TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 21, 2015) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is pleased to announce that on April 15, 2015 it was awarded Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) designation from the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO). This designation recognizes VHA's success in implementing and evaluating five Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) developed by the RNAO
- [VHA receives Best Practice Spotlight Organization Designation for 2015-2017](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-receives-best-practice-spotlight-organization-designation-for-2015-2017/) - TORONTO, ON – VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is pleased to announce that on April 15, 2015 it was awarded Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) designation from the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO). This designation recognizes VHA’s success in implementing and evaluating five Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) developed by the RNAO over a three year
- [Celebrating 90 Years of Service](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-90-years-of-service/) - In 2015, VHA celebrated 90 years of incredible service to Ontario's community. From our humble beginning with just 14 housekeepers, our organization has grown to more than 2,200 staff and service providers. VHA services have expanded to encompass health care, personal support, and community support programs for individuals and families, where and when they need
- [Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Managing Kidney Disease](https://www.vha.ca/blog/healthy-lifestyle-tips-for-managing-kidney-disease/) - Today is World Kidney Day. To help our clients and their loved ones who are managing kidney disease, we have collected helpful tips to share. Eating well and regular exercise are key players for maintaining a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle. This is especially true for those who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). If you or
- [CBC's Metro Morning: VHA Occupational Therapist Catherine Chater talks to Metro Morning’s Matt Galloway about hoarding in Toronto](https://www.cbc.ca/metromorning/episodes/2015/01/05/hoarding/#new_tab) - This episode of Metro Morning originally aired on CBC January 5, 2015. Click here to listen to a recording of the episode.
- [What is High Blood Pressure and Tips for Management](https://www.vha.ca/blog/what-is-high-blood-pressure-and-tips-for-management/) - Having high blood pressure is one of the main causes of both heart disease and stroke, as well as other health issues such as kidney disease, congestive heart failure and blindness. It is especially dangerous because most people don’t know they have high blood pressure until they discover a health problem. If your loved one
- [London Free Press: "Hoarding support program swamped in London"](https://lfpress.com/2014/08/05/hoarders-support-program-swamped-in-london/wcm/d27392b0-c6a7-1409-13bb-ab73d2f6d610#new_tab) - Article originally published in London Free Press on August 5, 2014. It was meant to help those overwhelmed by their own possessions. But a program set up to deal with what’s been called a “critical” hoarding situation in London is already swamped. Unable to attract enough volunteers — only two have signed up —
- [Toronto Sun: "Dirty secret: Toronto hoarder comes clean" - VHA’s Director of New Ventures and Community Programs Cheryl Perera weighs in on hoarding](https://torontosun.com/2014/08/02/dirty-secret-toronto-hoarder-comes-clean/wcm/26d39be3-4c5d-46aa-a101-a540dc3d875d#new_tab) - Article originally posted in Toronto Sun on August 3, 2014 by Jenny Yuen. Dirty secret: Toronto hoarder comes clean Marie’s apartment looks more like a department store after an earthquake. At 5-foot-2, she stands in the middle her living room in the rubble. Towering piles of stuff threaten to consume her. Two loveseats are
- [Aurora Banner: "CHATS helps York Region seniors deal with clutter, hoarding"](https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/4646949-chats-helps-york-region-seniors-deal-with-clutter-hoarding/#new_tab) - Article originally published in the Aurora Banner, York Region on July 23, 2014 by Chris Traber. A sparkle lights up Lillian Fodor’s kind eyes and there’s a smile on the senior’s friendly face. That wasn’t the case up until last week, the 67-year old said with a delightful hint of French accent, a holdover
- [Kingston Herald: "Kingston Area Woman Wins Provincial Caregiver Award"](http://kingstonherald.com/news/caregiver-award-2010313523#new_tab) - Article originally published in Kingston Herald on June 12, 2014 by Heather Denise. On Monday night, the Kingston region’s Vicky Willis was one of four caregivers across Ontario who received the Heart of Home Care Award from VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). Vicky and her husband Jeff had just settled in to their waterside dream
- [Kingston WHIG Standard: "Woman's caregiving recognized"](https://www.thewhig.com/2014/06/17/womans-caregiving-recognized/wcm/e4e7fee8-c918-d8fc-00b4-904805c3f3d9#new_tab) - Article originally published in The Kingston WHIG Standard on June 17, 2014 by Ian MacAlpine. A Gananoque area woman has received a provincial award for the care she has given her husband after he was diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease four years ago. Vicky Willis, who lives between Kingston and Gananoque, was one
- [The London Free Press: "Caregiver parents honoured by VHA"](https://lfpress.com/2014/06/15/caregiver-parents-honoured-by-vha/wcm/9a833971-13c0-9074-bdac-b56ef74fed48#new_tab) - Article originally published in The London Free Press on June 15, 2014 by Jonathan Sher. A London mother who has cared for two children with a fatal disorder has been honoured for her efforts to make their lives rich in love and compassion. Kazumi Alsemgeest moved with her husband, David, to London from Japan
- [The Londoner: "London mother given Home Care Award"](https://www.thelondoner.ca/2014/06/13/london-given-home-care-award/wcm/0277eb3a-7d8c-1ca1-308d-dbeb8653d696#new_tab) - Article originally published in The Londoner on June 13, 2014. For Kazumi Alsemgeest, providing ’round the clock care to her children is just a part of parenting. However, on June 9, Kazumi received one of only four VHA Home HealthCare Heart of Home Care awards for the care she provides two of her three
- [Toronto Star: "Hoarding a vicious cycle without psychological support" - VHA Occupational Therapist Catherine Chater comments about the issue of hoarding](https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/05/18/hoarding_a_vicious_cycle_without_psychological_support.html#new_tab) - Article originally published in Toronto Star on May 18, 2014 by Jane Gerster. The front porch of Dennis Cibulka’s Davisville home smells faintly of cat urine, the animals winding their way through piles of stacked boxes. Clad in hazmat suits, fire officials spent days at the home last November, removing overflowing piles of paper,
- [CityNews: "City pays heavy costs for hoarding" - VHA President and CEO Carol Annett weighs in on VHA’s hoarding support program and funds totalling $385,000 in this follow-up story](https://toronto.citynews.ca/2014/04/30/city-pays-heavy-costs-for-hoarding/#new_tab) - Video originally posted by CityNews on April 30, 2014.
- [Hospital News: "Home care: A fine balance"](https://hospitalnews.com/home-care-fine-balance/#new_tab) - Article originally posted in Hospital News on April 30, 2014. #Home care may not be new, but with increasing professionalization of the sector, it has evolved, revealing fresh challenges and opportunities. Though home care providers share a commitment to quality healthcare with their counterparts in hospitals, their work reality is distinctly different. “In home
- [CityNews: "Hoarding issue returns to midtown neighbourhood" - VHA OT Catherine Chater comments on hoarding in Toronto](https://toronto.citynews.ca/2014/04/29/hoarding-issue-returns-to-midtown-neighbourhood/#new_tab) - Video originally published on CityNews on April 29, 2014. One midtown neighbourhood has been caught in the middle of a hoarding cycle for years. CityNews reporter Amanda Ferguson finds out if a new program approved by city council in December may be a solution to this complicated problem.
- [Hospital News: "Volunteers support at-risk families beyond the delivery room"](https://hospitalnews.com/volunteers-support-at-risk-families-beyond-the-delivery-room/#new_tab) - Artical originally posted in Hospital News on November 12, 2013. As any new mom or dad will tell you, parenting can be challenging at the best of times. But if you’re a new parent who is also coping with your own severe illness, managing multiples or a special needs child with little outside help,
- [Toronto Star: "City slow to move on Beach cat hoarder" - VHA’s Cheryl Perera comments on hoarding challenge in Toronto](https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/10/08/city_slow_to_move_on_beach_cat_hoarder.html#new_tab) - Article originally posted in Toronto Star on October 8, 2013 by Valerie Hauch. For years, the smell of cat feces wafting noxiously from a neighbour’s property in the Beach prevented Holly Sharpe and her family from enjoying something as simple as a backyard barbecue. “You can’t eat in that environment — it’s sickening,’’ said
- [Are You Enabling Your Loved One’s Hoarding Habit?](https://www.vha.ca/blog/are-you-enabling-your-loved-ones-hoarding-habit/) - Last year, a Toronto researcher launched the first study of its kind – an exploration into the link between hoarders and their loved ones. The study’s focus was on the tendency of family members to enable their loved ones to continue hoarding. Martin Antony, chair of the Psychology department at Ryerson University explains that since
- [Supporting Your Loved One through Depression](https://www.vha.ca/blog/supporting-your-loved-one-through-depression/) - If your loved one is struggling with depression and you’d like to offer help, the good news is that your support and encouragement can play an important role in the recovery of a depressed friend or family member. But before approaching your loved one, it’s important to gain a better understanding of depression. Here are
- [Caring for Your Feet](https://www.vha.ca/blog/caring-for-your-feet/) - Did you know that one quarter of your body’s 206 bones are in your feet? That’s 26 bones in each foot! Every time a step is taken, there are also 33 joints per foot working with an intricate group of muscles and tendons to get you from one place to another. Not only do you
- [10 Tips to Help Manage Chronic Pain](https://www.vha.ca/blog/10-tips-to-help-manage-chronic-pain/) - It goes without saying that a person’s quality of life is drastically reduced when he or she suffers from chronic pain. For many, managing the pain is a battle just to get through the day; but chronic pain doesn’t need to take over your life. By making these permanent lifestyle changes you can regain control
- [5 Ways to Be a Healthy Caregiver](https://www.vha.ca/blog/5-ways-to-be-a-healthy-caregiver/) - Taking care of a disabled or chronically ill loved one full-time can quickly and completely take over the life of a caregiver. And when you’re busy caring for others, it can be easy to forget your own health. But it’s important to remember that taking care of your own physical and emotional needs is the
- [Home Healthcare Now: "Hoarding in the Home, A Toolkit for the Home Healthcare Provider"](https://journals.lww.com/homehealthcarenurseonline/Fulltext/2013/03000/Hoarding_in_the_Home__A_Toolkit_for_the_Home.6.aspx#new_tab) - Abstract Hoarding is a mental health disorder characterized by difficulties with discarding possessions, yielding cluttered and chaotic home environments that can pose significant safety concerns, impairment to functioning, and distress for those who live in and encounter these situations. Understanding the condition and the strategies available to support individuals who hoard are important skills for
- [VHA Achieves Accreditation with Exemplary Standing](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-achieves-accreditation-with-exemplary-standing/) - The results are in! In VHA’s November 2012 Accreditation Canada survey, VHA was awarded accreditation with “Exemplary Standing”. We are pleased to announce that VHA met 100% of Accreditation Canada’s standards for quality and safety. This is familiar territory for us, as we also met 100% of the standards in our last survey in 2009.
