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 experience 
• 93% of VHA’s partners responded that their experience working and collaborating with VHA was positive – including in programs where service delivery launched or expanded in 2025  
• 98% of our staff and service providers would recommend VHA to friends and family needing care – a tremendous show of confidence in the work we do and the skilled team that we have. 

These comments, and many more, make me very proud of our organization and our people and give me confidence that VHA’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030: Leading the Future of Health and Independence at Home has us on the right path. We have a strong foundation to build on and ambitious plans for the year ahead to achieve meaningful progress in each of our five strategic priority areas: system solutions, science, seamless service, specialists and sustainability. 

System Solutions 

We will continue to expand our partnership programs with leading healthcare institutions including University Health Network, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Michael Garron Hospital to shorten hospital stays and reduce hospital re-admissions and emergency department visits. This key area of our work, transitioning people safely out of hospital and supporting their recovery at home, underscores the essential role home care plays in a well-functioning healthcare system. 

We are expanding our pharmacy program to include pharmacy@home services to support clients to safely manage their medications in the comfort of their own home.  

Science 

VHA’s deep commitment to home care science focuses on providing evidence to inform solutions for the healthcare sector. One area our research team is focusing on this year is deepening our understanding of the role home care plays in reducing hospital re-admissions, building on our current research in this area. We will continue to partner with developers to trial technology solutions designed to support clients to live safely in their homes for as long as possible.  

Seamless Service 

We will work to expand interprofessional knowledge and collaboration among our team members to improve client and provider experience with the use of VHA’s Interprofessional Collaboration Competency Framework. Through the use of technology to automate our operational processes and by leveraging artificial intelligence, we will strive to be more efficient and increase capacity for hands-on care. 

Specialists 

We will continue to strengthen the supports and training we provide for our team so they can lead with purpose, feel empowered every day and build bonds that matter with their clients and families. We will look to increase our work with academic institutions to provide more student placements and internship opportunities to strengthen our recruitment pipeline and increase awareness of home care as a workplace of choice. 

Sustainability 

VHA’s Responsive Community Care programs play a critical role preventing homelessness and supporting vulnerable families. We aim to build new partnerships to provide these essential supports to even more communities. We will continue our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure VHA remains an equitable employer that celebrates diversity and fosters belonging and to ensure clients have access to safe, culturally inclusive care. We will actively engage with government partners to emphasize the value to the system of investing in home care teams and services. 

We look forward to working cooperatively with clients and families, VHA team members, partners, funders and volunteers to deliver on these priorities and make care even better. VHA’s shared purpose, Care at home. Delivered with heart. Led by science., speaks to our commitment to building a future where care at home is not only possible, but stronger, safer, and more connected. Thank you, as ever, for your collaboration and support. 

Here’s to a positive and impactful 2026!