Updates and Information for VHA’s Valued Clients and Families
Issue 56, July 2023
New OHT Navigation Resource for Clients in GTA: Toronto Health and Social Services Directory
VHA Home HealthCare has been working with our Ontario Health Team (OHT) partners to develop a new online resource for those in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) - The Toronto Health and Social Services Directory.
The Toronto Health and Social Services Directory 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. The directory also lists some services in Durham, Peel and York regions. These services may serve people who live outside these regions.
If you live and/or get care in these areas, the directory is your guide to finding care close to home. We hope this directory will be helpful for Toronto area clients. We encourage you to take a look by clicking the button below.
Summer Activities for Older Adults in Toronto
Famous for its diversity, waterfront, sports teams, restaurants and music scene, Canada’s biggest city is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year. But with the cold Canadian climate turning off many visitors, Toronto truly comes alive over the summer months.
If you have plans to visit the city this summer — or live nearby and want to make the most of your staycation — here are some amazing places to see and events to catch. These locations are accessible for older adults, but also fun for people of all ages.
Hygiene Tips for Bedbound Loved Ones
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 is so important to their well-being, self-esteem and identity.
VHA's In-House Pharmacy brings a team of pharmacists to you. They are dedicated to keeping you safe at home.
VHA's In-House Pharmacy is a new program geared towards bringing pharmacists into client's homes to keep them safe.
VHA clients can receive a free consultation with a registered pharmacist, right in your home, to help with:
- Counselling and medication review
- Tips on medication management and regular follow-up
- Knowledge about multiple medications and how they may react with each other
- Unused medication disposal
VHA in the News: As Scarborough's Grace Place struggles to feed 20,000 a month, one woman redistributes food on her own
A personal support worker, Kaila Jonsen knows things about people she works with that even their families don’t, like how much many have cut back on food.
The Scarborough woman has seen clients drop staples from their diet, start drinking their coffee black, or buy only whatever food is on sale.
They don’t want to be a burden, she said, sometimes confiding in her, mentioning “things are so expensive these days,” and sometimes prevented by pride from admitting they don’t have enough money for groceries.
But glances in refrigerators tell the story. 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.
When Kaila noticed many of her clients struggling to stock their shelves during her visits, she took matters into her own hands.
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 to other care settings.
There are a wide range of services available, including support for families and caregivers, but the Ontario home care system can be confusing and difficult to navigate. This can be especially challenging if care needs or circumstances change quickly. If you or a loved one want to continue to live independently and safe at home, here’s a brief summary to help answer your questions and better understand the system and get the support you need including:
- What type of support is available?
- How do you access home care in Ontario?
- Is home care government funded?
- What if I don't qualify for funding?
- How do I access private services through VHA Home HealthCare?
Are you happy with your service from VHA? Please consider leaving us a review on Google to help others find us. Thanks for your support.