- [How to Deal with Criticism as a Caregiver](https://www.vha.ca/2012/how-to-deal-with-criticism-as-a-caregiver/) - Being a caregiver is full of challenges and when others start to make suggestions and criticize your efforts it can add even more stress. Typically with caregiving, the majority of the responsibility of caring for a loved one falls on one person. However, often other family members get involved and offer their opinions even if
- [Encouraging Your Elderly Loved One to Stay Social](https://www.vha.ca/2012/encouraging-your-elderly-loved-one-to-stay-social/) - As people age, staying social and involved in the community becomes even more important and seniors are at a higher risk of suffering from loneliness and isolation. Living alone, retirement, losing loved ones and poor health conditions can all prevent seniors from being social. But studies show people who are social are less likely to
- [City Line Magazine: "The Bits and Pieces of a Hoarder"](http://www.citylifemagazine.ca/2012/04/general-interest/special_features/the-bits-and-pieces-of-a-hoarder/10759/#new_tab) - Article originally posted by City Line Magazine on April 11, 2012 by Simona Panetta. At a Second Cup on the corner of King West and John streets, Carol* sits across from me at a back table in a black blazer and white blouse, her dark jeans pulling the look together in a smart-casual sort of
- [The Benefits of Volunteering](https://www.vha.ca/2012/the-benefits-of-volunteering/) - It’s National Volunteer Week, which means we’re thanking the 12.5 million volunteers who choose to dedicate their time and talents to their communities. Volunteers make a huge difference in Canada. For example, VHA volunteers give caregivers a much deserved rest, allowing them to take care of themselves and be better able to care for their
- [Stoney Creek News: "Reward a deserving caregiver by April 19"](https://issuu.com/hamilton_community_news/docs/stoneycrk_apr12#new_tab) - Article originally in Stoney Creek news on April 12, 2012. Do you know a family who is caring for an ailing or disabled loved one? VHA Home HealthCare is accepting nominations of family caregivers in Ontario until April 19. A deserving caregiver could win $1000. Send nominations to kanderson@vha.ca or mail to VHA Home
- [Who Gets to Decide How Much Your Aging Parent Can Do?](https://www.vha.ca/2012/who-gets-to-decide-how-much-your-aging-parent-can-do/) - Do you often hear phrases such as “Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do!” or “You’re treating me like a child!”? If you’re an adult child helping a parent in declining health you’ve likely heard these words at one time or another. As children, it’s human nature to want to protect a parent who seems to
- [How to Tell if a Senior is Depressed](https://www.vha.ca/2012/how-to-tell-if-a-senior-is-depressed/) - Depression is the most common type of mental illness found in seniors. If you’re caring for or helping out a senior, it’s important to understand what depression is, what the signs are and what you can do to help. Depression is not a normal part of growing old and it is treatable. Depression in seniors
- [5 Tips for Caring for Someone with Kidney Disease](https://www.vha.ca/2012/5-tips-for-caring-for-someone-with-kidney-disease/) - Kidneys are very important organs in your body–they remove waste, balance your body’s minerals, regulate water and produce and control hormones. Kidney disease typically affects your body’s ability to remove waste and excess fluid, causing them to accumulate in the body. Here are some tips on how you can help your loved one with kidney
- [Caring for Someone After a Stroke](https://www.vha.ca/2012/caring-for-someone-after-a-stroke/) - A stroke, which is caused by a clot or bleed in the brain, can be very serious. People who’ve had a stroke often need extra care for the rest of their lives. Caring for someone who has had a stroke can be challenging. Although no two strokes are alike, here are some helpful tips on
- [Why is Home Care the System's Best Kept Secret?](https://www.vha.ca/2012/why-is-home-care-the-systems-best-kept-secret/) - In my own journey as a caregiver, I came to realize a lot of truths about the health care system where I live: Unless you ask, you probably won’t receive. The system heavily relies on family members to care for ailing relatives. More home care could definitely help a lot of people to live more
- [Signs a Senior May Need Extra Support](https://www.vha.ca/2011/signs-a-senior-may-need-extra-support/) - I remember the moment I realized my mom was having real trouble moving around. Actually, looking back there were lots of signs. She had fallen twice–once so badly that she ended up with a swollen black eye and a rush to emergency (thankfully her best friend was with her when it happened). But it wasn’t
- [Name Change for Our Ottawa Location](https://www.vha.ca/news/name-change-for-our-ottawa-location/) - As of Thursday December 15, 2011, VHA Home HealthCare’s Ottawa branch, VHA Rehab Solutions, will become Champlain Rehab Solutions. This name change was made to avoid market confusion with another organization in the Ottawa region that VHA Home HealthCare has no affiliation with. For online information regarding this branch please visit www.champlainrehabsolutions.ca. Note: there will
- [National Post: "The Horrors of Hoarding"](https://nationalpost.com/news/the-horrors-of-hoarding#new_tab) - Article originally posted by National Post on March 21, 2011 by Ben Kaplan. The woman lived on the east side of Toronto and had a myriad of health issues that made it difficult for her to leave home. In her late sixties and subsiding on the health supplement Ensure, the woman’s house was dark, dank
- [Globe Newswire: "VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) Helps People Dig Out of Clutter and Hoarding With Innovative Resource"](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2011/02/17/1392417/0/en/VHA-Home-HealthCare-VHA-Helps-People-Dig-Out-of-Clutter-and-Hoarding-With-Innovative-Resource.html#new_tab) - TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 17, 2011) - After several years in the making, VHA today released The Community Clutter and Hoarding Toolkit—the first resource of its kind to support every level of clutter support in the community—from health care professionals, to housing, community and social workers, to landlords/building managers to family and friends of the
- [CityNews: "Sibling Hoarders Face Eviction If They Don't Clean Up"](https://toronto.citynews.ca/2010/11/24/sibling-hoarders-face-eviction-if-they-dont-clean-up/#new_tab) - Article originally posted by CityNews on November 24, 2010. It’s a compulsion that for the most part takes place behind closed doors. But hoarding has been thrust into the public’s eye with A&E’s popular television documentary, Hoarders, gripping viewers with startling, sometimes frightening footage. In Toronto, a recent fire at 200 Wellesley reportedly broke out
- [Longwoods: "‘SafeStart’ your way to improving safety in home health care"](https://www.longwoods.com/pages/expo-improving-safety-finalist-VHA#new_tab) - 2010 Award Finalist VHA Home HealthCare The Problem Client and staff safety is and must be a priority in all health care sectors. This is especially true in home care where there are fewer controls on the work environment. A recent study found a 13.2 percent adverse event rate in home care, compared to an
- [The Epoch Times: "Compulsive Hoarding: When It Goes Beyond Clutter"](https://www.theepochtimes.com/compulsive-hoarding-when-it-goes-beyond-clutter_1509058.html#new_tab) - Article originally posted by The Epoch Time on August 30, 2010 by Joan Delaney. Stacks of old newspapers and clothing piled to the ceiling in every room; chaotic mounds of valuables, junk, rotten food, and even human waste all mixed together; so much stuff packed into the kitchen and bathroom that they can’t be used.
- [Snapd North Toronto: "VHA Home HealthCare 85th Anniversary Bash"](https://northtoronto.snapd.com/events/view/175387#new_tab) - Article originally posted by snapd on May 20, 2010. VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) hosted a night of glitz and glamour on May 20th, creating an inspired evening reminiscent of the 1920s to celebrate 85 years of valuable services. Over 400 VHA workers attended the 85th anniversary bash and everyone looked fantastic in their boa.
- [Celebrating 85 Years: Who was Barbara Blackstock Cody?](https://www.vha.ca/news/celebrating-85-years-who-was-barbara-blackstock-cody/) - “..We all learned from her that a lady is someone who gets on her hands and knees and scrubs the floor, someone who does whatever she is doing well.” – Sheila Connell, Barbara’s niece. VHA’s celebrated founder was many things: a maternal feminist, a beloved aunt, a loving wife and an immensely important social reform
- [VHA Home HealthCare Earns Fourth Accreditation](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-earns-fourth-accreditation/) - We’re delighted to announce that VHA has once again earned full accreditation status from Accreditation Canada (formerly known as the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation). The surveyors were on site from November 29 until December 2,2009 to assess how well VHA meets national standards of excellence inquality and safety of home care services, organizational
- [78-year-old resident honoured as a Hero by VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/2009-and-earlier/78-year-old-resident-honoured-as-a-hero-by-vha-home-healthcare/) - Every year, VHA Home HealthCare's Heroes in the Home Award recognized the extraordinary efforts of a friend of family member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide a loved one who is disabled, elderly or chronically ill with the support needed to live at home. While Albert Martens - a
- [VHA Home HealthCare Accredited for its third three-year cycle](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-accredited-for-its-third-three-year-cycle/) - VHA Home HealthCare’s third CanadianCouncil on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA) survey took place in late November 2006. All staff got involved this year through the self-assessment teams, the survey preparation, or through “accreditation challenges”, competitive games that raised awareness of the accreditation process and related CQI concepts. Close to 100% participation was achieved! Participating in
- [VHA Home HealthCare launches its “Heroes in the Home” Awards](https://www.vha.ca/news/vha-home-healthcare-launches-its-heroes-in-the-home-awards/) - To commemorate VHA’s 80th birthday and to honour our non-professional partners in care, VHA is launching our new Heroes in the Home Award. Each year, VHA will select a family member or friend whose caregiving has significantly enhanced the quality of life of their loved one or friend and allowed them to live at home

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.vha.ca/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is a not-for-profit charitable organization that offers 24/7 health care and support services to people of all ages and backgrounds.
- [Rob Lee](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/rob-lee/) - Rob Lee is an accomplished CIO whose career has spanned over 22 years in the field of Information Technology in healthcare. Rob has a strong track record of success and consistently inspires others to explore new frontiers in their roles.
- [Sarah Downey](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/sarah-downey/) - Sarah Downey is a senior healthcare leader whose career spans 25+ years across a broad range of hospitals including community, academic, and complex multi-institutional organizations. In 2022, Sarah was appointed President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world leading research centre in this field.
- [Voice Newsletter](https://www.vha.ca/recent-news/newsletter-voice/) - VHA Voice is a monthly newsletter that shares important information, recent updates and helpful tips with our clients and their caregivers.
- [Peer-Reviewed Publications](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/peer-reviewed-publications/)
- [Excelerator Newsletter](https://www.vha.ca/recent-news/newsletter-excelerator/)
- [Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/dr-kathryn-nichol/) - Dr. Kathryn Nichol is President and CEO of VHA Home HealthCare. Prior to her CEO appointment, Kathryn held the role of Vice President of Quality, Best Practice, Research and Education and Chief Nursing Executive at VHA.
- [Julia Hanigsberg](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/julia-hanigsberg/) - Julia Hanigsberg joined Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital as its President and CEO on January 12, 2015. She has spent her career in government, post-secondary education and healthcare as a champion for cultural transformation, innovation, excellence and social justice. Julia joined VHA's board in 2025.
- [Best Practice Spotlight Organization](https://www.vha.ca/for-clients/commitment-to-quality/bpso/)
- [Head Start Scholarship Program](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/head-start-scholarship-program/)
- [Graduate Research Award](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/)
- [Board and Senior Management](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/) - VHA Home HealthCare is governed by an independent volunteer Board of Directors that provides leadership, expertise and time to support VHA’s vision, mission and core beliefs. We are indebted to this team for its tremendous commitment.
- [Sudha Kutty](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/sudha-kutty/)
- [VHA's Research and Innovation Team](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/)
- [Ryan Nikou](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/ryan-nikou/)
- [Research and Innovation](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/)
- [Research](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/) - VHA Home HealthCare is dedicated to supporting research and innovation that advances human welfare, creates new knowledge, develops our understanding and informs best practices in home and community care. Our research focuses on key areas of home and community care that create possibilities for more independence, support clients to live at home, promote safe and rewarding working conditions for home care providers, and build toward fully integrated care across sectors. We strive to break new ground in research and development of integrated solutions that reflect the voices of our clients, caregivers and providers.
- [Client Choice](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/client-choice/) - VHA's annual Client Choice Awards give clients and families an opportunity to nominate VHA care team members who have really made a difference and recognize them for demonstrating high quality care delivered with great heart. Each year we receive hundreds of nominations which are all carefully reviewed by our selection committee. Nominated workers receive recognition of their nomination and winners are selected.
- [Courtney Bean](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/courtney-bean/) - Courtney Bean is VHA’s Vice President, Strategic Solutions and Partnerships. Courtney’s role focuses on the development and implementation of initiatives and new business to advance integrated care delivery systems and partnerships for VHA across Ontario.
- [Kate Posluszny](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/kate-posluszny/)
- [Krithika Subbiah](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/krithika-subbiah/)
- [Glory Gabel](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/glory-gabel/)
- [Maddy Carter](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/maddy-carter/)
- [Dementia Care](https://www.vha.ca/services/dementia-care/) - When you or someone you love is living with dementia, you need support, compassion and the knowledge of how to help so as to make every day the best possible. Let our skilled and compassionate team at VHA Home HealthCare be your guide in this journey.
- [Sharifa Wright](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/sharifa-wright/) - Sharifa Wright is a global inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism (IDEA) leader with over 20 years of experience in the education, government, and non-profit sectors in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. Sharifa designs and implements organizational strategies that optimize the experiences of Black, Indigenous Latinx, Asian, multi-racial, disabled and LGBTQ2SIIA board members, executives, employees, learners, clients, customers, buyers, beneficiaries, donors, and community members. Currently, Sharifa is the inaugural Director for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusive Engagement at Ontario Tech University; previously, she served as the Director for Alumni Diversity & Inclusion, at Williams College and Project Manager for UN Women Programs in the Office of the Prime Minister in Jamaica. Sharifa’s enthusiasm for serving her community through board governance was sparked in high school when she was appointed as the student trustee for her Catholic school’s board and since then she has had the pleasure of serving on over a dozen education, non-profit and community service boards. She is currently a founding board member of the Institute for the Quantitative Study of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (QSIDE). Sharifa is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) who completed graduate coursework in Social and Political Thought at York University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Africana Studies, and Mathematics from Williams College. Sharifa lives in Whitby and enjoys exploring Ontario’s great parks and trails with her 2 year old, Siya. As someone living with and caring for family members living with chronic and disabling health conditions, Sharifa is deeply invested in using her skills and experience to support VHA’s vision of equitably delivering quality care with great heart.
- [Ela Smith](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/ela-smith/)
- [Ella Seitz](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/ella-seitz/) - Ella Seitz has over 12 years of strategy and operational experience in health care, having worked with early stage and fortune 100 healthcare companies. She has a track record of fostering relationships across diverse stakeholders, influencing and motivating across organizational levels to achieve a common vision of improving the healthcare system. Ella is a Partner with Esplanade Ventures, Canada’s premier digital health venture capital fund. Through her work at Esplanade, Ella supports boards and partners with startups globally, advising them on growth, innovation and fundraising. Before joining Esplanade, she was a Vice-President with McKesson Corporation (NYSE:MCK), a global Fortune 10 leader in health care. At McKesson, Ella held a variety of leadership roles relating to strategy, mergers and acquisitions, business development, and innovation. Prior to her time at McKesson, Ella was a principal with Kearney, a global management consulting firm where she advised healthcare clients. Ella holds an MBA with great distinction from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, and a Bachelor of Commerce with great distinction from McGill University. Ella joined the Board of VHA in 2021.
- [Peter Kinch](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/peter-kinch/) - Peter Kinch has extensive experience in accounting, auditing, and financial services. A seasoned financial expert, he is a respected leader in reporting, risk, governance, and quality. Peter retired in 2020 from Ernst & Young LLP after a distinguished 39-year career. He was appointed to VHA's board in 2025.
- [Susan Grundy](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/susan-grundy/) - Susan Grundy is a senior business lawyer and is a Senior Counsel at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. She is a former General Counsel of the firm and practiced corporate restructuring and insolvency law there for many years. She has volunteered on the boards of a number of professional and non-profit organizations including the Georgian Bay Association and Access Community Capital Fund. Susan is a Fellow of the Insolvency Institute of Canada and has been recognized as a leading woman lawyer. She holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors Education Program, is a graduate of University of Toronto Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen’s University. She also has family experience as a caregiver. Susan joined the VHA Board in 2021.
