Leadership is a vital part of our workplace culture at VHA. Each year, we celebrate four incredible recipients of our Leadership Awards in four unique categories: Leading with Purpose Empowered Everyday Building Bonds that Matter Leading the Future of Health and Independence at Home This year, Banu Sundaralingam, Project Manager,...

Each year, the VHA Leadership Awards celebrate individuals who exemplify VHA’s commitment to leadership excellence. These awards recognize those who inspire others, lead with integrity, and strengthen the culture of compassion that defines our organization. The Building Bonds that Matter Award honours leaders who create authentic and meaningful connections, who listen...

Bruce is a senior living in the Taylor-Massey neighbourhood in East Toronto. He is battling stage four cancer, and like many in his situation, eating regular, healthy meals is a challenge. Constant nausea and sickness has meant he no longer even enjoys thinking about his favourite foods and has lost...

The day before her birthday in 2020, Personal Support Worker (PSW) Farbiola met her first home care client, Raphael, an 81-year old man who was dying from cancer and couldn’t eat or walk on his own. Five years later, Raphael, now 86, is still with us, and he says, it’s...

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,...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...