Updates and Information for VHA’s Valued Clients and Families
Issue 87, August 2026
Building Connections Through Volunteer Support: How VHA Volunteers Make a Difference for Families
VHA’s Connected Families: Parenting Support program helps bridge the gap for new parents who may have limited family or community support during the early months of parenthood. Trained volunteers provide practical assistance, companionship and encouragement through regular visits, whether that means accompanying parents to community programs, caring for a baby while a parent rests, offering guidance or simply being there to listen. As volunteer Jenn’s experiences show, these small acts of support can help parents build confidence, reduce isolation and strengthen connections within their communities.
How Medications Affect Heat Tolerance and Sun Sensitivity
Some medications can make it harder for the body to regulate heat or increase sensitivity to sunlight, creating additional health risks during hot weather. In one of our latest blogs, we share how certain medications can affect heat tolerance and sun sensitivity, particularly for older adults, and provide practical tips to help reduce these risks. From staying hydrated and limiting sun exposure to recognizing the warning signs of heat-related illness, understanding how medications interact with hot weather can help people stay safe and healthy throughout the summer.
Tailoring a Unique Physiotherapy Routine for Each Client: Insight from Mira, a Registered Physiotherapist
Every person’s rehabilitation journey is different, and physiotherapy should reflect their individual needs, abilities and goals. Mira, a Registered Physiotherapist at VHA, shares how she tailors exercise and rehabilitation plans for clients in their homes, considering factors such as diagnosis, mobility, fitness level, home environment, motivation and available support. Her approach demonstrates how personalized care can help clients build strength, improve mobility and make meaningful progress toward their goals.
Understanding Hygiene Changes in Older Adults
Changes in personal hygiene can be difficult to notice and even harder to discuss with an aging loved one. What may appear to be a loss of interest in self-care can sometimes be linked to mobility challenges, cognitive changes, depression, medication side effects or concerns about safety and independence.
Recognizing these changes with compassion can help families identify when additional support may be needed. Learn about the signs to watch for, common causes of hygiene changes and practical ways to support an older adult while preserving their dignity, comfort and independence.
Are You Registered for the myVHA Client Portal?
Have you joined myVHA yet? Designed with our clients' needs in mind, the myVHA Client Portal is secure and simple to use. Anytime, from anywhere, find your schedule in real time, cancel visits, message your coordination team and more!
Registering for myVHA is easy. If you’re a VHA client receiving personal support services, shift nursing services, or visiting one of VHA’s nursing clinics, you’re eligible to use the portal. All you need is your date of birth and health card number to validate your identity on the registration page at https://myvha.vha.ca/auth/register. Once successfully validated, you will have full access to the service.
To learn more about the portal, please visit www.vha.ca/myvha. If you encounter any issues feel free to email a member of our myVHA Support Team at myvha@vha.ca.