- [Amr Elimam](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/amr-elimam/) - Amr has over 25 years of operational and business experience. Amr started his career in Consumer-Packaged Goods manufacturing working for Procter & Gamble and M&M Mars where he led the launch of manufacturing operations for several new products. As a consultant since 1997, he worked for KPMG Consulting and had his own firm, providing consulting services in Canada and internationally. His list of clients included The Royal Canadian Mint and Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General. He provided these organizations with successful support in major business transformation, technology, and operational changes. Amr went on to work in Investment Banking, as Senior Vice-President for Strategic Planning at Seera Investment Bank, where he also acted as Chief-of-Staff to the CEO. In this role he led Strategic Planning, the implementation of major projects, and acted as liaison and Corporate Governance strategist for Board issues and meetings. Recently, he left his corporate career to care for his family, and he has become the principal caregiver for his sister who suffers from a major disability. Born in Egypt and schooled in the USA, Amr graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from the American University in Cairo. Amr is also humbled by his volunteer work, and proud of the small restaurant business he owns that provides him with constant interaction with the public.
- [Anne Brace](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/anne-brace/) - Anne Brace has served on a variety of boards for over 30 years. She currently sits on the board of Evergreen, where she serves as Treasurer and Vice-Chair. She also serves as Treasurer to the Huntington Society of Canada and on the Audit Committee of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada. Recently she also served as a director and chair of the audit committee for Strongco, a public company reporting on the TSX, and as director and Treasurer for Ontario Telemedicine Network. Prior to retiring, Anne was the Chief Financial Officer at Softchoice Corporation, a public company providing technological products and solutions to corporate North America. She achieved her CA designation while at Ernst and Young and served as CFO to Applanix Corporation, prior to her employment at Softchoice. Anne obtained her MBA at York University and her BA from Trinity College, University of Toronto.
- [Ian Brunskill](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/ian-brunskill/) - Ian Brunskill brings over 30 years of consulting and leadership experience in the health and social services sectors. Ian’s recent engagements have been focused upon helping clients across the globe successfully plan and implement significant change and service delivery redesign/integration initiatives. His leadership experience includes senior management and operating roles at Cancer Care Ontario and at a major Canadian academic health science centre as well as consulting to governments, health services organizations, their associations and regulators in Canada, the Caribbean, South and Central America and Africa.
- [About Us](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is a not-for-profit charitable organization that offers 24/7 health care and support services to people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Founded in 1925 as the Visiting Homemakers Association, VHA’s goal is to provide clients with spectacular service when, where and how they want it to support their independence.
- [Responsive Community Care](https://www.vha.ca/integrated-solutions/responsive-community-care/)
- [Ontario Health Team Participation](https://www.vha.ca/integrated-solutions/ontario-health-team-participation/)
- [Terms and Conditions](https://www.vha.ca/terms-and-conditions/)
- [Client-Centred Care](https://www.vha.ca/for-clients/client-centred/) - Client and Family-Centred Care is an approach to care that focuses on the whole person as a unique individual and not just on their illness or disease. It allows for health care providers to come to know and understand the person’s life story, experience of health, the role of family in the person’s life, and the role they may play in supporting the person to achieve health.
- [Volunteer](https://www.vha.ca/volunteer/) - We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged and rewarded. If you’re looking for a hands-on volunteer opportunity with a leader in community health and want to make a positive difference in people’s lives, you belong at VHA.
- [Annual Reports](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/annual-reports/) - VHA Home HealthCare's annual reports provide updates and highlights on our business and activities throughout the year.
- [myVHA Client Portal](https://www.vha.ca/for-clients/myvha/) - myVHA is a new client portal that VHA has created to give our clients greater control over how and when they receive care. It is designed to enhance our ability to communicate effectively with our clients and their families.
- [Careers](https://www.vha.ca/careers/) - VHA is made up of caring, committed people who truly want to help and love what they do. Many of our staff and service providers develop strong bonds with their clients and families. These meaningful and valued connections are at the heart of client and family-centred care at VHA. We ensure our diverse team of staff and service providers have the training and resources needed to provide their best, personalized care, supported with programs from our home office as well as regional teams, including supervisors and peer coaches. Beyond that, we provide a competitive compensation and benefits package for staff and their families, we offer extensive training and development opportunities to support service excellence and career development, and we look for ways to empower our teams every day. Our people are the backbone of our business, driven by a shared purpose, and it shows.
- [Safer Spaces: Hoarding Support](https://www.vha.ca/services/hoarding-support/) - At VHA, our focus is to help individuals with hoarding behaviour remain housed and safe. We provide a combination of in-home sorting/organizing sessions and support to help reduce the amount of items in the home using a harm reduction approach. We work with our clients to choose their own goals and incorporate their personal motivations for change.
- [Restored Home: Extreme Cleaning](https://www.vha.ca/services/extreme-cleaning/) - VHA Home HealthCare's unique Extreme Cleaning Program helps people regain control of their living space and their life by providing experienced, trained cleaners who work with clients and family members to meet public health standards so they can remain at home for as long as possible.
- [Purchased Services](https://www.vha.ca/services/purchased-services/) - We are a private-for-community department of VHA Home HealthCare; every dollar we make goes back to fund community health care initiatives. Whether it is a little extra support or around-the-clock care, VHA’s private services offers a range of support at home, in a long-term care facility or during a hospital stay.
- [Greater Toronto Area](https://www.vha.ca/contact/toronto/)
- [Virtual Care](https://www.vha.ca/services/virtual-care/) - VHA Home HealthCare’s Virtual Care services are conveniently provided by telephone and/or by video either with a smartphone, tablet or computer and enable clients to work with their service providers remotely to reach their goals.
- [Integrated Solutions](https://www.vha.ca/integrated-solutions/) - VHA Home HealthCare has strong connections in the communities we serve and is known for its collaborative partnership and high quality, client-centred care. VHA is an active member in eighteen Ontario Health Teams in the regions where we provide service and also actively participates in other integrated care initiatives with partner organizations. VHA invests in research and innovation and in integrated care solutions to help make care better, for the clients and families we serve, for our providers and for the sector.
- [Client and Family Voice](https://www.vha.ca/for-clients/client-voice/)
- [Our Services](https://www.vha.ca/services/) - VHA Home HealthCare provides a variety of services for our clients. Many of our services are free through publicly funded health care. VHA also offers some Mental Health and Community Supports free of charge.
- [Tracey Turriff](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/tracey-turriff/)
- [Kelley Myers](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/kelley-myers/) - Kelley Myers is Vice President, Human Resources and Organizational Development with over 25 years of progressive HR work experience in the non- profit sector. Prior to joining VHA Home HealthCare in 2007, Kelley was Interim Executive Director of Family Service Toronto, a non-profit, social service agency offering counselling and support services to clients in need.
- [Dr. Sandra McKay](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/dr-sandra-mckay/) - Dr. Sandra McKay is VHA’s Vice President, Research & Innovation. Sandra provides scientific, strategic and operational leadership of this portfolio, championing the development of home care scientists and delivering research and innovations to inform sustainable change within the organization and across the home care sector. Sandra has honed this expertise through more than twenty years of academic experience, and has dedicated the past fifteen years to health care as an embedded research scientist. During this time, Sandra has established dozens of partnerships with multiple universities and their researchers to meet the strategic and operational priorities of VHA and provide evidence to advance the home care sector ($8+ million, 37+ competitive grants awarded, 55+ peer reviewed manuscripts published). Sandra holds a PhD in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. She is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Health Policy Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto; is cross appointed as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto; is an Associate Professor at Ted Rogers School of Business, Toronto Metropolitan University; an Affiliate Scientist at The Institute for Education Research (TIER) & The Michener Institute through University Health Network; an Adjunct Researcher at Michael Garron Hospital; and was recognized as an AGE-WELL Canadian Network Centre of Excellence Honourary Fellow for her long-standing and substantial contribution to research and innovation in Canada’s AgeTech sector. Sandra is also the Vice-Chair of the Canadian Standards Association’s Technical Standards Committee for Home and Community Care.
- [Sandra Li-James](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/sandra-li-james/) - Sandra Li-James joined VHA Home HealthCare in the role of Vice President, Quality, Best Practice, Education and Chief Nursing Executive in January 2022. Sandra has over 25 years of diverse experience guiding and engaging interprofessional teams and promoting excellence in practice and education to provide safe, quality care for clients and families. She is known for her strong leadership skills, her expertise in fostering best practices while cultivating a strong safety and learning culture and her deep commitment to leading with compassion to optimize provider and client experience.
- [Trevor Heer](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/trevor-heer/)
- [Alistair Forsyth](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/alistair-forsyth/) - Alistair Forsyth joined VHA in the role of Chief Information Officer in Spring 2020. In this role Alistair oversees VHA’s Information Technology, Records Management and Health Informatics departments and is focused on making everything we do as easy as possible and communications for VHA’s clients and families simpler and more streamlined through investment in innovation, technology and digital tools.
- [Jennifer Blum](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/jennifer-blum/) - Jennifer Blum has been the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President of Operations Support at VHA Home HealthCare since 2008. Prior to joining VHA, Jennifer was Director, Financial Planning at University Health Network, a health care organization comprised of Toronto General, Toronto Western, and Princess Margaret hospitals, and Toronto Rehab. Her experience also includes tenure as the VP Finance and CFO at the Ontario Centres of Excellence where she developed strategic partnerships to encourage private investment in start-up technologies in communications and IT.
- [Lauren Black](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/board-senior-management/lauren-black/) - Lauren Black is VHA’s General Counsel and Privacy Officer. In this role, Lauren is responsible for overseeing VHA’s legal and compliance functions including risk management, strategy, contracting, corporate governance, emergency management and ethics. She is also responsible for managing VHA’s privacy practices.
- [Helping Hands: Home Support for Families](https://www.vha.ca/services/home-support-for-families/)
- [Connected Families: Parenting Support](https://www.vha.ca/services/parenting-support/)
- [Champlain Rehab Solutions](https://www.vha.ca/contact/champlain-rehab-solutions/)
- [Centenary](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/history/centenary/)
- [History](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/history/) - VHA Home HealthCare has a long and vibrant history of providing community health and support services to people of all ages and cultural backgrounds when, where and how they want it.
- [Ogechi Obi](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/ogechi-obi/)
- [Joy Lai](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/joy-lai/)
- [Jennifer Hyc](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/jennifer-hyc/)
- [Nursing and PSW Fellowships](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/nursing-psw-fellowships/) - VHA's Champions of Change Interprofessional Fellowship Program for Nursing and Personal Support Worker staff. Designed and run by the Innovation, Quality, Best Practice, Research & Education team at VHA, this program provides point-of-care providers with an opportunity to work together to design and lead a quality improvement project related to VHA’s strategic priorities.
- [Jasmine Friedrich Yap](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/jasmine-friedrich-yap/)
- [Past Graduate Researchers](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/)
- [Pam Hopwood](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/pam-hopwood/) - VHA's 2024 Graduate Research Award Winner. Pamela Hopwood, BA, MSc is a PhD candidate supervised by Dr. Ellen MacEachen at the University of Waterloo in the School of Public Health Sciences. Her research interests include occupational health, health care workers’ work conditions, workers’ compensation, social security for non-standard workers, and socio-technological influences on work.
- [Joanne Ta](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/joanne-ta/) - VHA's 2024 Graduate Research Award Winner. Joanne Ta, RN, MScN is a Registered Nurse with a background in surgical nursing, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Windsor. Her research interest is in palliative home care.
- [Emily Gorgenyi](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/emily-gorgenyi/) - VHA's 2024 Graduate Research Award Winner. Emily Gorgenyi, BSc is a PhD student in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. Emily’s research interests include older adults, social prescribing, and vulnerable populations.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.vha.ca/privacy-policy/)
- [Research Grants](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-grants/)
- [Strategic Plan](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/strategic-plan/) - This five-year plan provides a snapshot of our strategic priorities and builds on the nearly century-long, rich history VHA has of offering high quality care with great heart to vulnerable populations when, where and how our clients want it. It positions us well to focus on the needs of clients and families, to champion sustainable solutions that enable health, independence and well-being, and to play an essential role in the redesign and orchestration of our future health care system.
- [Pamela Hopwood](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/pamela-hopwood/)
- [Alyssa Iglar](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/alyssa-iglar/)
- [Durham](https://www.vha.ca/contact/durham/)
- [Paramjot Sidhu](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/paramjot-sidhu/) - Param Sidhu is a Research Assistant at VHA. Her work focuses on workplace safety and community-based interventions to support marginalized population, integrating evidence-informed approaches to improve access to care.
- [Antonela Ilic](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/antonela-ilic/) - Antonela Ilic is a Research Associate at VHA. Her research interests include evaluating health service utilization and costs, occupational health, health equity, and infectious disease epidemiology.
- [Xuyang Tang](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/xuyang-tang/) - Xuyang Tang is a Senior Research Associate at VHA. Her research examines the role of demographics and social determinants in health behaviors and outcomes.
- [Madison Brydges](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/madison-brydges/)
- [Katherine Zagrodney](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/katherine-zagrodney/)
- [Bathroom Safety in Homecare](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/bathroom-safety-in-homecare/)
- [Automated Short-term Longitudinal Analyses of Speech and Language in Dementia](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/winterlight/)
- [The Little Things](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/the-little-things/)
- [Virtual Calm](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/virtual-calm/)
- [Staying Connected](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/staying-connected/)
- [Out at Home](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/out-at-home/)
- [Connected Care](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/connected-care/)
- [LTV Discharge Pathways](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/ltv/)
- [Senior Friendly 7](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/senior-friendly-7/) - The Regional Geriatric Program of Toronto, the leading authority in the care of frail seniors, has identified the ‘Senior Friendly 7 (SF7)’ clinical areas of practice (delirium, mobility, nutrition, polypharmacy, pain, continence, and social engagement) for which routine monitoring and interventions are most likely to improve health and quality of life of frail seniors or those at risk of frailty. The goal of this initiative was to develop SF7 tools for Home and Community Care.
- [Promoting Mobility](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/promoting-mobility/) - This project created an evidence-informed, theory-driven mobility tool for community-dwelling older adults who are moderately and severely frail called SLoT (Stretch Lift or Tap), to encourage more movement to their daily routines. This intervention will be implementable with frail older adults in partnership with any care provider in the home. The study will focus on collecting feedback from two main providers of care – personal support workers (PSWs) and family caregivers. This intervention was co-created with older adults, PSWs, and their caregivers.
