VON Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant - Brantford Site Community Health Guide

Your source for VON Canada programs and services in Hamilton,Niagara, Haldimand and Brant Please be advised that due to COVID-19, some information in this handbook may have changed.

For questions or concerns, please speak to a member of the VON team.

www.von.ca www.vonchathamkent.ca

www.vonchathamkent.ca

VON Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant

Community Health Guide

ERIE ST. CLAIR – GREATER NAPANEE ERIE ST. CLAIR – GREATER NAPANEE

VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES

Contents VON – Live Every Day.................................... 3

Community Support Services.................16

Our Vision and Mission................................4

Volunteers and VON.....................................21

VON Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant (HNHB) Directory of Services...... 6

VON Volunteer Opportunities................22

Nursing Services..............................................8

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VON Career Opportunities.......................24

Health and Wellness Services.................12

Understanding Your Health Care Options................................................................26

Home & Personal Support Service...... 14

Index of Community Advertisers........ 30

www.von.ca

VON – Live Every Day Since 1897, VON has built a reputation for compassion, dedication, and service.

Throughout our more then 120-year-history of caring for those in need, we have led the way in changing lives and advancing health care in Canadian communities like Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand-Norfolk and Brant. On a national level, VON Canada advocates on behalf of all Canadians to influence our country’s fast-changing health and social services. We join forces with families, communities, governments and other groups looking out for the well-being of Canadians. Our goal, first and foremost, is to ensure that quality health care is available and accessible to every person living in Canada. In recognition of our standards of excellence, VON Canada is accredited by Accreditation Canada.

VON Canada offers more than 75 home care, personal support and community services designed to help people of all ages get healthy, stay healthy and live every day to the fullest. We work closely with local partners to ensure the services we offer match the needs in each community. Our approach has resulted in cutting edge programs enhancing the quality of life of those in our community.

Our staff delivering these programs are among the best in their field and provide compassionate and meaningful support to our clients in programs like nursing and home care, Meals on Wheels, Adult Day and Respite Care Centres and caregiver support programs. We also have exceptional volunteers who support programs like Tele-Touch, Transportation, palliative volunteer visiting, to only name a few. As a registered, non-profit charitable organization, we believe that all people have the right to access programs like these and quality health and home care, regardless of their ability to pay, which is where our community of caring donors come in.

VON’s community and home support programs allow our clients to remain independent in their homes with our continued focus on their dignity, respect and compassionate care. These programs are highlighted in this Community Guide detailing information on how we can help you or a loved one through our various services and volunteer programs.

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VON Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand & Brant 4

Our Mission and Vision VISION:

Every life lived to the fullest.

MISSION:

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

CORE VALUES:

Respect – we support others honestly, openly and fairly.

Compassion – w e listen and serve with sensitivity, empathy and concern.

Excellence – w e commit to everyday improvement in all that we do.

www.von.ca

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.

“Making meaningful change in home and community care” is the focus of our forward-thinking strategic plan and goals toward 2025. For more than a century, we have been known for excellence, innovation and leadership. We strive to continue that legacy by having a positive impact on our clients and the home and community care sector as a whole.

Every year VON enables more than one million people to live every day to the fullest. This would not be possible without generous donors.

Together, donors, corporate partners, granting foundations and VON staff contribute to bring to life our mission to help people live in their own homes and communities by delivering the caring support that they and their families need.

If you would like to become a donor to support VON clients, your gift can be directed to the city and program(s) of your choice, ensuring your gift remains local and that 100% of your gift will continue the legacy of excellence in our programs and client care. To become a VON donor, please visit our website www.von.ca or call Hamilton 905-529-0700; Niagara 905-641-0630; Haldimand/Norfolk 519-426-8111; and Brant 519-759-7750.

You can change lives

VON – Canada’s Largest Not-For-Profit Home and Community Care Organization

A sincere thank you to all VON donors for your loyal support and dedication to the work we do at VON. Every individual deserves dignity, a better quality of life, compassionate care, respect and excellence when in need of home and community support, and your donation makes this possible. Thank you for being a part of our past, our present and our future!

