Victorian Order of Nurses Community Health Guide - Napanee

ERIE ST. CLAIR –GREATER NAPANEE

ERIE ST. CLAIR –GREATER NAPANEE

Greater

Greetings,

VON Greater Napanee offers a number of community support programs to the Seniors in Napanee and surrounding communities. We strive to help clients remain in their homes and communities by offering assistance with their activities of daily living and enhancing their quality of life with the supports they need. VON not only assists clients, we are here to support the caregiver and family members.

The Community Guide you are holding will inform you of the many health care services we provide. Our team of dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers are ready to help you by providing services that will assist you in a meaningful way. We strive to provide compassion where it counts!

What sets VON apart in the home health care sector?

• VON is a not for profit health care organization and registered charity that cares for all ages and stages of life. VON believes that all people have the right to quality home health care.

• VON services are guided by a profound sense of respect for individuals and their right to make choices about and participate in their own care. Our objective is to promote independence in the home, and family members are encourage to be partners in the planning and delivery of care.

• VON Canada is accredited by Accreditation Canada which gives you the peace of mind knowing that clients and their families are receiving the highest of quality care and safe practices.

Already a VON client? Thank you for being a part of our family. We invite you to read this Guide to learn about all the services we offer. We may be able to assist you further. Please reach out regarding any services offered or if you are in need of information.

If you are not a VON client, we invite you to read this Guide to find out how we can help you or a family member or someone you care about. Or pass along the Guide to anyone you think may need our services.

How can you help your community? VON relies on the support of our community in the form of volunteers, individual and corporate donors. We will support your donation with a tax receipt. Check out the volunteer opportunities on pages 13 and 14.

The VON TEAM looks forward to being of service to YOU! Please, should you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Sincerely, Cindy Weese Manager, VON Greater Napanee Site

Greater Napanee

VON

VON is a national, not-for-profit health care organization and registered charity. Since its inception in 1897, VON has been committed to caring for individuals through an expanding assortment of health and community support programs.

At an Annual Meeting of the National Council of Women in 1897, a national nursing service was inaugurated in commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, and nurses were supplied to outlying districts in Western Canada.

Throughout history, VON has responded to the needs of the community. In its early years, the emphasis on well baby clinics and maternity care paralleled the interests of a growing country. VON continues to respond to community needs by providing a range of services to our aging population; promoting independence and enhancing quality of life.

Bringing Care, Comfort and Companionship

On any given day of the year, VON Nurses, professional caregivers and volunteers walk through the doors of more than 10,000 homes, to help make someone’s life better.

Whether we are providing Health at Home services, End of Life Care, or Caregiver Support, what we do goes well beyond clinical support.

We are privileged to form bonds of trust with those we serve - bringing care, comfort and companionship. We wrap our services around each person we serve, so they can stay in the comfort of their own homes and communities, where they want to be.

Together, with our 7,000 employees and 9,000 volunteers, we help Canadians stay healthy, remain active and live every day to the fullest.

Our Mission and Vision

Live Every Day

VON Canada has been pioneering care at home for over 120 years. Today, we are a highly-trusted non-profit organization that works with our clients, employees, volunteers and partners to provide innovative clinical, personal and social support to people who want the comfort and peace of mind of living in their own homes and communities.

Our Vision

Every life lived to the fullest.

Our Mission

We help people live in their homes and communities by delivering the caring support that they and their families need.

Our vision and mission reflect our commitment to providing care that helps make every day as full of meaning and hope as possible. As a registered charity and not-for-profit corporation, our business is all about the difference we make in people’s lives. This commitment sets us apart: everything we do is focused on helping people to live their best lives possible. Every day.

We believe that everyone has the right to care regardless of their circumstances. That’s why VON Greater Napanee works hard to raise donations that are used to bring valued care to our clients and their families.

Our values help guide how we work as a team and with our clients and families:

Our Values

Respect – we support others honestly, openly and fairly.

Compassion – we listen and serve with sensitivity, empathy and concern. Excellence – we commit to everyday improvement in all that we do.

We strongly believe that clients and their families have the right to make informed decisions about their care, and we encourage them to become partners in both the planning and delivery of their care. Personal and cultural values are part of that, and we ensure that every Plan of Care we develop responds to the needs and concerns of our clients and their families.

With the help of our funders, donors, volunteers and committed staff, we offer a mosaic of programs and services that provide real hands-on help to seniors, children, youth and adults who need extra support. Together with our clients and their families, we contribute to the health and improved quality of life of Canadians in their homes and communities, where they want to be.

Greater Napanee

Our Service Stands Out

VON Greater Napanee

• Experienced and specially trained staff provide a variety of in-home and community based services to people of all ages, backgrounds and needs

• VON offers personally designed care for the needs of our clients, caregivers and families

• As our clients’ care needs change, continuing education is a priority; VON staff attend specialized training and advanced courses in community health care

• As a charitable not-for-profit health care agency, surplus revenues are used to subsidize services to persons who cannot afford to pay

• Every effort is made to speak with clients in their preferred language

• The dignity and beliefs of all people are respected

• VON links people with helpful community resources

Home Care & Community Support Services

Belong

Congregate Dining (Social Diners)

VON Greater Napanee’s Congregate Dining Program offers clients a place to socialize with old and new friends, while enjoying a home-style cooked meal that includes main course, dessert, juice and coffee/tea. Diners can expect to enjoy live musical entertainment and occasional guest speakers. Events are held weekly at various locations throughout Lennox and Addington County. There are also opportunities for Congregate Dining Programs in private seniors’ buildings.

