Updates and Information for VHA’s Valued Clients and Families
Issue 88, October 2026
Celebrating VHA's 2026 Client Choice Awards
Each year, the VHA Client Choice Awards give clients and families an opportunity to recognize the people who have made a meaningful difference in their lives. This year we received an incredible record-breaking response, with more than 1,500 nominations. Our outstanding winners exemplify compassion, dedication, and exceptional care. Watch these videos to discover their inspiring stories and celebrate their remarkable contributions.
We are also recognizing our Honourable Mentions. These care providers were nominated more than once, and some have been nominated year after year, which shows how lasting their impact has been. We would like to extend a warm congratulations to every nominee, honouree, and award recipient.
We're excited to share these Client Choice stories with you. Thank you for reading, watching, and celebrating the people who make VHA the organization it is.
It Takes a Village: One Family’s Palliative Care Experience
Losing a loved one is never easy, but knowing that your family member is in good hands during a difficult time can give an indescribable peace of mind. In Oct 2024, VHA Client Marion’s family, including her daughter and primary caregiver Suzanne, were caught off guard when she was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. “She showed no symptoms and we weren’t expecting any type of sickness. Once we found out, we were given a two to three month timeline.” recalled Suzanne. “Because of her age and the type of cancer, there wasn’t really a treatment plan for her so we decided to start palliative care and go home.”
The Importance of Executive Function and Why It Matters in Dementia Care
Dementia affects more than memory. As symptoms progress, changes in the brain can impact many aspects of thinking and everyday functioning, including attention, problem-solving, communication, judgment, planning and organization. These changes can make everyday activities that once felt familiar and manageable more challenging.
One area that plays an important role in how we manage everyday activities is executive function. Understanding what executive function is, how dementia can affect it, and what these changes can mean for everyday life can help families and caregivers better support their loved ones.
Accelerating Education Through the Support of VHA’s WorkSmart and Head Start Programs
A new school year is underway and many students are undertaking exciting new adventures in education. For some, alongside the enthusiasm for learning, there may also be anxiety regarding post-secondary education costs. At VHA, supporting our people and helping them achieve their professional and personal goals is engrained in our organizational culture. This is one of the many reasons why VHA was recently ranked in the top 25 of Canada’s best employers for company culture by Forbes.
To help our staff and care service providers achieve their educational goals, VHA offers the WorkSmart program. This unique program offers VHA team members the opportunity to advance their academic goals by providing financial assistance upon successful completion of a course.
A number of VHA team members have taken advantage of the program to upgrade their education and advance their careers.
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.