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VON Hamilton Niagara VON Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Haldimand Brant (HNHB) Directory of Services (HNHB) Directory Services Hamilton Niagara Brantford Haldimand/ Hamilton

Niagara

Visiting Nursing Visi�ng Nursing Shift Nursing Shi� Nursing Nurse Practitioner Program Nurse Prac��oner Program Nursing Clinic Nursing Clinic eHomeHealth eHomeHealth Home Support/Personal Care Home Support/Personal Care Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels Transportation Transporta�on Volunteer Visiting Volunteer Visi�ng Hospice Volunteer Visiting Hospice Volunteer Visi�ng Tele-Touch Tele-Touch Congregate Dining Congregate Dining Safety at Home Program Safety at Home Program CaregiverSupport Support&&Educa�on Education Caregiver Overnight Respite Overnight Respite In-HomeRespite Respite In-Home AdultDay DayProgram Program Adult Foot Care Services Foot Care Services Parkinson’sExercise Exercise&&Educa�on Education Parkinson’s Falls Prevention and Exercise Programs Falls Preven�on and Exercise Programs

Bran�ord

Haldimand/ Norfolk Norfolk

VON Hamilton Site 414 Victoria Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8L 5G8 Email: vonhamilton@von.ca Nursing Services ......................................................................................... 1-888-866-8515 Adult Day Centre & Caregiver Respite Services .............................................. 905-523-1055 Meals on Wheels ............................................................................................ 905-522-1022 Community Support & Volunteer Services .....................................................905-522-0053 VON Niagara Site ...........................................................................................905-641-0630 7 Neilson Ave, Unit A, St. Catharines, ON L2M 5V9 VON Brantford Site ........................................................................................ 519-759-7750 204-446 Grey St, Brantford, ON N3S 7L6 VON Haldimand/Norfolk Site ........................................................................ 519-426-8111 87 Culver St, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K3

Visit us at www.von.ca

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FACT SHEET UPDATE ABOUT VON SAFETY MEASURES DURING COVID-19 (May 8, 2020) WHAT ARE WE DOING TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY? VON is committed to the health and safety of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We follow evolving recommendations from provincial government authorities and all levels of public health agencies. Our most important priority is the health and safety of our clients, their families and our employees and volunteers. Here are some of the health and safety measures we are taking: •

All employees must self-screen for illness, every day. Employees who are ill must remain at home.

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All clients are screened by phone before every home care visit. If the client screen is ‘positive’, our care provider puts on personal protective equipment for the visit and reports as required to VON management and to Public Health to determine next steps.

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VON home care providers are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and use it according to direction provided by Public Health. All VON front-line care providers wear a surgical mask and eye protection for any direct client care.

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At VON offices, clinics and locations where programs and services are delivered, we have increased infection prevention and control procedures and are following best practices to keep our clients and employees safe.

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To ensure our employees’ safety, we are encouraging measures suitable to their roles.

Where possible, they are practicing physical distancing. VON employees who can work from home are doing so.

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All VON employees are required to follow federal and provincial directives related to selfisolation.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP US ALL STAY SAFE? We all have an important role to play in ensuring that our families, friends, neighbours and health care workers remain healthy and safe. Here are some simple things you can do to keep yourself, your loved ones and your VON care provider safe: •

•

•

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Check yourself and your household members for illness, with the help of governmentprovided screeners.

(Ontario: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0 Nova Scotia: https://when-to-call-about-covid19.novascotia.ca/en) If you are a family or household member and are not involved in your loved one’s care, please move to another room if you can, or maintain a physical distance (2m/6ft) while a VON care provider is in your home.

Please practice good health hygiene. Cough or sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds. Please remember to clean high-touch surfaces like counters, door handles, light switches and railings frequently.

Practice physical distancing. Minimize contact with other people and stay a safe distance (2m/6ft) from other people. Limit your trips outside your home to what is essential (things like groceries or medication.)