- [Heart in Mind](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/heart-in-mind/)
- [Playdate](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/playdate/) - Play is an important part of childhood but there have been no programs for play and socialization for children with complex medical needs. Children with complex medical needs (CCMN) are characterized by their medical fragility, are technology dependent and will require health care support beyond what is typically required. Therefore, these children are often unable to participate in playgroups and social activities. Without access to group-based activities that are developmentally appropriate, children with complex medical needs miss out on opportunities to engage with their peers, leading to social isolation and adverse effects on their quality of life.
- [More Connected](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/more-connected/) - To inform and evaluate ongoing efforts to increase integration throughout the health care system, we are prioritizing research on integrated care and its impacts on clients, families, care providers, and the health care system at large. The projects below support this research focus.
- [Safer Teams](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/) - We are prioritizing research to improve workplace health and safety throughout the home care sector, and specifically at VHA Home HealthCare. The projects below support this research focus.
- [Better Care](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/) - Our research on how to provide Better Care is driven by the questions and needs of our clinical teams and client & caregiver partners. The projects below support this research focus.
- [Rehabilitation Fellowships](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/rehabilitation-fellowships/)
- [Commitment to Quality](https://www.vha.ca/for-clients/commitment-to-quality/) - VHA Home HealthCare is committed to quality and driving care excellence. One of VHA's core beliefs is that care must be spectacular and continuously focused on quality improvement and client safety. Our organization operates within a sound, integrated, board-endorsed, quality, risk & client safety framework. Rigorous monitoring of key quality and clinical performance indicators happens across all levels of the organization, including VHA’s dedicated Quality & Risk Management Committee of the Board.
- [Innovation](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/innovation/)
- [Who Meets Home Care Providers’ Emotional Support Needs?](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/who-meets-home-care-providers-emotional-support-needs/)
- [Testing the Hand Dermatitis Screening Tool in the Home Health Care Sector](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/testing-hand-dermatitis-screening/)
- [Spot It! Prevent It!](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/spot-it-prevent-it/)
- [Solutions to Prevent Fogging of Face Shields and Goggles](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/solutions-to-prevent-fogging-of-face-shields-and-goggles/)
- [Personal Support Worker Ergonomics in Home Care](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/psw-ergonomics/)
- [Occupational Hand Dermatitis in Healthcare](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/occupational-hand-dermatitis-in-healthcare/)
- [How have the COVID-19 Pandemic and Related Policies Impacted Personal Support Worker Absences?](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/short-and-long-term-leave-of-absences-covid-19/)
- [Determinants of Nurse’s and Personal Support Worker’s Adherence to Facial Protective Equipment in a Community Setting During COVID-19](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/facial-protective-equipment-during-covid-19/)
- [Building a Sustainable Supply of Home Care RPNs Through Employer-based Tuition-assistance Programs](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/rpn-employer-based-tuition/)
- [A Qualitative Study of Homecare Personal Support Worker Experiences Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/safer-teams/psw-experiences-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
- [Vilma-Imeda Dunuan](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/vilma-imeda-dunuan/) - Vilma has been working with VHA for 8 years as a PSW and as a PSW Preceptor. She chose this path as she believes that helping others heartily is her calling which has been inspired by her grandmother and mom.
- [Tandi Betani](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/tandi-betani/) - Tandi Betani received diplomas in Nursing and Midwifery from UK Universities and also completed the RNAO/MOHLTC Advanced Clinical Nurse Program (2001). She joined the VHA Child & Family Nursing Team in 2013 and has over 25 years of general nursing experience. She is passionate about advocating for optimum well-being for all children, and supporting/empowering nurses to sensitively provide effective, evidence-based, quality care for children with life-limiting illnesses. During her fellowship, Tandi will complete the QI project: Raising the Bar: Equipping & Supporting Community Paediatric Nurses for Provision of Quality, Effective & Contemporaneous Palliative/End of Life Care.
- [Sumathi Parama Thayanithi](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/sumathi-parama-thayanithi/) - Sumathi has been a Child & Family visiting nurse with VHA for the past five years. She graduated from Nursing in 1994 and worked for about 15 years in the hospital in various units.
- [Sangeeta Maharjan](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/sangeeta-maharjan/) - Sangeeta Maharjan is a Visiting Registered Nurse with VHA Home HealthCare. As a past Client Choice winner in 2020, Sangeeta has a resounding work ethic that focuses on providing the highest quality care for her clients.
- [Safiullah Barat](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/safiullah-barat/) - Safiullah Barat has been a registered nurse with VHA since 2016. Currently, he is working with the palliative team and providing end of life (EOL) care in the homes over the past 2-3 years. Since being exposed to the palliative care team, he has enjoyed and loved working in the community. Safi loves working with individuals and families and working with the interdisciplinary team to help improve quality of life for individuals with life limiting/chronic illnesses. Given that providing EOL care requires the need for high risk medications, he was interested in joining the Champions of Change Fellowship program with an interest in improving medication safety in the community/home setting.
- [Olivia Logan](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/olivia-logan/) - Olivia Logan, RPN has been working with VHA as a Registered Practical Nurse since 2016. As one of the original members of the Palliative Care team pilot in Scarborough, Olivia has a great passion for end of life care and is dedicated to improving direct care delivery, self-care for staff and implementing evidence-based tools in her everyday practice. She is committed to ensuring that VHA is a leader in palliative care. Olivia will be implementing a palliative-focused quality improvement project.
- [Nadine Narain](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/nadine-narain/) - Nadine Narain graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and has experience working with both children and older adults. She started working at VHA in 2017. Nadine’s experience of working with older clients in the community has allowed her to identify critical issues that impact health and well-being. Nadine hopes that her project will enhance clients’ quality of life and contribute to inclusivity and their engagement in meaningful activities.
- [Marzieh Moattari](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/marzieh-moattari/) - Marzieh Moattari is an internationally educated nurse with a strong background in practice, teaching, research and leadership. During her +10 years of experience as a nursing scholar, she has contributed to the quality of care of many patients through applied research and conducting many quantitative, qualitative and mixed method designs. Her research interest can be categorized in the following areas: Medical-Surgical Nursing to improve patients’ health and or quality of life in challenging situations, Primary Health Care, Ethics, Critical Thinking, Social Responsibility, and Nursing Education and Assessment. During her study at York University Post RN program, she had a chance to deeply learn about the Canadian Health Care System.
- [Hani Al-Shbat](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/hani-al-shbat/) - Hani Al-Shbat is an internationally trained physician who has been working as a Personal Support Worker for the past two years. He takes great pride in his work. For his Champions of Change Fellowship project, Hani is hoping to help patients with dementia remember to take their medications.
- [Hana Asfaw](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/hana-asfaw/) - Hana Asfaw is a PSW at VHA and has been working for the organization for about 5 years. She is greatly enjoying working in the community. Before moving to Canada, Hana was working in business administration, and had worked in that field for 5 years. Now she is excited to take part in the Champions of Change Fellowship program.
- [Recent News](https://www.vha.ca/recent-news/) - VHA Home HealthCare's latest news and stories about our staff, service providers and clients. For more stories from VHA follow us on social media
- [Chrissy Froude](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/chrissy-froude/) - Chrissy Froude is a “Client Choice” Award Winning PSW that has worked at VHA for 6 years in the community working with the elderly and special needs clients. Chrissy also has a background in legal and medical administration. She is hoping to bring these skills to this project for the Champions of Change Fellowship program 2020. She is excited to design and implement a quality improvement initiative related to improving medication safety for VHA’s clients.
- [Brydne Edwards](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/brydne-edwards/) - Brydne Edwards, OT Reg. (Ont) started working as an occupational therapist in 2013, and is dedicated to translating knowledge to practice in rehabilitation. Brydne has experience working with children and older adult clients. She is passionate about enabling participation and inclusion across the lifespan, and hopes that her proposal will contribute to enhancing clients’ quality of life. Brydne will be implementing the QI project: Enhancing physical activity in the disease self-management plan for clients living with mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
- [Behrouz Bagheri](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/behrouz-bagheri/) - Behrouz is an Internationally Trained Medical Doctor and orthopedic surgeon who has practiced in various healthcare fields, and he has completed several educational courses in Canadian colleges.
- [Banu Sundaralingam](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/banu-sundaralingam/) - Banu Sundaralingam graduated from Queen’s University with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT). She joined VHA in 2018 as an OT working in the Central South Region practicing in physical medicine and geriatric health. Banu also has experience working in the mental health field using cognitive behavioural therapy techniques to guide her practice. She also has experience working with clients with acquired brain injuries and works with them to manage their psychosocial issues and post-concussion symptoms.
- [Marianne Saragosa](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/emerging-health-leader-fellowships/marianne-saragosa/) - Marianne Saragosa is a doctoral student at the University of Toronto in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. She received a Health System Impact Fellowship from the Canadian Institute of Health Research to study with VHA for the 2021-2022 academic year to examine care transitions among home care clients.
- [Emerging Health Leader Fellowships](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/emerging-health-leader-fellowships/)
- [Research Fellowship Program](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/)
- [Virtual COVID-19 Recovery Pathway (VICORPA)](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/more-connected/vicorpa/) - Play is an important part of childhood but there have been no programs for play and socialization for children with complex medical needs. Children with complex medical needs (CCMN) are characterized by their medical fragility, are technology dependent and will require health care support beyond what is typically required. Therefore, these children are often unable to participate in playgroups and social activities. Without access to group-based activities that are developmentally appropriate, children with complex medical needs miss out on opportunities to engage with their peers, leading to social isolation and adverse effects on their quality of life.
- [Navigating the Grey Zone of Physiotherapy Assistant Autonomy in Homecare: Perspectives of Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Assistants](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/more-connected/pt-pta/) - Play is an important part of childhood but there have been no programs for play and socialization for children with complex medical needs. Children with complex medical needs (CCMN) are characterized by their medical fragility, are technology dependent and will require health care support beyond what is typically required. Therefore, these children are often unable to participate in playgroups and social activities. Without access to group-based activities that are developmentally appropriate, children with complex medical needs miss out on opportunities to engage with their peers, leading to social isolation and adverse effects on their quality of life.
- [Maintaining Critical Capacity: Winter Surge Initiative](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/more-connected/mgh-surge/) - Play is an important part of childhood but there have been no programs for play and socialization for children with complex medical needs. Children with complex medical needs (CCMN) are characterized by their medical fragility, are technology dependent and will require health care support beyond what is typically required. Therefore, these children are often unable to participate in playgroups and social activities. Without access to group-based activities that are developmentally appropriate, children with complex medical needs miss out on opportunities to engage with their peers, leading to social isolation and adverse effects on their quality of life.
- [Is 911 the Answer? A Retrospective Review of Emergency Medical Services Use in Homecare](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/more-connected/is-911-the-answer/) - Play is an important part of childhood but there have been no programs for play and socialization for children with complex medical needs. Children with complex medical needs (CCMN) are characterized by their medical fragility, are technology dependent and will require health care support beyond what is typically required. Therefore, these children are often unable to participate in playgroups and social activities. Without access to group-based activities that are developmentally appropriate, children with complex medical needs miss out on opportunities to engage with their peers, leading to social isolation and adverse effects on their quality of life.
- [Investigating Physical Therapy Practice in the Evolving Ontario Healthcare System](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/more-connected/pt-practice-evolving-ontario-healthcare-system/) - Play is an important part of childhood but there have been no programs for play and socialization for children with complex medical needs. Children with complex medical needs (CCMN) are characterized by their medical fragility, are technology dependent and will require health care support beyond what is typically required. Therefore, these children are often unable to participate in playgroups and social activities. Without access to group-based activities that are developmentally appropriate, children with complex medical needs miss out on opportunities to engage with their peers, leading to social isolation and adverse effects on their quality of life.
- [Examining Care Transitions to Hospital and Back Home for Home Care Clients](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/more-connected/hospital-holds/) - Play is an important part of childhood but there have been no programs for play and socialization for children with complex medical needs. Children with complex medical needs (CCMN) are characterized by their medical fragility, are technology dependent and will require health care support beyond what is typically required. Therefore, these children are often unable to participate in playgroups and social activities. Without access to group-based activities that are developmentally appropriate, children with complex medical needs miss out on opportunities to engage with their peers, leading to social isolation and adverse effects on their quality of life.
- [Patrick Feng](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/key-partnerships/patrick-feng/) - Patrick Feng is a research manager at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, where he leads a number of community-engaged research partnerships. These partnerships involve healthcare providers, policymakers, patients, caregivers and others, working collaboratively to improve health and transform health systems. Dr. Feng is also an Adjunct Professor at OCAD University, where he teaches in the Strategic Foresight and Innovation Program.
- [Michael Chrotowski](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/key-partnerships/michael-chrotowski/) - Michael Chrotowski, PhD is the Business Development and Industry Relations Manager at AGE-WELL nce, Canada’s technology and aging network. Michael works with researchers, startups and industry partners to help AGE-WELL bring innovations into the lives of older Canadians and caregivers.
- [Linn Holness](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/key-partnerships/linn-holness/) - Dr. D. Linn Holness is Director of the Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease, Professor Emerita, University of Toronto, and an Occupational Medicine Physician at St. Michael’s Hospital. Dr. Holness has done extensive research in the area of occupational health and safety in healthcare, with research interests spanning occupational disease and its identification, occupational health services and occupational health and safety for sub-populations including vulnerable workers. Her primary research focus is on prevention, health care utilization, diagnosis, return to work, and outcomes related to occupational skin disease.
- [Krista Keilty](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/key-partnerships/krista-keilty/) - Krista Keilty is a key partner with VHA Home HealthCare's research team focused on our long-term ventilation discharge pathway.