Foot Care

The average person walks 200,000 miles in a lifetime. We put 700 tons of weight on each foot every day. Areas of pressure can develop ingrown nails, corns, and calluses. These conditions are uncomfortable and your feet can give you an early warning about serious health problems such as diabetes, nerve damage, poor blood circulation and arthritis.

VON’s specially trained team of Foot Care Nurses provide a wide range of services in the community Foot Care Clinic Setting:

• Examination of feet and legs

• Preventative care and health teaching

• Treatment of ingrown toenails and thick nails

• Trimming and filing of nails

• Calluses and Corn Care

• Infection Care

• Dry Skin Care

• Foot Care Education and Comfort Measures

• Nail Care

• Refer and consult with other specialists and services as necessary

• Diabetic Foot Care

Comfort

People with diabetes are especially prone to sores and infections of the feet. Diabetics can injure their feet easily because the disease may impair their circulation and sense of feeling in the feet. Also, diabetics heal slowly, so any cuts require immediate attention.

VON Foot Care Expertise

At VON, your feet are in good hands! Our nurses have received education using evidence-based practice to specifically meet the needs of our foot care clients. All our instruments are autoclaved to meet Health Canada guidelines.

Did you know that three out of four people develop serious foot problems as they age – putting their independence and well-being at risk? Take the time to choose the right footwear, and it will make a difference in staying active and avoiding common foot problems.

At the VON, we are committed to helping people of all ages learn more about their health and lifestyle choices. VON’s Foot Care Program helps people at every stage of life improve their mobility and wellness. VON delivers a variety of foot care services that are essential for active people, diabetics, people with heart and circulatory problems, seniors, and people with tired and sore feet.

This programming is provided by the VON Greater Kingston site.

Meals on Wheels

The VON Meals on Wheels program is a hot or frozen meal service available to those individuals in the Greater Napanee and Area who qualify. It is available to seniors who need nutritional help, adults with an acute or chronic illness or adults with a mental or physical challenge.

VON Staff coordinate the program and screened Volunteers deliver the service. The daily check is as important to our clients as is the nutritious meal. Hot meals are delivered between 11:00am and 1:00pm, Monday, Wednesday, Friday in Napanee. Meals in Loyalist Township are delivered on Monday and Friday. Frozen meals are delivered monthly.

Meals are provided at a reasonable cost to clients thanks to funding received from the Ministry of Health and Long term care.

Respite Care Services

The Respite program provides relief for the caregiver, in order to ease the emotional and physical strain that may develop as a result of the constant responsibility of giving care. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care provides funding, reducing costs of the service.

Quality of life is enhanced for individuals and caregivers affected by:

Dementia symptoms

Chronic illnesses

Physical disability

InHome

Consistently scheduled visits by trained respite staff encourages individuals to be involved and engaged. Care is provided to assist clients in meeting their individual needs. The program may include transportation enhancement which allows staff to take clients on outings in the staff’s vehicle.

Visits are generally scheduled once a week, between 2 and 4 hour blocks of time, but they can vary according to need. An assessment will be completed in the home with the client and the caregiver to develop a suitable program of support.

Adult Day

Programming is provided in a safe, caring environment focused on abilities incorporating sound, therapeutic and recreational activities. Lunch, morning and afternoon snacks are served. Service is provided in Napanee at the VON Greater Napanee site and in Loyalist Township. Services are available Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri in Napanee and Tues, Thurs and Friday at the Loyalist site. Hours are 9:15am to 3:30pm.

Overnight Stay

Programming is a continuation of day program to include weekend evenings and nights. The setting is a home like environment where clients guide their day’s activities. Service is available at the Napanee site from Friday at 4pm to Sunday at 4pm.

Staff receive training throughout their employment with VON to ensure that their care-giving skills are kept up to date. As a result, caregivers, of persons with or without memory problems, are able to share concerns and seek guidance and education from qualified and supportive staff.

SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together)®

Strengthen

Benefits of Exercise

Participation in physical activity programs like SMART® can help:

• Improve physical health, mobility, independence and energy

• Increase and maintain strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility; helping to prevent falls

• Manage weight and improve lung and heart function

• Prevent or manage: high blood pressure, cholesterol, respiratory conditions, stroke, stress, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and many other sudden or chronic conditions

• Provide opportunities to meet new people and socialize in group settings

Participants can enroll themselves or be referred by healthcare providers, family or friends. Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace, wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. Funding is provided by the ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

Fall Prevention Program

A free 12 week, education and exercise program geared for seniors. The program will help you stay strong, on your feet, healthy and injury free. Registration is required and there is a pre- and post assessment. Learn to minimize the risks of falls by making easy changes.