For more information about coronavirus and COVID-19, please visit: Province of Nova Scotia Novascotia.ca/coronavirus

Province of Ontario: Covid-19.ontario.ca

Government of Canada: Canada.ca/coronavirus

For VON-specific information, please visit von.ca/en/covid-19

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Comfort Nursing Services Visiting Nursing VON provides nursing services individualized to your needs each day of the year. The objectives of VON Nursing Services are to assist people to remain at home or to return to their normal daily activities as soon as possible.

VON nurses help individuals to make informed decisions about their health, and enable clients to attain and maintain their highest level of independence and quality of life. All VON nursing services are provided by RNs or RPNs, holding current, valid Certificates of Competence issued by the College of Nurses of Ontario.

VON nursing services are administered by the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network (HNHB LHIN.) VON is committed to working with the HNHB LHIN and other community partners to provide all residents of the communities served by VON HNHB access to the best quality nursing services.

VON nurses work closely with clients, their caregivers and members of their health care team to develop a flexible and individualized plan of care.

VON nurses are skilled in specialized care areas such as Enterostomal Therapy, continence management, IV therapy, post-hospital care, complex wound management and palliative care.

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Nursing Clinic Nursing clinics operated by Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) provide nursing services to current LHIN patients including wound care, medication management, and disease management.

VON Hamilton Nursing Care Clinic 414 Victoria Ave N, Suite M12, Hamilton, ON Tel: 905-546-1001 x2234 VON Brant Nursing Care Clinic 446 Grey St, Suite 108, Brantford ON Tel: 519-304-9640

Comfort

Children with special needs also benefit from having visiting nurses. By visiting children in their homes and/or schools, VON is able to play a key role in helping children maintain a level of normalcy in their lives.

e-Shift Nursing eShift is an innovative model of care that provides an inter-professional collaborative approach to patient care in the home. Visiting nurses and eShift virtual nurses (Directing Registered Nurses) partner to ensure each patient’s individual care needs and goals are met. Care Technicians (enhanced Personal Support Workers) at patients’ bedsides are connected to the Directing Registered nurses virtually by innovative technology in order for the Directing Nurse to assess, evaluate and direct the care for the patient in real time. The technology enables real-time communication and information transfer to the nurse as well as to the broader care team.

The patient experience feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and patients are able to move from one part of the system to another seamlessly with this patient-centered model of care. This model has reduced hospital readmission rates and emergency room visits for symptom management.

Shift Nursing The VON Shift Nursing Program delivers personal and compassionate in-home care services around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (minimum of 3 hours is required.) Shift nursing is available for people of all ages. Nursing staff provides all levels of specialized care such as tracheotomy care, enteral feeds, chest assessment and care of acquired brain injury. The program also offers caregiver relief.

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Palliative Care Nursing VON’s specialized palliative nursing team supports clients facing lifelimiting illness. These VON Nurses are specially trained in two areas: Oncology, which is the care of clients living with cancer, and Palliative Care which is nursing with a focus on promoting optimum quality of life at all stages of a non-curable illness.

VON Nurses work closely with the HNHB LHIN, the client and their family, their physicians and VON’s Palliative Volunteers to help to assure that clients and their families receive the care and support that they need through this difficult time.

Our Palliative Care Team’s goal is to provide optimum knowledge to all nurses at VON in matters of pain control, symptom management, and ongoing support of the client, family and/or caregivers. Any individual faced with a life-limiting illness can be confident that the care he/she receives from VON will include ongoing concern for their physical comfort and emotional well-being, as well as ongoing compassionate support to the client, family and/or caregivers, thereby greatly enhancing quality of life for those involved.

How to Apply: Please call the HNHB LHIN at 1-800-810-0000 or call the VON Site directly.

VON Hamilton Site – 1-888-866-8515 VON Niagara Site – 1-800-263-7202 VON Brantford Site – 1-888-866-9861 VON Haldimand/Norfolk Site – 519-426-8111

Nurse Practitioner Clinics Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses with Master’s Degrees in Nursing, and advanced education in primary care. NPs practice independently delivering primary care to orphaned patients, and have a physician partner for professional collaboration when the patient needs are outside the NP’s scope of practice. NPs practice within their scope as determined by the College of Nurses to assess, diagnose and treat a broad range of illnesses.