- [Karen LeGrow](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/key-partnerships/karen-legrow/) - Dr. Karen LeGrow received her BN from Memorial University of Newfoundland, her MN from Dalhousie University, and her PhD from University of Toronto. She has worked as a staff nurse, clinical instructor, and advance practice nurse at various settings across Canada. Her clinical expertise is in the areas of high-risk neonatal, pediatric nursing, and family-nurse relational practice.
- [Jay Shaw](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/key-partnerships/jay-shaw/) - Jay Shaw is a Scientist at the Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, and Research Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ethics & Health at the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics. Jay has a Status Appointment as Assistant Professor in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at University of Toronto. He practiced as a physical therapist in community-based care prior to completing his PhD in 2012.
- [Alison C. Novak](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/key-partnerships/alison-novak/) - Dr. Novak is a Scientist with the KITE Research Institute at Toronto Rehab-UHN, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto. Dr. Novak’s primary research focuses on understanding mobility in challenging indoor and outdoor environments (such as stairs, ramps, bathrooms). Her work aims to understand the impact of aging and environmental factors on safe mobility, to reduce the risk of falls and support aging-in-place strategies. In addition to important clinical partnerships with VHA Home HealthCare,
- [Key Partnerships](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/key-partnerships/)
- [Tyler Redublo](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/tyler-redublo/) - Tyler is a second-year Master’s student in the Translational Research Program at the University of Toronto. His Master’s research is focused on identifying the barriers and facilitators to social connectedness of young caregivers (aged 18-24 years) of people living with dementia. Additionally, by applying co-design processes, he aims to meaningfully engage young caregivers in the development of interventions to support their needs. Acknowledging and incorporating caregivers into the research process can inform the development of person-centered, impactful resources for this population. Moreover, access to these resources can improve the quality of life for young caregivers, as well as the provision of care to dementia communities.
- [Todd Tran](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/todd-tran/) - Todd Tran is an occupational therapist working at Women’s College Hospital, currently pursuing doctoral studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Therapy in the Aging and Health Stream at Queen’s University. His research work will look at the impact of mindfulness on cognitive impairment with community-dwelling older adults.
- [Sheila Addanki](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/sheila-addanki/) - Sheila Addanki is a PhD candidate in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University. Her PhD research will examine the implementation and impact of the Beyond Silence App, a new evidence-based mental health app designed to provide customized information for workers in healthcare.
- [Sarah Carbone](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/sarah-carbone/) - Sarah Carbone is a PhD candidate in Health Services Research at the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. Her research interests include shared decision-making, aging in place and patient and family health care experiences.
- [Marianne Saragosa](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/marianne-saragosa/) - Marianne Saragosa is a PhD candidate at the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. Previous clinical experience as an RN in geriatrics has informed Marianne’s interest in care transitions and patient and caregiver engagement. Her research will examine the experiences of the patient-caregiver dyad for persons with dementia who have experienced a recent care transition from hospital to home. This grounded theory study will inform future practice innovations that best support older adults’ transitioning across the continuum of care.
- [Kristina Smith](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/kristina-smith/) - Kristina Smith is in her fourth year of doctoral studies in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education and is completing a joint degree with the Joint Centre for Bioethics at the University of Toronto. Kristina’s research focus pertains to the dimensions of human pain, suffering, illness, pediatric care, bioethics and narrative ethnography.
- [Julia Goyal](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/julia-goyal/) - Julia Goyal is currently pursuing a Joint Interdisciplinary PhD between the School of Public Health Sciences and Department of Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Her doctoral research focuses on building and validating data-driven models through a mixed-method design to classify, predict and better understand stress in caregiving work.
- [Joseph Donia](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/joseph-donia/) - Joseph Donia is a Master’s student specializing in health policy at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on understanding some of the core assumptions that underpin patient and public involvement in health care improvement and innovation, with an aim to advancing practice that is more inclusive and responsible.
- [Joanne Tay](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/joanne-tay/) - Joanne Tay is a Registered Nurse with a background in pediatric nursing, currently pursuing her PhD in Nursing at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. Her research interest is to understand the family’s experience when living with an ill child. As such, her study titled “Exploring the healthy siblings’ coping and adjustment trajectory in children with a life-threatening condition” aims to lay the foundation for future research to develop interventions which could best support these families.
- [Jackie Zehr](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/jackie-zehr/) - Jackie Zehr is a PhD student University of Waterloo where she is studying musculoskeletal biomechanics. An overarching aim of her research is to understand the fundamental causes of low-back pain and the development of comprehensive strategies for the prevention and management of low-back disorders in work and exercise contexts. She has specific interests in quantitative methods for characterizing spine motion and the forces that act on it.
- [Husayn Marani](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/husayn-marani/) - Husayn Marani is in his second year of doctoral studies at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto where he is studying Health Services Research with an emphasis on Health Policy. His research interests include social care, social health protection, and caregiver welfare. His dissertation explores the costs of caring incurred by family caregivers of community-dwelling persons living with dementia in Canada.
- [Francine Buchanan](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/francine-buchanan/) - Francine Buchanan, MLIS, PhD Candidate, is a mom and primary caregiver to an amazing little boy who is thriving with complex medical needs. When she isn’t watching or playing baseball with her family, she is a Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto studying physician/patient communication. Francine’s passion is increasing parent participation in the health research process, and she holds the position of co-chair on the SickKids Research Family Advisory Committee.
- [Danielle Knipping](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/danielle-knipping/) - Danielle Knipping is an MScN candidate at Western University’s Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing. Her research interests include investigating and improving the delivery of home- and community-based services to better meet the needs of diverse clientele. Her research focuses on understanding how home- and community-based healthcare professionals develop therapeutic relationships with diverse clients to identify areas of strength and ways to improve the safety and experiences of diverse clients using these services. She aims to empower healthcare providers to utilized evidence-informed tools and frameworks to support their work with diverse clients to improve the uptake of home- and community-based services and support improved health outcomes in these clients.
- [Anna Reed](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/anna-reed/) - Anna Reed is a social worker and a PhD candidate at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. Anna’s work and research interests include aging care, staffing policies in home and long-term care, as well as emergency medicine. Anna’s doctoral research explores the experiences of personal support workers who hold multiple jobs. Specifically, her research focuses on whey personal support workers engage in this practice and what impact it has on their lives inside and outside of work. Anna hopes this research will contribute to improved staffing policies in the home and community care sectors.
- [Alla Yakerson](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/alla-yakerson/) - Alla Yakerson is a PhD candidate and teaching assistant at the School of Health Policy and Management at York University. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Her research interests include access to health care services and pain management. She is particularly interested in the equity issues surrounding access to home care services in Ontario.
- [The Research and Innovation Network](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/client-and-provider-engagement/research-and-innovation-network/)
- [Provider Engagement](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/client-and-provider-engagement/provider-engagement/)
- [Client Engagement](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/client-and-provider-engagement/client-engagement/)
- [Client and Provider Engagement](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/client-and-provider-engagement/)
- [Wearable Devices and Predicting Frailty](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/watch/)
- [Physician’s Use of Parent Provided Information (PUPPI) Study](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/better-care/puppi/)
- [Virtual Care Services](https://www.vha.ca/services/virtual-care/services/)
- [Virtual Care Resources](https://www.vha.ca/services/virtual-care/resources/)
- [Virtual Care News](https://www.vha.ca/services/virtual-care/news/)
- [Virtual Care Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.vha.ca/services/virtual-care/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Speech Language Pathology](https://www.vha.ca/services/speech-language/) - At VHA, our speech-language pathology services are covered under our VHA Rehab Solutions branch. VHA Rehab Solutions offers support — at home, work or school — to help people preserve or regain their independence.
- [Social Work Services](https://www.vha.ca/services/social-work-services/) - At VHA, our social work services are covered under our VHA Rehab Solutions branch. VHA Rehab Solutions offers support — at home, work or school — to help people preserve or regain their independence.
- [Palliative Care Services](https://www.vha.ca/services/palliative-care/services/)
- [Palliative Care Resources](https://www.vha.ca/services/palliative-care/resources/)
- [Palliative Care News](https://www.vha.ca/services/palliative-care/news/)
- [Palliative Care](https://www.vha.ca/services/palliative-care/) - The palliative care journey shouldn’t be a lonely one. VHA is committed to being with you every step of the way, providing compassionate, professional care to people and their families living with a progressive, life-limiting illness. The support and expertise of the health team helps clients adjust and adapt to their circumstances as the illness progresses so they can receive medical and respite care as well as emotional and social support. Our palliative care team helps clients and families make informed choices to remain at home for as long as they choose and avoid unplanned admissions to hospital.
- [Occupational Therapy](https://www.vha.ca/services/occupational-therapy/) - At VHA, our occupational therapy rehabilitation services are covered under our VHA Rehab Solutions branch. VHA Rehab Solutions offers support — at home, work or school — to help people preserve or regain their independence.
- [Heart in Mind](https://www.vha.ca/services/dementia-care/heart-in-mind/) - VHA Home HealthCare’s Heart in Mind Activation Therapy is a free online toolkit created for families, personal support workers, therapists or other health care providers to engage loved ones and clients living with dementia. A practical tool for person-centred care, inspired by the Dementia Care Matters Butterfly Model, this e-module provides easy access to feelings-based communication and activity ideas to empower you to stimulate the body and mind.
- [Dementia Care Services](https://www.vha.ca/services/dementia-care/dementia-services/)
- [Dementia Care Resources](https://www.vha.ca/services/dementia-care/resources/)
- [Dementia Care News](https://www.vha.ca/services/dementia-care/news/)
- [Dementia Care Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.vha.ca/services/dementia-care/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [CDSM Services](https://www.vha.ca/services/cdsm/services/)
- [CDSM Resources](https://www.vha.ca/services/cdsm/resources/)
- [CDSM News](https://www.vha.ca/services/cdsm/news/)
- [CDSM Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.vha.ca/services/cdsm/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Chronic Disease Self-Management](https://www.vha.ca/services/cdsm/) - A chronic disease is one that has been, or is likely to be, present for six months or longer. A chronic disease can be a condition you have had for a period of time or it could be something that is new to you.
- [Playdate](https://www.vha.ca/services/ccmn/playdate/) - VHA Playdate is a unique program that lets kids with complex medical needs come together to socialize, play and have a blast with other kids. It also gives parents – who have little to no time to themselves usually – a chance to take a well-deserved break.
- [CCMN Resources](https://www.vha.ca/services/ccmn/resources/)
- [CCMN News](https://www.vha.ca/services/ccmn/news/)
- [CCMN Funding Options](https://www.vha.ca/services/ccmn/funding-options/)
- [CCMN Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.vha.ca/services/ccmn/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Children with Complex Medical Needs](https://www.vha.ca/services/ccmn/) - The job of being a parent is no small task… even more so for parents who are caring for children with medically complex needs (CCMN). You have to learn very quickly how to navigate the healthcare system, take your child for routine or unexpected medical visits, and become experts in your child’s particular health needs.
- [Transitional Care Units](https://www.vha.ca/integrated-solutions/transitional-care-units/) - Transitional Care Units (TCUs) support clients as they move out of the hospital and back into the community. TCUs provide clients who no longer require an intense level of specialized, acute-level care but continue to need round-the-clock care from nurses, personal support workers and rehab providers as they are waiting to move to their next destination. VHA has been operating a TCU known as the Kew Beach Unit (KBU) in collaboration with Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) since 2020.
- [Lead Home Care Agency](https://www.vha.ca/integrated-solutions/lead-home-care-agency/) - The Lead Home Care Agency (LHA) model is a new model of care that provides a more seamless experience for patients, caregivers and health care providers to improve patient outcomes and population health while also being more cost-effective. The LHA model provides enhanced and more integrated supports throughout a patient’s care journey, including the transition from hospital to home.
- [Enterprise Health Solutions](https://www.vha.ca/integrated-solutions/enterprise-health-solutions/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) offers a range of cost-effective health care services that can be customized to suit your organizational needs. We have experience working with many health system partners/funders across a variety of settings. VHA is committed to delivery of high-quality care and making a positive impact in your organization to achieve desired outcomes.
- [Webinars and Workshops](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/webinars-and-workshops/) - The list below provides links to webinars and workshops that offer mental health education and/or support. Topics range from coping strategies such as mindfulness, building resilience, and managing stress and anxiety.
- [Stress and Anxiety](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/stress-and-anxiety/) - Both stress and anxiety are emotional responses, however, stress is typically caused by an external trigger while anxiety is the result of persistent, excessive worries that do not go away. The following is a list of resources that not only allow you to identify and measure levels of stress and anxiety, but also provide ways to cope and manage them.
- [Self-Directed Resources](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/self-directed-resources/) - The resources listed below can be accessed at any time and completed at your own pace. These resources are virtual and course-based where you will be able to gain knowledge and skills to manage your emotional support needs when you need the support.
- [Self-Care Strategies](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/self-care-strategies/) - It's important to remember to take care of yourself when helping others. In order for you to help someone else who is struggling with life and work struggles, you also need to "refill your own cup". Below you will find a list of resources that provides tips and tools to help you take care of yourself.
- [Providing Support to Others](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/providing-support-to-others/) - Below you will find a list of resources that can help you when supporting a loved one or someone at work.
- [Mindfulness](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/mindfulness/) - Practicing Mindfulness is a useful tool to manage stress and anxiety. Listed below are resources that provide an overview of what mindfulness is as well as ways of incorporating mindfulness activities into your life.
- [Mental Health Apps](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/mental-health-apps/) - Below you can find a list of mobile apps that are compatible with Apple and Android devices, as well as other website-based options. These resources will connect you with a mental health professional or informational resources that will include various strategies, exercises, and readings to improve your mental health.
