Updates and Information for VHA’s Valued Clients and FamiliesIssue 60, December 2023 The Evolution of Compassionate, High Quality Care: Reflections from VHA’s President and CEO Dr. Kathryn NicholAs the holiday season approaches, taking the opportunity to reflect and share appreciation for all we have accomplished together over these past twelve months is a meaningful and essential way to reset before we gear up to address the year ahead. This year it has been great to see our teams once again gathering in person to connect and celebrate, and I am happy to share with you a picture (above) of VHA Home HealthCare's (VHA) management team at a leadership event in November. As ever, I am inspired and grateful for the tremendous dedication and commitment of VHA’s staff and service providers and the partners, volunteers, funders and clients and families we work with. We have big ambitions for 2024 to build on all we have achieved together this year and to engage with our community to develop our next strategic plan to guide our work forward. From everyone at VHA, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and may the new year be filled with positivity for us all. Have you registered for the myVHA Client Portal?The myVHA Client Portal is an online tool created for VHA clients and families to give you greater control over how and when you or your loved one receives care. Join the nearly 1000 clients who have signed up to experience benefits of myVHA like:
Understanding Anosognosia or a Lack of Awareness in Dementia PatientsEven after forgetting to bathe, missing appointments or burning food on the stove, many older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or another cognitive impairment will insist that they don’t need help. They may hide their dementia symptoms, give excuses to explain behaviour you are concerned about and become angry or defensive when you suggest they need more support. Caregivers often mistake this response for denial, stubbornness or embarrassment around their diagnosis, but in fact, damage to the brain can make it difficult for dementia patients to recognize their impairment. If a person in your care is sometimes agreeable and other times appears to completely forget that they are sick, they may be experiencing Anosognosia. The Role of Assistive Devices in Preventing Falls at HomeAs we age, a number of factors can make falls more likely. These include decreased mobility, reduced balance, visual changes, chronic illness, medications and other health challenges. Falls are the leading cause of injury for people over the age of 65. Studies show that 90% of hip fractures are caused by falls and 40% of long-term care admissions are due to falls or related injuries. In fact, falls can cause a significant decrease in quality of life and are one of the main reasons why older adults lose their independence. Although the risk does increase with age, falls should not be considered an inevitable part of aging. Luckily, by taking the right actions and precautions, the majority of falls can be prevented. Assistive devices are one way older adults can reduce their risk of falling and feel more confident living independently at home. A physical or occupational therapist should always assess your needs and show you how to use an assistive device safely, but here’s some general information to help guide you. Call for Participation - Home-based Reminder System to Enable Self-directed Dementia Care and Remote MonitoringOur research department is helping to develop a home-based reminder system at the University of Toronto led by Dr. Alex Mihailidis. We are recruiting participants to discuss what features and functionalities of a reminder system can be important and useful for people with dementia and their caregivers. We are looking for pairs of people living with dementia and their caregivers with the following inclusion criteria: People Living with Dementia
Caregivers
You will be asked to participate in an interview session that takes place at 500 University Avenue, Toronto, or in your home with your preference. The interview will take about one hour. By participating in the study, you will help us have a better understanding of how to create a home-based reminder system. Your time will be compensated with $100 upon completion of the study. For more details, please contact Alyssia Sanchez at alyssia.sanchez@mail.utoronto.ca or 647-338-9518. VHA in the NewsRecent Articles from VHA Leaders and Research Publications
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