Who can attend?

• I ndividuals/Families without a Family Physician

• Those experiencing mental health and addictions issues

• The homeless and under-housed

• Non-insured patients • Individuals with chronic disease

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• Diagnose, treat, monitor and manage acute illnesses and also chronic illnesses • Order diagnostic studies (ie. routine lab tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, ECG’s) • Prescribe physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments • Refer patients to other health care professionals, including Specialist Physicians.

• Prescribe drugs for acute and chronic illness • Provide prenatal and family planning services

Comfort

The Nurse Practitioner can:

• Provide well-child care, including screening and immunizations • Provide primary care services, health-maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals • Minor suture, uncomplicated lacerations • Counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills and treatment

VON HNHB Locations: Family Health Clinic 3658 Hibbard St, Ridgeway, ON Tel: 905-894-6253 Grand River Community Health Centre 347 Colborne St, Brantford, ON Tel: 519-754-0777

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Strengthen Health and Wellness Services Healthy living can prevent many health problems. VON offers health promotion services, which can promote healthy lifestyles and maintain or improve health for people at all stages of life.

Falls Prevention and Exercise Programs The VON coordinates various exercise programs across the HNHB district including locations in Burlington, Hamilton, Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk and Niagara regions. There is no charge for these programs.

Falls Prevention

The program aims to educate individuals on falls risk factors and falls prevention strategies. Classes are taught in a group setting and run twice a week for 12 weeks. Each class includes 15 minutes of education followed by 35 minutes of exercise.

Gentle Exercise Programs

Group exercise for senior adults (55+) who wish to improve their strength, balance and flexibility regardless of physical ability. The Gentle Exercise classes are available at various locations throughout Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand-Norfolk, Brant and Burlington.

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Offered at sites throughout the Niagara region, this weekly exercise class promotes strength, flexibility and balance for participants living with Parkinson’s. Education on the benefits and importance of exercise is incorporated into each class. Exercise is graduated in level and intensity.

How to Apply: Please call the VON HNHB Program Coordinator for Falls Prevention and Exercise Programs directly at 905-529-0700 extension 2282 to inquire about access to exercise programs in your region.

Foot Care Program VON offers foot care in clinic settings and at home. Occupational activities, athletics, improper foot wear and individual differences in gait also impact foot health. Special consideration also needs to be given to individuals who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or neuromuscular disorders. Some medications also affect the structure and health of the foot. The nurses who provide care in the program have education in basic, advanced and diabetic foot care.

Strengthen

Parkinson’s Group Exercise

A foot care visit may include:

• A general overview of your health and thorough assessment of your feet • Trimming of nails • Treatment of ingrown and/or thickened nails • Dry skin care • Foot care education • Comfort measures • Referral to other health care professionals where necessary

Niagara Foot Care Clinics

To find a location near you or to book an appointment, call 905-641-0630.

Home Support Services enhance an individual’s quality of life by providing them with the personal assistance and support needed to make them comfortable in their own homes. These services require a referral by Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

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Comfort Home & Personal Support Services We provide special care for: • Frail elderly seniors

• People recovering from surgery, injury or illness • People with cognitive impairment • Children and adults with special needs • Terminally ill individuals

Specially Trained Staff Our dedicated team of Personal Support Workers provide services including Personal Care and Respite Care. Personal Support Workers assist people with activities of daily living while in the comfort of their own homes.

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Comfort

Home Management • Laundry

• Light housekeeping • Meal planning and preparation

Personal Care • Bathing

• Feeding • Skin care • Dressing • Medication Supervision • Grooming • Catheter and Colostomy Care

See this publication and more at:

http://patientdirectory.ca

Quality Healthcare Publications

VON HNHB Community Health Guide

www.facebook.com/patientdirectory.ca

patientdirectory.ca

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Community Support Services Adult Day and Caregiver Respite Services Adult Day Program The VON Adult Day Centre provides a daytime therapeutic activity program for adults affected by progressive memory loss, such as Alzheimer Disease, or other long-term health conditions. Many of the participants are people who are living at home, supported by the care of their families.