Group Exercise

The SMART Group Program provides exercise classes free of charge to seniors who wish to improve their strength, balance and flexibility regardless of their current ability level.  Classes consist of low impact aerobics followed by strength, balance and flexibility training.  Chairs are available and exercise bands are available for purchase. There is no mat work. Registration is required.

Classes are held in the community; in church halls, service clubs and community centres. The sessions are typically twice a week, each lasting an hour, and adapted for all participant levels.

Stroke Support Program

Support groups offer social and emotional support to people recovering from a stroke and their families. Participants learn and gain strength from each other through sharing experiences and ways of coping. Groups for stroke survivors, couples and family caregivers meet monthly.

Another program, Living with Stroke™, a 6-8 week educational program is offered twice a year. The groups are facilitated by a professional who can provide individual support as well as assistance in connecting with other community services.

Peer volunteers visit other stroke survivors and caregivers in hospital and community to offer personal experience, information and encouragement. Aphasia peer supported conversation group is a safe place to talk and increase your communication skills. Weekly sessions will help build confidence, promote independence, achieve personal goals and reduce social isolation.

All programs are provided free of charge, thanks to funding received from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. This program is provided by the VON Greater Kingston site.

Volunteer Transportation

Belong

Sustain

Personal Care Support

Our Personal Support Workers (PSWs) have all completed a post-secondary PSW program and enhanced training so you can be assured that you and your loved one are in the care of a trained professional.

Personal Support Workers assist people with activities of daily living while in the comfort of their own homes; providing/personal care and other services as arranged. This is a fee for service program.

Home Help Support

Seniors who require light housekeeping services such as laundry, meal preparation, grocery shopping and other errands can contact VON.

The Home Help Service Providers are paid employees who have been previously screened and have experience in the field.

Home Helpers assist with household management. This is a fee service program.

SMILE Program

The SMILE program makes it possible for frail seniors, who are at risk of loss of independence, to remain in their own homes. The program provides access to services for the seniors (and their caregivers). The SMILE program offers seniors options in managing their own care. Seniors can choose what services they need, when they need them and who will provide those services.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible, the senior must meet the following criteria:

• Require assistance with multiple household tasks

• Be over 75 years of age or living with a disease related to advanced aging

• Live alone or with a caregiver unable to assist

• Be at risk of premature dependency/admission to hospital or a Long Term Care Home

•

Significant Cognitive impairment, or

• Significant functional impairment

The South East Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) is one of 14 networks established by the province to plan, manage, and fund the health care system at the local and regional level. The LHIN also coordinates and provides home and community care.

The South East region extends from Brighton on the west to Prescott and Cardinal on the east, north to Perth and Smith Falls, Denbigh and Bancroft.

Anyone can make a request for services.  You can request an assessment for services for yourself, a family member, or someone who would benefit from their services. Contact the South East LHIN toll free at 1-866-831-5446.

Strengthen

Please note: SMILE does not fund personal care.

Please contact the VON SMILE Program at: VON SMILE Regional Management Centre 80 Division Street, Suite 14 Trenton, ON K8V 5S5 Tel: 1-888-866-6647

Fax: 1-866-965-4389 • smile@von.ca

Volunteer with VON!

Get Involved

Volunteers are central to VON’s mission, working in partnership with staff to develop, implement, and deliver services that meet the changing needs of the community.

VON looks beyond traditional nursing care to support the individual, their caregivers and the community.

Always in need of volunteers to assist with a variety of activities, we will match your strengths, interests, and available time to the volunteer role that’s right for you.

Opportunities include:

Transportation Drivers

Volunteers drive clients to and from medical and other appointments. Mileage reimbursement or a donation receipt is provided.

Meals on Wheels Drivers

Volunteers deliver hot or frozen meals to the clients in Greater Napanee and Area, and connect with clients in the community. Nutritious meals and social connection are both essential to a person’s well-being. A flat fee mileage reimbursement or donation receipt is provided.

Administrative Support

Be part of a team that is focused on supporting the seniors of the Greater Napanee Area.

Adult Day Program

Volunteers assist VON staff in organizing and delivering fun and engaging activities, serving meals, and socializing with clients.

Congregate Dining

Volunteers assist in the preparation, set-up and/or serving of a hot meal to Diner’s clients. Meals are offered weekly at different locations in the region. Your social interaction with the client is as valuable as the hot, nutritious meal.

Kitchen Support

Volunteers assist in the preparation and/or packing of hot, nutritious meals for various VON programs, and assist with dishes and kitchen clean-up.

Get Involved

Start volunteering today and feel great about the important work you are doing in your community!

Why Give to VON?

Get Involved

homes and communities?

Your charitable gift to VON Canada will directly support men, women, children and families in need through high quality home and community health care services.

You can support the entire VON or target your contribution to a specific VON community site or program. The choice is yours! Whatever area you decide to support will benefit greatly from your contribution.

Notes:

Index

Greater Napanee 12 Richmond Park Drive, Napanee, ON K7R 2Z5