- [Grief and Bereavement](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/grief-and-bereavement/) - The following list of grief and bereavement resources is a collection of useful links and supports to help you and others cope with grief.
- [Culturally-Specific Resources](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/culturally-specific-resources/) - The following is a list of culturally-specific resources that offer mental health services within the GTA. The various services and resources include individual counselling, stress management programs, peer support, informational hubs, holistic, inclusive mental health services for racialized communities.
- [Coping with Disasters and Traumatic Events](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/coping-with-disasters-and-traumatic-events/) - The resources listed below provide information about ways to cope with your feelings, thoughts and behaviours following a traumatic event or disaster. It is important to understand the emotions and normal responses that you may feel as a result of these events.
- [Burnout](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/burnout/) - Many people in the healthcare profession and specifically during challenging times like COVID-19 could experience workplace burnout. Below you will find resources that will help you recognize signs and symptoms of burnout and strategies to help you cope.
- [Refill Your Cup: Emotional Support Resources Directory](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/refill-your-cup/) - Refill Your Cup offers providers of mental health resources to help them "refill their cup" at the end of the day which includes resources on burnout, grief and bereavement and how to support others. The list has culturally-specific resources and includes supports that you can access at any time. We encourage you to explore this page and to ensure your emotional needs are being met by reaching out and seeking support when you need it.
- [Accessibility Policy](https://www.vha.ca/accessibility/accessibility-policy/)
- [Heart of Home Care](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/history/heart-of-home-care/) - VHA's Heart of Home Care Awards ran from 2005-2021 to recognize the extraordinary, and often unacknowledged, efforts of unpaid family and friend caregivers in Ontario.
- [Physiotherapy](https://www.vha.ca/services/physiotherapy/) - At VHA, our physiotherapy rehabilitation services are covered under our VHA Rehab Solutions branch. VHA Rehab Solutions offers support — at home, work or school — to help people preserve or regain their independence.
- [Coming Soon](https://www.vha.ca/coming-soon/)
- [Publications for Sale](https://www.vha.ca/publications-for-sale/)
- [Donate](https://www.vha.ca/donate/) - Your generous donation helps people in need of more independence at home and in your community. Make an online donation now.
- [COVID-19 Coronavirus](https://www.vha.ca/covid-19-coronavirus/)
- [COVID-19 Vaccine Information](https://www.vha.ca/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/)
- [Dietetics](https://www.vha.ca/services/dietetics/) - At VHA, our dietetic services are covered under our VHA Rehab Solutions branch. VHA Rehab Solutions and our dietitians offers support — at home, work or school — to help people preserve or regain their independence.
- [Linda Dunlop](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/nursing-psw-fellowships/linda-dunlop/)
- [Kaila Jonsen](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/nursing-psw-fellowships/kaila-jonsen/)
- [Colleen Beaumont](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/nursing-psw-fellowships/colleen-beaumont/)
- [Noeline Nakafeero](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/nursing-psw-fellowships/noeline-nakafeero/)
- [Past Fellowship Winners](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/)
- [Janet Valenzuela](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/janet-valenzuela/) - Janet H. Valenzuela is a PSW and has provided exceptional care and respect to VHA clients for the past nine years. She firmly believes that being a PSW is not just a job, but a privilege to make a difference in someone’s everyday life.
- [Kasepae Mendono](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/kasepae-mendono/) - Kasepae Mendono is a PSW with previous experience in Early Child Assistance. She is passionate about supporting her clients as they have become apart of her family. She sees being a Champion of Change as an opportunity to learn, discuss ethical tools, and to share her learnings with her colleagues.
- [Waneza Carvalho](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/waneza-carvalho/) - Waneza Carvalho is a PSW who has provided care to VHA clients for ten years and entered the PSW field because she loves helping others. She looks forward to learning from and sharing her experiences with the other Champions and anticipates discovering new approaches and techniques to providing the best care for her clients.
- [Nursing Care](https://www.vha.ca/services/nursing-care/) - VHA nurses deliver one-on-one care in the community–including at schools and clinics–as well as in the home. Our skilled Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NP) help with a range of issues.
- [Multi-Year Accessibility Plan](https://www.vha.ca/accessibility/multi-year-accessibility-plan/)
- [Contact](https://www.vha.ca/contact/) - For questions or comments regarding VHA services, please contact your local VHA office using the feedback form, emailing or calling.
- [Gaya Bin Noon](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/gaya-bin-noon/) - Gaya Bin Noon is a PhD candidate in Public Health Sciences and the project coordinator for the Network for Aging Research at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on standards and guidelines for active assisted living (AAL)-enabled smart homes to help older adults to remain in their homes and maintain independence for as long as possible.
- [Alyssia Sanchez](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/alyssia-sanchez/) - Alyssia Sanchez is a second year MASc student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. She is currently conducting research on a novel home-based reminder system with the focus of enhancing communication between individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Alyssia is also working on the development of machine learning models and data analytics to gain behavioral insights from reminder delivery and acceptance in various contexts.
- [Rebecca Rios](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/graduate-research-award/past-graduate-researchers/rebecca-rios/) - Rebecca Rios is a MSc candidate at Brock University in the Applied Health Sciences department. Rebecca's work and research interests include Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients, integrated care, healthcare funding allocation and care partner burden. Rebecca's research focuses on the financial burden of the healthcare system, the individual and their care partners upon patient designation as ALC.
- [Personal Care](https://www.vha.ca/services/personal-care/) - VHA’s committed Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Home Support Workers (HSWs) help clients live more comfortably, safely and as independently as possible. Their skilled, compassionate support can also be a great help to family caregivers looking for a much-needed break.
- [Internationally Educated Nurses](https://www.vha.ca/careers/internationally-educated-nurses/) - This five-year plan provides a snapshot of our strategic priorities and builds on the nearly century-long, rich history VHA has of offering high quality care with great heart to vulnerable populations when, where and how our clients want it. It positions us well to focus on the needs of clients and families, to champion sustainable solutions that enable health, independence and well-being, and to play an essential role in the redesign and orchestration of our future health care system.
- [Privacy at VHA](https://www.vha.ca/privacy-at-vha/)
- [Philip Woode](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/philip-woode/)
- [Prakathesh Rabeenthira](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/prakathesh-rabeenthira/)
- [Kashmeena Mangal](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/kashmeena-mangal/)
- [Travis van Belle](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/travis-van-belle/)
- [Sonia Nizzer](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/sonia-nizzer/)
- [Jordan D'Souza](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/jordan-dsouza/)
- [Emily King](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/team/emily-king/)
- [Apply to Partner with VHA Research](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/partner-with-vha/)
- [Palliative Care Funding Options](https://www.vha.ca/services/palliative-care/funding-options/)
- [CCMN Services](https://www.vha.ca/services/ccmn/services/)
- [Palliative Care Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.vha.ca/services/palliative-care/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [For Clients](https://www.vha.ca/for-clients/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is dedicated to providing high quality care and to partnering with clients and families. VHA’s client and family-centred care is driven by foundational values and beliefs that guide the work of our dedicated teams of caring, committed health care specialists who truly want to help our clients and love what they do.
- [Past Leadership](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/history/past-leadership/) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) would like to highlight our past presidents and board members. Each individual listed below has played a key part in developing VHA's history and establishing our organization as a leading homecare agency since 1925.
- [Barbara Blackstock-Cody](https://www.vha.ca/about-us/history/past-leadership/barbara-blackstock-cody/) - Barbara Blackstock-Cody was the founding president of VHA Home HealthCare in 1925 until 1960. VHA’s celebrated founder was many things: a maternal feminist, a beloved aunt, a loving wife and an immensely important social reform figure in Toronto. As a woman from a well-to-do family in the early twentieth century, Barbara Blackstock-Cody challenged many of the social limits of her time.
- [Valued at VHA](https://www.vha.ca/careers/valued-at-vha/) - We recognize that our care and service is only as good as the people who deliver it. We need to attract, retain, develop, inspire, and support our workforce so that they can deliver the spectacular care our clients expect and deserve. We have invested significant resources to ensure fair and competitive compensation and benefits with our Valued at VHA program which gives a snapshot view of the array of supports available to our people.
- [London](https://www.vha.ca/contact/london/)
- [Partnering with Primary Care](https://www.vha.ca/integrated-solutions/partnering-with-primary-care/) - House Calls is a primary health care program which provides in-home primary medical care as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and social work for homebound seniors in a catchment area that reaches almost half the city of Toronto. With SPRINT Senior Care as the Lead Administrative Agency and in collaboration with VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), House Calls replaces a traditional office-based primary care provider allowing frail and vulnerable seniors to continue to live safely at home.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.vha.ca/privacy-at-vha/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Champlain Solutions en Réadaptation](https://www.vha.ca/contact/champlain-rehab-solutions-fr/)
- [Healthcare Response Unit](https://www.vha.ca/integrated-solutions/healthcare-response-unit/) - In response to the changing needs of Ontario’s health care system, in 2021, VHA created THRU, which stands for Tactical HealthCare Response Unit. THRU is a strategic team of experiences nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and non-clinical staff who can urgently respond to community health needs and challenges anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area.
- [Accessibility](https://www.vha.ca/accessibility/)
- [Message from CEO](https://www.vha.ca/accessibility/message-from-ceo/)
- [Michael Murray](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/michael-murray/)
- [Teresa Hu](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/rehabilitation-fellowships/teresa-hu/) - Miao "Teresa" Hu is a VHA Registered Dietitian. She is looking to streamline the process of providing clients and their carers with the necessary food preparation information based on their unique circumstances.
- [Corinna Murray](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/rehabilitation-fellowships/corinna-murray/) - Corinna Murray is a VHA Occupational Therapist and aims to protect the mental health of clients through an activity-based program where individuals can practice social skills and receive support to gain skills and confidence towards new levels of independence.
- [Donnabelle Labasan](https://www.vha.ca/research-and-innovation/research/research-fellowship-program/past-fellowship-winners/donnabelle-labasan/) - Donnabelle Lasban has been working as a Personal Support Worker at VHA Home HealthCare since 2017. Having a background in nursing before moving to Canada, Donnabelle has many skills she has learned to help VHA’s clients. She takes pride in continuously learning how to improve the care she provides for her clients.