The program aims to provide participants with a day out of care, companionship and special activities in a safe, secure setting. At the same time, their family caregivers have a worry-free day to carry on with other responsibilities and to take time for themselves. Participants are supported through the caring attentiveness of staff and volunteers who strive to bring out the best in each person’s abilities.

Activities for participants include:

• theme-based conversation • music appreciation, drum circles and sing-alongs • adapted physical games and fitness activities • painting and other art expression activities • gardening, baking and helping in the kitchen

The skilled and caring VON staff also provides personalized assistance with the daily needs of eating, walking, communicating, toileting, changing clothes and taking medications.

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Locations: 400 Victoria Ave N, Hamilton Monday to Friday flexible attendance between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

499 King St E, Hamilton (corner of King and Tisdale Streets) Monday to Saturday flexible attendance between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

How to Apply: Please call the HNHB LHIN - Hamilton Branch at 905-523-8600

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A VON coordinator visits with the family caregiver and the client to learn about the individuals’ specific care needs and to determine an individualized program plan. The coordinator maintains contact with families on an ongoing basis to assist with adjusting the plan as needs change, and to provide further information about caregiving and about other resources to help with care at home.

If you would like a tour, please call VON Hamilton Adult Day Centre directly at 905-523-1055.

From “Stress to Strength Caregiver Education Series This series is for caregivers who are caring, or who are anticipating that they will be caring, for family or friends who have long-term illness or disability. The series brings people together to share experiences and to learn practical ways to stay on top of caregiving. The series runs over 4 weeks and each 2 hour session covers a topic most caregivers can relate to, including: • Managing stressful situations in caregiving • Staying in control of your care situation • Tackling the common emotions, such as guilt and anger • Making community services and resources work for you Pre-registration is required so that group size can be limited. The series is held at various locations during the day and evening. There is no fee for this service. If care for a family member is needed while a caregiver attends the series, VON can help to arrange for this.

Caregiver Support If the family caregiver wishes, a VON staff stays in touch to help the caregiver gain further information about caregiving and to learn more ways to thrive as a caregiver. Caregivers can participate in monthly discussion groups.

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“Take-A-Break” In-Home Respite Care Families who care for an adult with a long-term disability or illness can experience great personal satisfaction in knowing that they are doing their best for their dependent family member. Family caregivers also experience great challenges as they provide for the special care needs of the family member in the midst of the ongoing life needs of work, family, health and self. These challenges can be overwhelming at times.

It can never be stressed enough that family caregivers need to give themselves permission to “take a break” from care on a regular basis in order to stay healthy themselves.

“Take-A-Break” is an in-home care service for family caregivers who are providing ongoing assistance to an adult with a long-term illness or disability. The service aims to help family caregivers take a break from caregiving for a scheduled time during the week or for a special occasion. A Service Coordinator meets with the family caregiver to develop a respite service plan to fit the family situation and to develop an activity plan that will benefit the adult who requires care.

How to Apply: Please call the VON Hamilton Adult Day Centre directly at 905-523-1055 to set up a meeting with a Service Coordinator

Overnight Respite Service Helping families to take an overnight break from care…a night to catch up on sleep…to go away…time for self…

What is the Overnight Program?

• Up to six participants stay the evening and overnight • Company and care are provided by Personal Support Workers • Attention is given to individualized care and comfort • Dinner is enjoyed together followed by an evening activity program •S oothing activities provide diversion for those who do not sleep all night • In the morning, help to get up and ready for the day is provided • A nourishing breakfast is enjoyed • Participants join in with the Day Program on the following day

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An assessment is done by VON staff together with the family caregiver, to determine that the person’s care needs can be met by the program.

Program available 7 days per week Monday to Sunday 4 p.m. until 4 p.m. on the following day. Request for up to 7 days per week.

For more information, please call the VON Hamilton Adult Day Centre 905-523-1055.

