VON Greater Kingston
Message from VON’s President & CEO
At VON, our vision is “every life lived to the fullest.” With that in mind, our caring team provides the necessary supports to help our clients stay healthy, live well and remain active.
We meet clients where they need us—in their own homes and in clinics, schools and other community spaces—to deliver the care that they and their families need. We do so knowing that most people prefer to receive support for illness or frail health in their own homes, in the communities they know and love.
In order to bring people the services they depend on, we rely on a dedicated team of nurses, personal support workers, therapists and other service providers. We are also grateful for our committed volunteers, who see the value in our programs and help us to extend more care to more individuals.
As a trusted charity, we also rely on the support of funders, community partners and donors to ensure that we can deliver the compassionate care clients need. Please visit us online at von.ca to find out how you can join our family of volunteers and donors.
We are happy to provide you with this overview of the VON services offered in your area. Do reach out to our team members with any questions. We’re here to help.
Jo-Anne Poirier President & CEO VON Canada
VON Greater Kingston
About VON
VON has been a leader and changemaker in Canadian health care since 1897, serving isolated and marginalized populations right at their doorsteps. Today, we deliver nursing care, in-home support, community support services (CSS), and primary health care to thousands of people in Ontario and Nova Scotia every day.
We support clients where they need us
Our dedicated team of nurses, personal support workers, therapists, volunteers and other service providers care for people in their homes, in the community, and virtually. We are well known for our care of older adults, but we also serve children, people with chronic conditions, individuals recovering from wounds, injuries and hospital stays, and people with intellectual or cognitive challenges.
Looking to the future
Currently, many Canadians want and need home care, but aren’t able to get it. VON works closely with our partners and communities to explore new relationships, new models of care, and new methods of care delivery to keep vulnerable individuals out of long-term care and hospital, so they can remain healthy and engaged in their communities.
We are moving away from paper-based processes with our new digital health platform, VON Connect. Once fully implemented, this secure software solution—developed specifically for home and community care and tailored to VON services—will transform the way we work. VON Connect will benefit clients and their families and create efficiencies that will allow us to serve more people who need us.
Why donate?
VON is a not-for-profit charity. While we do receive funding from provincial governments and other funders, we need further support to provide more people in our communities with access to essential and affordable home and community care. You can help us give the gift of companionship for the lonely, food for the hungry, comfort and dignity at the end of life, and care for the most vulnerable.
Currently, we are in the midst of a campaign to raise $10 million to purchase and implement VON Connect, an end-to-end home care software platform with a wide range of features that will make the best home and community care even better. We are grateful to all who choose to support this important initiative.
Please visit von.ca/donate to help bring our vision to life!
Message from the Greater Kingston Site
Greetings,
VON Greater Kingston is committed to caring for individuals through an expanding assortment of health and community support programs. VON has been caring for the residents of the Greater Kingston area since 1897; assisting clients remain at home, independent and active in their communities.
We are proud to work in partnership with many organizations in the region to provide expert care and friendly, professional service that the community can depend on. Support from community volunteers, partners and funders, such as The Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS), and our donors, is essential in VON programming and services across the region.
This guide contains information on VON programs and services, as well as a section including helpful telephone numbers to link community members to other related community agencies and services. A special thank you to all of our partners listed in this guide for making this publication possible. On behalf of VON Greater Kingston I would like to thank Willow Publishing for coordinating this project with us.
We would like to extend to our many VON volunteers in Kingston and the VON staff who support them, a sincere thank you for your commitment to the health of our communities. To the reader, I hope you take the opportunity to contact us at VON for information or assistance with your home support or care giving needs. We also invite you to contact us about opportunities to volunteer with VON, in one of the many volunteer roles that are essential to the success of VON.
To reach VON to inquire about services or volunteer opportunities call us at:
VON Greater Kingston Tel: 613-634-0130 or 1-800-301-0076 Fax: 613-634-0125 or 1-888-866-7502
BN/Registration Number# 887 027 514 RROOO 1
VON Greater Kingston
VON Greater Kingston
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.
The first nurse that VON Greater Kingston sent to Toronto for a qualifying course in Community Nursing was funded by donations. With official recognition of the Kingston Branch in 1898, Principal Grant of Queen's University became the first President.
In 1918, the Branch purchased property at 391 Barrie Street for the Child Welfare Station. The VON office was located here for more than 80 years.
