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,...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

When someone you care about is living with chronic pain due to a condition like osteoarthritis, it can be very difficult to manage. ...

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....

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...

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...

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....

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...