Volunteer Services Volunteer Services accepts referrals for any of its services from individuals, families, caregivers, physicians and other health care professionals.

Geographical restrictions may apply to some services.

Volunteer Visiting This service offers caring through friendship and support for senior adults who do not have the necessary social support. Anyone can make a referral.

Volunteers are men and women who can share special, quality time once a week with these individuals. Volunteer visitors are screened carefully and matched with clients by way of common interests. There is no charge for this service.

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How can families start to use the program?

Palliative Volunteer Visiting This program is a community-based service to help clients and their families manage during a time of medical crisis to cope with a life-limiting illness so they may live at home, as comfortably and as fully as possible. Palliative volunteers provide active compassionate care, listening and support helping family members and friends to care for their loved one and themselves during times of grief.

Volunteers provide respite relief for family members and bereavement follow-up support. These volunteers receive special 30-hour training before they are matched with someone who needs their help. There is no charge for this service.

Volunteer-Assisted Transportation This service provides clients with transportation to medical appointments by a volunteer driver, who will wait, if needed, while the client sees his/her physician or undergoes tests and treatment. There is a nominal fee for this service, plus any parking charges if applicable. This service is available to individuals living in the City of Hamilton.

Meal Services

Lunch Bunch (Congregate Dining) This service offers an opportunity for frail senior adults and individuals who are experiencing physical, psychological or social disabilities to gather and

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enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal, to share pertinent information and social recreation, as they continue to live independently within their community.

Congregate Dining takes place twice a month from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Health care Hamilton (Centre for Ambulatory Health Services) and Idlewyld Manor in Hamilton. There is a low cost for this program which includes transportation to the event. Individuals must be living in the City of Hamilton to qualify for this program.

Meals on Wheels

Nutritious meals, a security check and a short visit by volunteers brightens the day of senior adults and individuals with a disabilities, bringing peace of mind, knowing that if they are in difficulty one day, a volunteer will get them help.

VON has 200 volunteers who make the Meals on Wheels program a success by delivering nutritious meals five days a week between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., across Hamilton and Stoney Creek. Individuals must reside in the City of Hamilton to qualify for this program. There is a nominal fee for the meals, including delivery.

Meals on Wheels offers: • A rotating menu plan

• Flexible delivery day and frequency • Likes and dislikes can be considered •D iabetic, textured (pureed, minced, soft and chopped), vegetarian, kosher, lactose free and gluten free meal options • Frozen meals available for weekends and/or statutory holidays

Safety at Home Program This program is designed to help seniors stay out of hospital, out of retirement homes, out of nursing homes and stay in their own homes safely and independently. A Safety at Home Coordinator will visit the client’s home and help them identify potential trip hazards, areas for grab bars, organization suggestions and give the client information on how to follow up.

How to Apply: Please call the VON site near you directly to apply for Community Support Services. See the directory of services for more information on what services are provided by VON in your community.

VON Hamilton Site: 905-522-0053 VON Niagara Site: 905-641-0630 VON Brantford Site: 519-759-7750

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VON Haldimand/Norfolk Site: 519-426-8111

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Volunteers and VON A Community Team Volunteers are central to VON’s Mission, working in partnership with VON staff to develop, implement and deliver services that meet community needs.

Why VON? VON values and appreciates the caring volunteers who are the heart of our organization. We care that our volunteers have a positive and rewarding volunteer experience.

VON has the expertise to orientate, provide training and offer ongoing support to our volunteers. You will become part of our vital team of volunteers who are helping people in need.

Who Volunteers?

VON volunteers include people from all walks of life and all ages, from young to young at heart. They also come from diverse cultural, racial, ethnic and religious groups.

Benefits of Volunteering • Self-satisfaction of helping people in need • Developing new skills • Contributing to your community • Opportunities for personal and professional growth • Making new friends • Being respected and appreciated for the good you do

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How to Volunteer: Indicate your interest by calling the VON office near you: VON Hamilton Site – 905-522-0053 VON Niagara Site – 905-641-0630 VON Brantford Site – 519-759-7750 VON Haldimand/Norfolk Site – 519-426-8111 All volunteers are oriented, screened and educated by VON to ensure the safety of our clients. You will become involved with a service that suits your interests, skills and experience. Education and ongoing support is provided.