Community partnerships with other organizations have enabled VON to offer services such as Home Care, Meals on Wheels and Foot Care.
The Kingston Meals on Wheels, which was established in 1966 as a completely volunteer program asked VON to take over the administration, in 1973. Dedicated volunteers smoothed the transition as Meals on Wheels became a VON core program. These volunteers continued their service and the same dedication by volunteers continues today.
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.
Philosophy
As a major provider of nursing and other services, in the home and community, VON believes that:
• Individuals have primary responsibility for their own health.
• The maintenance of health directly and positively affects the quality of their lives.
• The value and dignity of human life is respected.
• Individuals have the right to accept or refuse health care, to obtain information about their health and health care and to participate with health professionals in making decisions about plans for the provision of their care. Individuals and families are supported so as to enable them to live and to meet death in comfort and dignity.
• Access to comprehensive, compassionate, family and community centered health care is the right of all individuals' regardless of their ability to pay.
Greater Kingston
Our Service Stands Out
• Experienced and specially trained staff provides a variety of inhome quality nursing and specialized services to people of all ages, backgrounds and needs
• VON offers personally designed care for the needs of our clients, caregivers and families
• A s our clients' care needs change, continuing education is a priority. VON staff attends specialized training and advanced courses in community health care
• A s 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
• VON Greater Kingston is partially designated in French
• Language Services
• The dignity and beliefs of all people are respected
• VON links people with helpful community resources.
Home Care & Community Support Services
Assisted Living Services for High Risk Seniors
VON's Assisted Living Service makes it possible for high risk seniors to maintain a quality of life in the comfort and security of their own home.
Personal Support workers provide clients with pre-scheduled support throughout the day and are available for on-call assistance 24 hours a day by unscheduled visits. Each client is provided the use of a medical alert system.
If you or a family member could benefit from Assisted Living Services, contact Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) at 3102222 (no area code required) to complete an eligibility assessment.
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, but they are not the problem. Your feet can give you an early warning about serious health problems such as diabetes, nerve damage, poor blood circulation and arthritis.
VON Greater Kingston
VON's specially trained team of Foot Care Nurses provide a wide range of services in the community which includes in home Foot Care and Foot Care clinics:
• 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
• Dry Skin Care
• Foot Care Education and Comfort Measures
• Nail Care
• Refer and consult with other specialists and services as necessary
• Diabetic Foot Care
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.
Meals on Wheels
The VON Meals on Wheels program is a hot or frozen meal service available to those individuals in the Kingston community 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. Some special diets can be accommodated. Hot meals are delivered between 11:00am and 1:00pm, Monday to Friday (currently, hot meal service east of LaSalle Causeway is available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). Frozen meals are delivered bi-weekly.
VON Greater Kingston
Personal Support Services
Our Personal Support Workers (PSWs) have all completed a postsecondary 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:
Respite and caregiver relief
Emotional support and stimulation
Meal preparation
Cueing of medications
Personal care
Household tasks
Home Help
Home Helpers assist with household management.
Seniors who require light housekeeping services, 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.
Respite Care Services
The Respite program provides relief in the home 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 part of the funding.
Quality of life is enhanced for individuals and caregivers affected by:
• Dementia symptoms
• Chronic illnesses
• Physical disability
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 their vehicle.
Staff receives training throughout their employment with VON to ensure that their caregiving 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.
Visits are generally scheduled once a week, between’3 and 4-hour blocks of time, but they can vary according to need. The Respite Coordinator will visit the home and develop a suitable program of support.
VON Greater Kingston
SMART
(Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together)®
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.
Fall Prevention & Exercise Program
A free 12-week, education and exercise program aimed at 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 to seniors who wish to improve their strength, balance and flexibility regardless of their current ability level free of charge. 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, condominiums and apartment buildings. The sessions are typically twice a week, each lasting an hour, and adapted for all participant levels.
In-Home Exercise
In-home exercise is a series of gentle exercises led by a trained VON SMART Volunteer in the client’s home. The session is 12 visits usually once per week and lasts approximately an hour. To qualify the client must be 55+ and be home bound; without access to community-based exercise programs. There is a small fee.
Stroke and Aphasia Support Services
Our focus is on supporting stroke survivors and their families to maintain a healthy lifestyle, emotional well-being, provide practical advice, assistance accessing services, and building connections in the community.