- [Celebrating Personal Support Worker Day at VHA](https://www.vha.ca/recent-news/celebrating-personal-support-worker-day-at-vha/) - Every year on May 19th, Personal Support Worker Day is a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contribution personal support workers (PSWs) and home support workers (HSWs) make to Ontario’s health care system. PSWs and HSWs play a critical role in supporting disability, health and age-related needs in various health care settings, and as
- [Site Map](https://www.vha.ca/site-map/)

## Categories

- [News](https://www.vha.ca/category/news/)
- [2010](https://www.vha.ca/category/2010/)
- [2011](https://www.vha.ca/category/2011/)
- [2009 and Earlier](https://www.vha.ca/category/2009-and-earlier/)
- [Media](https://www.vha.ca/category/media/)
- [2021](https://www.vha.ca/category/2021/)
- [2018](https://www.vha.ca/category/2018/)
- [2012](https://www.vha.ca/category/2012/)
- [Blog Post](https://www.vha.ca/category/blog/)
- [2013](https://www.vha.ca/category/2013/)
- [2014](https://www.vha.ca/category/2014/)
- [2015](https://www.vha.ca/category/2015/)
- [#VHABPSO](https://www.vha.ca/category/vhabpso/)
- [2016](https://www.vha.ca/category/2016/)
- [2017](https://www.vha.ca/category/2017/)
- [2019](https://www.vha.ca/category/2019/)
- [2020](https://www.vha.ca/category/2020/)
- [Personal Care](https://www.vha.ca/category/personal-care/)
- [2022](https://www.vha.ca/category/2022/)
- [Children with Complex Medical Needs](https://www.vha.ca/category/ccmn/)
- [Palliative Care](https://www.vha.ca/category/palliative-care/)
- [Dementia Care](https://www.vha.ca/category/dementia-care/)
- [Physiotherapy](https://www.vha.ca/category/physiotherapy/)
- [Occupational Therapy](https://www.vha.ca/category/occupational-therapy/)
- [Chronic Disease](https://www.vha.ca/category/chronic-disease/)
- [Dietetics](https://www.vha.ca/category/dietetics/)
- [Clutter and Hoarding Support](https://www.vha.ca/category/clutter-and-hoarding-support/)
- [Extreme Cleaning](https://www.vha.ca/category/extreme-cleaning/)
- [Speech Language](https://www.vha.ca/category/speech-language/)
- [Social Work](https://www.vha.ca/category/social-work/)
- [Purchased Services](https://www.vha.ca/category/purchased-services/)
- [Virtual Care](https://www.vha.ca/category/virtual-care/)
- [Nursing](https://www.vha.ca/category/nursing/)
- [Refill Your Cup](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/)
- [Webinars and Workshops](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/webinars-and-workshops/)
- [Self-Directed Resources](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/self-directed-resources/)
- [Culturally-Specific Resources](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/culturally-specific-resources/)
- [Providing Support to Others](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/providing-support-to-others/)
- [Mental Health Apps](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/mental-health-apps/)
- [Coping with Disasters and Traumatic Events](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/coping-with-disasters-and-traumatic-events/)
- [Burnout](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/burnout/)
- [Self-Care](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/self-care/)
- [Stress & Anxiety](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/stress-anxiety/)
- [Mindfulness](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/mindfulness/)
- [Grief & Bereavement](https://www.vha.ca/category/refill-your-cup/grief-bereavement/)
- [Donations](https://www.vha.ca/category/donations/)
- [LHA Model](https://www.vha.ca/category/lha-model/)
- [TCU](https://www.vha.ca/category/tcu/)
- [THRU](https://www.vha.ca/category/thru/)
- [2023](https://www.vha.ca/category/2023/)
- [2024](https://www.vha.ca/category/2024/)
- [Respite and Renew Caregiver Support](https://www.vha.ca/category/respite-and-renew-caregiver-support/)
- [Connected Families Parenting Support](https://www.vha.ca/category/connected-families-parenting-support/)
- [Helping Hands Home Support](https://www.vha.ca/category/helping-hands-home-support/)
- [Thought Leadership](https://www.vha.ca/category/thought-leadership/)
- [Research and Innovation](https://www.vha.ca/category/research-and-innovation/)
- [2025](https://www.vha.ca/category/2025/)
- [2026](https://www.vha.ca/category/2026/)

## Tags

- [VHA Home HealthCare](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vha-home-healthcare/)
- [Innovation](https://www.vha.ca/tag/innovation/)
- [National Caregiver Day](https://www.vha.ca/tag/national-caregiver-day/)
- [Interprofessional Educaiton](https://www.vha.ca/tag/interprofessional-educaiton/)
- [Paediatrics](https://www.vha.ca/tag/paediatrics/)
- [PIES Day](https://www.vha.ca/tag/pies-day/)
- [PALLIES Day](https://www.vha.ca/tag/pallies-day/)
- [Palliative Care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/palliative-care/)
- [home care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/home-care/)
- [seniors](https://www.vha.ca/tag/seniors/)
- [Community Support](https://www.vha.ca/tag/community-support/)
- [Hoarding Support](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hoarding-support/)
- [Toronto Hoarding Support Services Network](https://www.vha.ca/tag/toronto-hoarding-support-services-network/)
- [Virtual Care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/virtual-care/)
- [Virtual Hoarding Support](https://www.vha.ca/tag/virtual-hoarding-support/)
- [Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre](https://www.vha.ca/tag/sunnybrook-health-sciences-centre/)
- [Integrated Care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/integrated-care/)
- [Emergency Department](https://www.vha.ca/tag/emergency-department/)
- [Client Choice Awards](https://www.vha.ca/tag/client-choice-awards/)
- [PSW](https://www.vha.ca/tag/psw/)
- [Nurse](https://www.vha.ca/tag/nurse/)
- [nurse practitioner](https://www.vha.ca/tag/nurse-practitioner/)
- [COVID19](https://www.vha.ca/tag/covid19/)
- [Pine Villa](https://www.vha.ca/tag/pine-villa/)
- [Transitional Care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/transitional-care/)
- [SPRINT Senior Care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/sprint-senior-care/)
- [LOFT Community Services](https://www.vha.ca/tag/loft-community-services/)
- [Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/tag/kathryn-nichol/)
- [Palma Abalo](https://www.vha.ca/tag/palma-abalo/)
- [University of Toronto](https://www.vha.ca/tag/university-of-toronto/)
- [Research](https://www.vha.ca/tag/research/)
- [Personal Support Workers](https://www.vha.ca/tag/personal-support-workers/)
- [Canadian Research](https://www.vha.ca/tag/canadian-research/)
- [Heart of Home Care Awards](https://www.vha.ca/tag/heart-of-home-care-awards/)
- [East Toronto Health Partners](https://www.vha.ca/tag/east-toronto-health-partners/)
- [Ontario Health Team](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ontario-health-team/)
- [mobile flu clinic](https://www.vha.ca/tag/mobile-flu-clinic/)
- [IPAC](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ipac/)
- [PPE](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ppe/)
- [Incident Command Team](https://www.vha.ca/tag/incident-command-team/)
- [SickKids Hospital](https://www.vha.ca/tag/sickkids-hospital/)
- [Ryerson University](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ryerson-university/)
- [COCOON Study](https://www.vha.ca/tag/cocoon-study/)
- [children with complex medical needs](https://www.vha.ca/tag/children-with-complex-medical-needs/)
- [Flu Vaccine](https://www.vha.ca/tag/flu-vaccine/)
- [mental health awareness](https://www.vha.ca/tag/mental-health-awareness/)
- [anxiety](https://www.vha.ca/tag/anxiety/)
- [child and youth mental health](https://www.vha.ca/tag/child-and-youth-mental-health/)
- [Occupational Therapy](https://www.vha.ca/tag/occupational-therapy/)
- [Anti-Racism advocacy](https://www.vha.ca/tag/anti-racism-advocacy/)
- [news](https://www.vha.ca/tag/news/)
- [vha announcement](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vha-announcement/)
- [client](https://www.vha.ca/tag/client/)
- [hospital](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hospital/)
- [Black History Month](https://www.vha.ca/tag/black-history-month/)
- [caregiver day](https://www.vha.ca/tag/caregiver-day/)
- [virtual event](https://www.vha.ca/tag/virtual-event/)
- [unpaid caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/tag/unpaid-caregivers/)
- [North York Toronto Health Partners](https://www.vha.ca/tag/north-york-toronto-health-partners/)
- [North York CARES](https://www.vha.ca/tag/north-york-cares/)
- [CEO](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ceo/)
- [Dr. Kathryn Nichol](https://www.vha.ca/tag/dr-kathryn-nichol/)
- [blog](https://www.vha.ca/tag/blog/)
- [ontario government](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ontario-government/)
- [ministry of health](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ministry-of-health/)
- [lhin](https://www.vha.ca/tag/lhin/)
- [hccss](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hccss/)
- [Personal Support Worker](https://www.vha.ca/tag/personal-support-worker/)
- [Labour Market Impact Assessment](https://www.vha.ca/tag/labour-market-impact-assessment/)
- [immigration](https://www.vha.ca/tag/immigration/)
- [refugees](https://www.vha.ca/tag/refugees/)
- [Canadian workforce](https://www.vha.ca/tag/canadian-workforce/)
- [IT](https://www.vha.ca/tag/it/)
- [EMRI](https://www.vha.ca/tag/emri/)
- [eating healthy](https://www.vha.ca/tag/eating-healthy/)
- [nutrition](https://www.vha.ca/tag/nutrition/)
- [hospital news](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hospital-news/)
- [heart of home care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/heart-of-home-care/)
- [foot care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/foot-care/)
- [COVID vaccine](https://www.vha.ca/tag/covid-vaccine/)
- [Volunteer](https://www.vha.ca/tag/volunteer/)
- [technology](https://www.vha.ca/tag/technology/)
- [National Nursing Week](https://www.vha.ca/tag/national-nursing-week/)
- [Best Practice](https://www.vha.ca/tag/best-practice/)
- [Sara Fung](https://www.vha.ca/tag/sara-fung/)
- [Registered Nurse](https://www.vha.ca/tag/registered-nurse/)
- [FastLabs](https://www.vha.ca/tag/fastlabs/)
- [IFIC International Conference](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ific-international-conference/)
- [VHA](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vha/)
- [RNAO](https://www.vha.ca/tag/rnao/)
- [Best Practice Spotlight Organization](https://www.vha.ca/tag/best-practice-spotlight-organization/)
- [Falls Prevention](https://www.vha.ca/tag/falls-prevention/)
- [Chronic Disease](https://www.vha.ca/tag/chronic-disease/)
- [BPSO](https://www.vha.ca/tag/bpso/)
- [champlain rehab solutions](https://www.vha.ca/tag/champlain-rehab-solutions/)
- [student opportunities](https://www.vha.ca/tag/student-opportunities/)
- [non-verbal communication](https://www.vha.ca/tag/non-verbal-communication/)
- [dementia care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/dementia-care/)
- [dementia](https://www.vha.ca/tag/dementia/)
- [resource](https://www.vha.ca/tag/resource/)
- [VHA research](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vha-research/)
- [student](https://www.vha.ca/tag/student/)
- [healthcare](https://www.vha.ca/tag/healthcare/)
- [father's day](https://www.vha.ca/tag/fathers-day/)
- [dementia resource](https://www.vha.ca/tag/dementia-resource/)
- [caregiver resources](https://www.vha.ca/tag/caregiver-resources/)
- [Rexdale](https://www.vha.ca/tag/rexdale/)
- [University Health Network. City of Toronto](https://www.vha.ca/tag/university-health-network-city-of-toronto/)
- [Rexdale Community Health Centre](https://www.vha.ca/tag/rexdale-community-health-centre/)
- [hotspot](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hotspot/)
- [po-up clinic](https://www.vha.ca/tag/po-up-clinic/)
- [mental health](https://www.vha.ca/tag/mental-health/)
- [suicidal behavior](https://www.vha.ca/tag/suicidal-behavior/)
- [COVID-19](https://www.vha.ca/tag/covid-19/)
- [BMI](https://www.vha.ca/tag/bmi/)
- [healthy body](https://www.vha.ca/tag/healthy-body/)
- [vaccine](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vaccine/)
- [City of Toronto](https://www.vha.ca/tag/city-of-toronto/)
- [John Tory](https://www.vha.ca/tag/john-tory/)
- [personal care services](https://www.vha.ca/tag/personal-care-services/)
- [foot care services](https://www.vha.ca/tag/foot-care-services/)
- [better sleep](https://www.vha.ca/tag/better-sleep/)
- [hydration](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hydration/)
- [summer](https://www.vha.ca/tag/summer/)
- [dehydrated](https://www.vha.ca/tag/dehydrated/)
- [SE Health](https://www.vha.ca/tag/se-health/)
- [senior care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/senior-care/)
- [Alzheimer’s](https://www.vha.ca/tag/alzheimers/)
- [Diversity Equity and Inclusion](https://www.vha.ca/tag/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/)
- [vaccine policy](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vaccine-policy/)
- [Ontario home care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ontario-home-care/)
- [United Way Greater Toronto](https://www.vha.ca/tag/united-way-greater-toronto/)
- [THRU](https://www.vha.ca/tag/thru/)
- [clinical fellowship](https://www.vha.ca/tag/clinical-fellowship/)
- [Yard Work](https://www.vha.ca/tag/yard-work/)
- [Fall](https://www.vha.ca/tag/fall/)
- [Senior Living](https://www.vha.ca/tag/senior-living/)
- [caregiving](https://www.vha.ca/tag/caregiving/)
- [Client Partner](https://www.vha.ca/tag/client-partner/)
- [PALLIES](https://www.vha.ca/tag/pallies/)
- [education](https://www.vha.ca/tag/education/)
- [HMNS](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hmns/)
- [Nursing](https://www.vha.ca/tag/nursing/)
- [home care nurse](https://www.vha.ca/tag/home-care-nurse/)
- [AGE-WELL](https://www.vha.ca/tag/age-well/)
- [Dr. Sandra McKay](https://www.vha.ca/tag/dr-sandra-mckay/)
- [healthcare research](https://www.vha.ca/tag/healthcare-research/)
- [Camille Dundas](https://www.vha.ca/tag/camille-dundas/)
- [DEI](https://www.vha.ca/tag/dei/)
- [allyship](https://www.vha.ca/tag/allyship/)
- [constipation](https://www.vha.ca/tag/constipation/)
- [digestion](https://www.vha.ca/tag/digestion/)
- [health tips](https://www.vha.ca/tag/health-tips/)
- [constipation in older adults](https://www.vha.ca/tag/constipation-in-older-adults/)
- [flu season](https://www.vha.ca/tag/flu-season/)
- [flu shot](https://www.vha.ca/tag/flu-shot/)
- [twindemic](https://www.vha.ca/tag/twindemic/)
- [influenza](https://www.vha.ca/tag/influenza/)
- [Canada](https://www.vha.ca/tag/canada/)