Time is Ticking…Don’t lose it….Give it away!

Volunteer with VON!

VON Volunteer Opportunities We have a role for you…

Meals on Wheels Deliver nutritious hot or frozen meals at noon to home-bound individuals in Hamilton and Stoney Creek. Both drivers and servers needed Monday to Friday during the lunch hour. Provides a security check and short visit to the recipient. Mileage paid.

Volunteer Visiting Provide friendship to lonely seniors or adults with disabilities and caregiver relief. Visits can be on a flexible basis. Training and ongoing support is provided.

Palliative Volunteer Visiting Offer emotional and practical support to individuals, of all ages, who are suffering from a life-limiting or terminal illness. All volunteers are provided with 30 hours of palliative care education. Support meetings, bereavement support are all part of services provided.

Tele-Touch Provide a phone call to a lonely senior to offer reassurance, security and decrease loneliness.

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Lunch Bunch (Congregate Dining) Provide transportation and assistance to individuals so that they can interact with peers and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. Offered at various locations in the City of Hamilton.

Volunteer-Assisted Transportation Provide a drive to a medical appointment and friendly support while waiting. Involves door-to-door personal service and assisting those with canes and wheeled walkers. Mileage paid.

Adult Day Program Assist program staff with client activities of providing structured social recreation programming and respite in a supportive environment to individuals affected by cognitive impairment and/or physical disability.

Office Volunteering Office volunteers are essential in the day-to-day operations of the VON. Tasks may include filing, mailing preparation, photocopying and phone calls to clients and/or volunteers.

Public Relations/Committee Volunteers Persons interested in joining a team of volunteers who enjoy meeting the public at displays, events and organizations that promote volunteering opportunities that VON HNHB offers.

Fundraising Volunteers work on special projects and events to help raise awareness and the need for financial support for VON HNHB’s charitable activities.

You are unique…you deserve a unique volunteer experience.

JOIN OUR TEAM…BE A VON VOLUNTEER!

“Volunteers are essential members of our health team.”

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VON Career Opportunities Become part of the VON team of 14,000 staff and volunteers ensuring health care for all ages across Canada.

VON employees know the importance of creating the capacity for healing in each person. It is how we are helping to build healthy communities, one person at a time.

• Make a dramatic and personal difference • Enjoy a competitive compensation program • Gain insight and invaluable knowledge • Balance your home and family life At VON we realize that our greatest assets are our people.

Retaining qualified employees is a top priority.

VON embraces and welcomes new Graduates, as they are our future!

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Whatever experience or area of specialization you have, there is a rewarding career path for you at VON:

Specialized Nursing • Palliative Care • Nurse Practitioners • Occupational Health Nurse • Mental Health • Psycho-geriatric • Pediatric • Enterostomal Therapy • Wound Management • Foot Care • Continence Management

General Nursing • Registered Nurses • Registered Practical Nurses Personal Support Workers Home Support Workers Therapists Administrative Support Management Community Support Contact VON for a rewarding work experience at careers@von.ca or visit us online at www.von.ca for a complete list of career opportunities.

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Sustain Understanding Your Health Care Options You deserve high quality health care when you need it. It’s important to learn about the choices you have to get the best care you can.

You and your health care You, your family, your health care providers, the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care all play a role making sure each person living in Ontario has quality health care.

Think about a plan that is right for you It is important that you think ahead about your health care plans. The health care system is made up of many types of special health care services. These are designed to help as many people as possible at every stage of their lives. The goal is to work with your health care providers to make sure you get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

How can I do this?

It helps to learn what services are offered in your community. These are here to help you stay healthy, live in your home, stay out of the hospital, or return home sooner after being in the hospital.

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Primary Health Care Provider Primary health care providers such as family doctors and nurse practitioners help you look after your health and wellbeing throughout your life. They play an important role in working with you to help manage chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes. They work with you to prevent problems, detect them early, and monitor and resolve them. They can help you stay out of the hospital.