Support groups for stroke survivors and their caregivers meet regularly and offer social and emotional support. Participants learn and gain strength from each other through sharing experiences and ways of coping to deal with life changes related to stroke.
Buddy volunteers support conversation, one to one for adults with Aphasia.
Aphasia conversation groups help build confidence and practice using tools to help support conversation.
Peer volunteers offer their personal experience, information and encouragement to survivors and caregivers.
Resources and information are available as needed. Educational series are offered throughout the year.
“Everyone has a story, and each story is unique, you are able to relate to all of them”. ~ Stroke Group Participant
VON Greater Kingston
Greater Kingston Transportation
VON
Volunteer Transportation Program
Seniors who are unable to utilize other forms of transportation can maintain their independence by using the Volunteer Transportation Program.
The VON organizes transportation so that clients can get to medical appointments, grocery shopping and other outings.
Volunteers from the community who have been screened and trained provide the service in their own vehicles. A small fee is charged to help cover their expenses. Clients are responsible for parking fees.
Health Van Program
The Health Van Program is part of the HCCSS's Aging at Home Strategy. Vans are located in Brockville, Kingston, and Trenton. The VON accessible vehicles are located in Madoc, Kingston and Northbrook.
Vans are usually used for long distance medical appointments such as dialysis. The Health Van Program is an adjunct to Volunteer Transportation programs.
Diner's Club
The VON Diner's Club is a monthly social event and luncheon for seniors. Seniors living on their own often feel isolated, which is detrimental to their mental and physical health. These programs mix social interaction with nutritious meals, to feed bodies and minds. Diner's Club offers a catered lunch and a chance to meet new acquaintances, and connect with old friends that you don't see as often. Informative guest speakers are invited to speak on topics of interest to our senior population.
Transportation to the event may be available upon request.
VON Greater Kingston
Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS)
The Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) 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 HCCSS also coordinates and provides home and community care.
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 HCCSS at 310-2222 (no area code required) Healthcareathome.ca
VON SMILE Program
Seniors Managing Independent Living Easily
Our Program:
Assessment:
The SMILE program makes it possible for frail elderly seniors, who are at risk of loss of independence, to remain in their own homes. The SMILE program provides access to services for frail elderly seniors (and their caregivers).
• Housekeeping • Laundry • Meals • Respite • Seasonal Outdoor Chores
• Shopping • Transportation • Footcare
To be eligible, the senior will:
1. Be 75 years of age or older
2. Be at risk of admission to hospital or a Long Term Care Home.
3. Require assistance with multiple household tasks and activities due to either a functional or cognitive impairment.
Annual income (or combined spousal income) will be assessed to be determined eligible for funded services. If the income is above the threshold of $34,999, SMILE will provide service navigation; however, financial assistance will not be available to purchase services.
Choice: Service Providers:
The SMILE program offers seniors options in managing their own care. Seniors may choose who will provide their services and when. The Common Basket of Services sets a maximum rate for service that SMILE can fund.
Service Providers are not employed by the VON SMILE program. Service Providers must provide a Police Record Check including a Vulnerable Sector Check.
To reduce barriers to accessing services no matter where they live in the region, SMILE clients may select providers or services such as the following:
• A traditional community support services provider
• A recognized business providing services related to community support services. (cleaning or laundry service)
• A non-traditional provider, individual, or other group.
There may be times when you or your family/caregivers need help finding information or voicing a concern relating to the VON SMILE Program. If you have any questions, feedback, or concerns to share, please contact 7-888-866-6647 or email SMILE@von.ca
VON Greater Kingston Volunteer with VON!
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.
Volunteers are supported in their role with educational sessions that will bring out the best in your abilities and introduce you to new opportunities.
Opportunities include:
• Transportation Drivers - Volunteers drive clients to and from medical or personal appointments.
• Meals on Wheels Drivers - Volunteers deliver meals to the seniors in your community
• Seniors’ Fitness Instructor - VON provides extensive training and support, including CPR and First Aid, at no cost
• Administrative Support - Be part of a team that is focused on supporting the seniors of the Greater Kingston area.
Start volunteering today and feel great about the important work you are doing in your community!
Why Give to VON?
Has VON touched your life by providing support to you or a loved one?
Imagine what life in Canada would be like without VON's caring nurses, volunteers and other service providers.
Would you like to ensure that VON is able to continue to offer programs that are crucial to people's ability to live independently and remain in their own 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.
Visit: www.GiveToVON.ca
VON Greater Kingston