- [flu](https://www.vha.ca/tag/flu/)
- [infection prevention](https://www.vha.ca/tag/infection-prevention/)
- [virus](https://www.vha.ca/tag/virus/)
- [human resources](https://www.vha.ca/tag/human-resources/)
- [Holiday](https://www.vha.ca/tag/holiday/)
- [Christmas](https://www.vha.ca/tag/christmas/)
- [2021](https://www.vha.ca/tag/2021/)
- [United Way](https://www.vha.ca/tag/united-way/)
- [GTA (Greater Toronto Area)](https://www.vha.ca/tag/gta-greater-toronto-area/)
- [fundraising](https://www.vha.ca/tag/fundraising/)
- [Seasonal Affective Disorder](https://www.vha.ca/tag/seasonal-affective-disorder/)
- [SAD](https://www.vha.ca/tag/sad/)
- [winter blues](https://www.vha.ca/tag/winter-blues/)
- [winter](https://www.vha.ca/tag/winter/)
- [snow](https://www.vha.ca/tag/snow/)
- [BPRE](https://www.vha.ca/tag/bpre/)
- [Client VOICE](https://www.vha.ca/tag/client-voice/)
- [CNE](https://www.vha.ca/tag/cne/)
- [leadership](https://www.vha.ca/tag/leadership/)
- [Hackathon](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hackathon/)
- [VHA Home HealthCare Agetech](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vha-home-healthcare-agetech/)
- [Design Thinking](https://www.vha.ca/tag/design-thinking/)
- [2022 Priorities](https://www.vha.ca/tag/2022-priorities/)
- [New Year](https://www.vha.ca/tag/new-year/)
- [Strategic Plan](https://www.vha.ca/tag/strategic-plan/)
- [reporting](https://www.vha.ca/tag/reporting/)
- [aging](https://www.vha.ca/tag/aging/)
- [Elder Abuse](https://www.vha.ca/tag/elder-abuse/)
- [Domestic Violence](https://www.vha.ca/tag/domestic-violence/)
- [Elder domestic abuse](https://www.vha.ca/tag/elder-domestic-abuse/)
- [International Women's Day](https://www.vha.ca/tag/international-womens-day/)
- [leZlie lee kam](https://www.vha.ca/tag/lezlie-lee-kam/)
- [rehab therapy](https://www.vha.ca/tag/rehab-therapy/)
- [2SLGBTQI](https://www.vha.ca/tag/2slgbtqi/)
- [Andrea Cook](https://www.vha.ca/tag/andrea-cook/)
- [queer seniors](https://www.vha.ca/tag/queer-seniors/)
- [food safety](https://www.vha.ca/tag/food-safety/)
- [registered dietician](https://www.vha.ca/tag/registered-dietician/)
- [Nutrition Month](https://www.vha.ca/tag/nutrition-month/)
- [food handling](https://www.vha.ca/tag/food-handling/)
- [cooking at home](https://www.vha.ca/tag/cooking-at-home/)
- [caregiver](https://www.vha.ca/tag/caregiver/)
- [resources for caregivers](https://www.vha.ca/tag/resources-for-caregivers/)
- [Ontario Health](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ontario-health/)
- [Ralda Singleton](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ralda-singleton/)
- [Autism](https://www.vha.ca/tag/autism/)
- [family caregiver](https://www.vha.ca/tag/family-caregiver/)
- [Burnout](https://www.vha.ca/tag/burnout/)
- [Compassion Fatigue](https://www.vha.ca/tag/compassion-fatigue/)
- [National Volunteer Week](https://www.vha.ca/tag/national-volunteer-week/)
- [CREOD](https://www.vha.ca/tag/creod/)
- [Pelvic floor exercises](https://www.vha.ca/tag/pelvic-floor-exercises/)
- [Physiotherapy](https://www.vha.ca/tag/physiotherapy/)
- [Celebrating PSW Day 2022](https://www.vha.ca/tag/celebrating-psw-day-2022/)
- [Quality Improvement](https://www.vha.ca/tag/quality-improvement/)
- [Client Experience Survey 2021](https://www.vha.ca/tag/client-experience-survey-2021/)
- [Multiple Sclerosis](https://www.vha.ca/tag/multiple-sclerosis/)
- [MS](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ms/)
- [Lauren Black](https://www.vha.ca/tag/lauren-black/)
- [Anne Wojtak](https://www.vha.ca/tag/anne-wojtak/)
- [Jef Wingad](https://www.vha.ca/tag/jef-wingad/)
- [Susan Grundy](https://www.vha.ca/tag/susan-grundy/)
- [Stacy Landau](https://www.vha.ca/tag/stacy-landau/)
- [ETHP](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ethp/)
- [Greater Hamilton Health Network](https://www.vha.ca/tag/greater-hamilton-health-network/)
- [Governance](https://www.vha.ca/tag/governance/)
- [Decluttering](https://www.vha.ca/tag/decluttering/)
- [Post-stroke depression](https://www.vha.ca/tag/post-stroke-depression/)
- [stroke](https://www.vha.ca/tag/stroke/)
- [senior mental health](https://www.vha.ca/tag/senior-mental-health/)
- [dementia resources](https://www.vha.ca/tag/dementia-resources/)
- [family](https://www.vha.ca/tag/family/)
- [aging at home](https://www.vha.ca/tag/aging-at-home/)
- [North York General Hospital](https://www.vha.ca/tag/north-york-general-hospital/)
- [remote patient monitoring](https://www.vha.ca/tag/remote-patient-monitoring/)
- [Ontario](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ontario/)
- [Ontario Ministry of Health](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ontario-ministry-of-health/)
- [VHA Board of Directors](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vha-board-of-directors/)
- [Ian Brunskill](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ian-brunskill/)
- [Health Anxiety Disorder](https://www.vha.ca/tag/health-anxiety-disorder/)
- [anxiety disorder](https://www.vha.ca/tag/anxiety-disorder/)
- [anxiety treatment](https://www.vha.ca/tag/anxiety-treatment/)
- [Finances](https://www.vha.ca/tag/finances/)
- [Amr Elimam](https://www.vha.ca/tag/amr-elimam/)
- [Gardening](https://www.vha.ca/tag/gardening/)
- [summer safety](https://www.vha.ca/tag/summer-safety/)
- [summer safety for older adults](https://www.vha.ca/tag/summer-safety-for-older-adults/)
- [chronic pain](https://www.vha.ca/tag/chronic-pain/)
- [At Home with VHA](https://www.vha.ca/tag/at-home-with-vha/)
- [Back to School](https://www.vha.ca/tag/back-to-school/)
- [Immunocompromised](https://www.vha.ca/tag/immunocompromised/)
- [older adults](https://www.vha.ca/tag/older-adults/)
- [brain games](https://www.vha.ca/tag/brain-games/)
- [celebration of life](https://www.vha.ca/tag/celebration-of-life/)
- [Refill Your Cup Emotional Support Resources Directory](https://www.vha.ca/tag/refill-your-cup-emotional-support-resources-directory/)
- [OT Month](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ot-month/)
- [Child and Family support](https://www.vha.ca/tag/child-and-family-support/)
- [parents](https://www.vha.ca/tag/parents/)
- [motherhood](https://www.vha.ca/tag/motherhood/)
- [newborn](https://www.vha.ca/tag/newborn/)
- [families in crisis](https://www.vha.ca/tag/families-in-crisis/)
- [OT](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ot/)
- [Occupational Therapy Month](https://www.vha.ca/tag/occupational-therapy-month/)
- [Canadian Patient Safety Week](https://www.vha.ca/tag/canadian-patient-safety-week/)
- [aging in the community](https://www.vha.ca/tag/aging-in-the-community/)
- [fellowship](https://www.vha.ca/tag/fellowship/)
- [Arthritis](https://www.vha.ca/tag/arthritis/)
- [Rheumatoid Arthritis](https://www.vha.ca/tag/rheumatoid-arthritis/)
- [Kew Beach](https://www.vha.ca/tag/kew-beach/)
- [world kindness day](https://www.vha.ca/tag/world-kindness-day/)
- [client-centred care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/client-centred-care/)
- [Disability](https://www.vha.ca/tag/disability/)
- [Ontario Human Rights Code](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ontario-human-rights-code/)
- [Cancer](https://www.vha.ca/tag/cancer/)
- [Cancer treatment](https://www.vha.ca/tag/cancer-treatment/)
- [Cancer Nutrition](https://www.vha.ca/tag/cancer-nutrition/)
- [Sundown Syndrome](https://www.vha.ca/tag/sundown-syndrome/)
- [Sundowner](https://www.vha.ca/tag/sundowner/)
- [Fall Prevention](https://www.vha.ca/tag/fall-prevention/)
- [Fall Prevention Month](https://www.vha.ca/tag/fall-prevention-month/)
- [Safety at home](https://www.vha.ca/tag/safety-at-home/)
- [Home safety](https://www.vha.ca/tag/home-safety/)
- [holiday traditions](https://www.vha.ca/tag/holiday-traditions/)
- [multi-faith family](https://www.vha.ca/tag/multi-faith-family/)
- [2023](https://www.vha.ca/tag/2023/)
- [Travel Safety Tips for Older Adults](https://www.vha.ca/tag/travel-safety-tips-for-older-adults/)
- [envisAGE](https://www.vha.ca/tag/envisage/)
- [VHA Research and Innovation](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vha-research-and-innovation/)
- [Dr. Karima Velji](https://www.vha.ca/tag/dr-karima-velji/)
- [LHA](https://www.vha.ca/tag/lha/)
- [Lead Homecare Agency](https://www.vha.ca/tag/lead-homecare-agency/)
- [UHN](https://www.vha.ca/tag/uhn/)
- [Design Day](https://www.vha.ca/tag/design-day/)
- [David Fry](https://www.vha.ca/tag/david-fry/)
- [Sandra Li-James](https://www.vha.ca/tag/sandra-li-james/)
- [One Team Model](https://www.vha.ca/tag/one-team-model/)
- [Home and Community Care Support Services](https://www.vha.ca/tag/home-and-community-care-support-services/)
- [memory loss](https://www.vha.ca/tag/memory-loss/)
- [age-related memory loss](https://www.vha.ca/tag/age-related-memory-loss/)
- [VHA BPSO](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vha-bpso/)
- [essential care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/essential-care/)
- [leadership awards](https://www.vha.ca/tag/leadership-awards/)
- [york region](https://www.vha.ca/tag/york-region/)
- [cold and flu](https://www.vha.ca/tag/cold-and-flu/)
- [home](https://www.vha.ca/tag/home/)
- [fellowship program](https://www.vha.ca/tag/fellowship-program/)
- [Client Experience Survey 2023](https://www.vha.ca/tag/client-experience-survey-2023/)
- [pharmacist](https://www.vha.ca/tag/pharmacist/)
- [in-house pharmacy](https://www.vha.ca/tag/in-house-pharmacy/)
- [Ontario Health atHome](https://www.vha.ca/tag/ontario-health-athome/)
- [VHA Leadership Awards](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vha-leadership-awards/)
- [Accreditation Canada](https://www.vha.ca/tag/accreditation-canada/)
- [Exemplary Standing](https://www.vha.ca/tag/exemplary-standing/)
- [Board of Directors](https://www.vha.ca/tag/board-of-directors/)
- [Champions of Change](https://www.vha.ca/tag/champions-of-change/)
- [PSW fellowship program](https://www.vha.ca/tag/psw-fellowship-program/)
- [2025](https://www.vha.ca/tag/2025/)
- [Clutter and Hoarding Support](https://www.vha.ca/tag/clutter-and-hoarding-support/)
- [MGH2HOME](https://www.vha.ca/tag/mgh2home/)
- [hospital to home](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hospital-to-home/)
- [Employee Features](https://www.vha.ca/tag/employee-features/)
- [The Future Is Bright](https://www.vha.ca/tag/the-future-is-bright/)
- [Trevor Heer](https://www.vha.ca/tag/trevor-heer/)
- [Nominees](https://www.vha.ca/tag/nominees/)
- [Staff Recognition](https://www.vha.ca/tag/staff-recognition/)
- [Michael Garron Hospital](https://www.vha.ca/tag/michael-garron-hospital/)
- [Good Samaritan](https://www.vha.ca/tag/good-samaritan/)
- [Community](https://www.vha.ca/tag/community/)
- [Compassion](https://www.vha.ca/tag/compassion/)
- [parenting](https://www.vha.ca/tag/parenting/)
- [National Grandparents' Day](https://www.vha.ca/tag/national-grandparents-day/)
- [2SLGBTQIA+](https://www.vha.ca/tag/2slgbtqia/)
- [coming out](https://www.vha.ca/tag/coming-out/)
- [pride](https://www.vha.ca/tag/pride/)
- [hand hygiene](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hand-hygiene/)
- [virus prevention](https://www.vha.ca/tag/virus-prevention/)
- [Home Support Workers](https://www.vha.ca/tag/home-support-workers/)
- [home support services](https://www.vha.ca/tag/home-support-services/)
- [Responsive Community Care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/responsive-community-care/)
- [medication management](https://www.vha.ca/tag/medication-management/)
- [Client Satisfaction](https://www.vha.ca/tag/client-satisfaction/)
- [Client Experience](https://www.vha.ca/tag/client-experience/)
- [Feedback](https://www.vha.ca/tag/feedback/)
- [emergency preparedness](https://www.vha.ca/tag/emergency-preparedness/)
- [fire safety](https://www.vha.ca/tag/fire-safety/)
- [emergency plan](https://www.vha.ca/tag/emergency-plan/)
- [extreme weather](https://www.vha.ca/tag/extreme-weather/)
- [power outages](https://www.vha.ca/tag/power-outages/)
- [BlackNorth Initiative](https://www.vha.ca/tag/blacknorth-initiative/)
- [Scholarship](https://www.vha.ca/tag/scholarship/)
- [depression](https://www.vha.ca/tag/depression/)
- [primary care](https://www.vha.ca/tag/primary-care/)
- [finding a doctor](https://www.vha.ca/tag/finding-a-doctor/)
- [VHA catchment areas](https://www.vha.ca/tag/vha-catchment-areas/)
- [volunteerism](https://www.vha.ca/tag/volunteerism/)
- [RCC](https://www.vha.ca/tag/rcc/)
- [Connected Families](https://www.vha.ca/tag/connected-families/)
- [Spring Cleaning](https://www.vha.ca/tag/spring-cleaning/)
- [Medication Safety](https://www.vha.ca/tag/medication-safety/)
- [wellness](https://www.vha.ca/tag/wellness/)
- [personal support](https://www.vha.ca/tag/personal-support/)
- [hygiene](https://www.vha.ca/tag/hygiene/)
- [pressure injuries](https://www.vha.ca/tag/pressure-injuries/)
- [bedsores](https://www.vha.ca/tag/bedsores/)
- [Celebrating PSW Day](https://www.vha.ca/tag/celebrating-psw-day/)
- [speech language](https://www.vha.ca/tag/speech-language/)
- [communication](https://www.vha.ca/tag/communication/)
- [speech and hearing month](https://www.vha.ca/tag/speech-and-hearing-month/)
- [Physiotherapy Month](https://www.vha.ca/tag/physiotherapy-month/)
- [Extreme Clean](https://www.vha.ca/tag/extreme-clean/)
- [movement](https://www.vha.ca/tag/movement/)
- [nature](https://www.vha.ca/tag/nature/)
- [cognitive health](https://www.vha.ca/tag/cognitive-health/)
- [addiction](https://www.vha.ca/tag/addiction/)
- [recovery](https://www.vha.ca/tag/recovery/)

## Stats Types

- [view](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/view/)
- [Firefox](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/firefox/)
- [Windows](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/windows/)
- [Safari](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/safari/)
- [iPhone](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/iphone/)
- [Chrome](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/chrome/)
- [Android](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/android/)
- [iPad](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/ipad/)
- [Macintosh](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/macintosh/)
- [unknown](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/unknown/)
- [Linux](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/linux/)
- [Samsung Browser](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/samsung-browser/)
- [Android Browser](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/android-browser/)
- [Opera](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/opera/)
- [event](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/event/)
- [Internet Explorer](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/internet-explorer/)
- [Silk](https://www.vha.ca/wpa-stats-type/silk/)