Walk-in or After Hours Clinics You can see a nurse or doctor often without an appointment although you do have to wait for your turn after you arrive. These clinics offer assessment, treatment and advice for minor illnesses and injuries such as cuts, bruises, minor infections, sprains and skin complaints.

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What types of services may be in my community?

Use this option when: • your problem is not urgent • your primary health care provider’s office is closed or if you do not have a primary health care provider • you need care for minor illnesses and injuries such as an infection, rash, stomach upset, cut, bruise, or strain

Local Health Integration Network (LHIN)

The staff at the LHIN works with you and your family to plan and arrange the care you need to help you stay in your home as long as you can. LHIN case managers are regulated health professionals with backgrounds in nursing, social work and therapies.

LHIN case managers can connect you with the community support, personal support, nursing and therapy services you need. If it becomes too hard to live at home alone or with help the LHIN can explore long-term care options with you.

Community Support Services Community support services help you maintain safety and independence while living at home. They can support you when you return home from a hospital stay. These services include things like transportation, meals, medication checks, adult day programs and caregiver support. To find out what Community Support Services are available to you, contact the LHIN.

Adult Day Programs Adult day programs provide activities one or more days a week for individuals who meet program criteria. These activities may include meals, physical fitness programs and social events.

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Short Stay and Respite Care Some people need short term help when their caregiver needs a break or they do not have anyone at home to help after a hospital stay. This is called short stay or respite care. This type of care can be provided in your home, a retirement home or long-term care home.

Supportive Housing Supportive housing provides minimal to moderate care such as homemaking or personal care and support to help you live independently.

This can be in a rental unit in an apartment building or a small group residence. Supportive housing buildings are owned and operated by municipal governments or non-profit groups.

Accommodations, on-site services, costs, and the availability of government subsidies vary with each building. The care arrangements between a tenant and a service provider are usually defined through a contract between the two parties.

Your local LHIN can get you started by giving you a list of supportive housing providers where you would like to live. You can then apply to the supportive housing provider that you pick.

Retirement Homes Retirement homes are privately owned and operated. Residents pay for their accommodation, care and services. A retirement home is a good choice if you can live with only a small amount of support and do not need 24-hour nursing care. To select a place to live, you need to visit retirement homes where you want to live.

Long-Term Care Homes Long-term care homes operate under the direction of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Rates are set by the government. Long-term care homes provide 24-hour nursing care and supervision within a secure setting. Services include nursing care, medical care, physiotherapy, dietary support and recreation. LHIN can help you decide if a long-term care home is right for you.

What types of emergency care may be in my community?

Urgent Care Centres Urgent Care Centres provide diagnosis and treatment for many types of injuries and illnesses. There is a team of emergency trained doctors and health care providers to look after you. Only some Urgent Care Centres offer follow-up appointments. Most Urgent Care Centres are not open 24 hours.

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Emergency Departments treat patients with serious illnesses or injuries.

They are open 24 hours a day every day of the year. A doctor or nurse practitioner will assess you and decide on your treatment along with members of the health care team.

Some reasons to go to an Emergency Department are:

• loss of consciousness • pain not relieved by pain medication • feeling confused • constant or severe chest pain • trouble breathing

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Emergency Departments in Hospitals

Hospitals Hospitals can provide many different types of programs and services ranging from acute short-term care to acute or specialized mental health, rehabilitation and/or complex care. All programs and services are tailored to meet specific needs.

A team of health care professionals like doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, pharmacists, discharge planners, and LHIN case managers, support you in going home.

Your health care team begins planning your return home the day you arrive at the hospital.

The hospital health care team can help you prepare for returning home by: •P roviding you and your family information, help or advice to help you manage at home • Arranging any equipment you need for going home •A rranging for support services that you need in your community once you get home Resource: ‘Understanding Your Health Care Options’, author: Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant LHIN’s Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Steering Committee. The booklet is available for download at www.hnhblhin.on.ca

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