Victorian Order of Nurses Mission Community Health Guide

VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES MISSION

Community Health Guide

VON Metro VancouverContinuing to Make a Difference in Your Community On behalf of VON Canada – Western Region – Metro Vancouver site’s staff and volunteers, we are pleased to offer you this Community Health Guide, which provides information about VON programs and services that are delivered in this community by professional staff, volunteers and caregivers.

VON, a charitable not-for-profit organization, has been in the forefront of home nursing and community health services in Canada for 114 years. We are known for leadership in building a network of home health care, health promotion and support services that anticipate and respond to the needs of this community. We will continue this proud tradition of identifying health and social needs and finding the ways and means to provide services to meet those needs. This will be achieved through working closely with the VON Canada – Western Region – Metro Vancouver site, the broad and comprehensive network of community health and support service organizations and local

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hospitals and through the generous support of our donors who help VON to achieve its mission.

A special thank you to the community supporters listed in this directory. Without their commitment and support, this resource guide would not have been made possible. Also, we would like to express our gratitude to Willow Publishing Co. for the fine job coordinating this publication.

VON Canada – Western Region – Metro Vancouver site is proud of having played a significant role in shaping the delivery of home health care services. We are committed to continuing to serve this community by providing innovative leadership and quality in community health and support services.

We’re Bringing Health Care Home to You. Yours in health, Linda Lane Devlin Executive Director VON Canada – Western Region – Metro Vancouver

Touching Lives Since 1897

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Table of Contents Vision, Mission, Core Values, Guiding Principles, & Philosophy...5-6 Committed to Community Care Since 1897..................................7 Services at a Glance................................................................... 10 • Nursing Services • Health and Wellness Services • Community Support, Home Support Services • Fundraising Nursing Services......................................................................... 13 • Visiting Nursing • Nursing assessment • Home Support Programs • Working in Partnership to Provide High Quality Care Health and Wellness Services..................................................... 17 • Wellness Clinics • Flu Clinics and Workplace Immunization Community Support . ................................................................ 19 • Vial of Life Program Volunteers and VON.................................................................. 20 VON Volunteer Opportunities.................................................... 22 Career Opportunities................................................................. 24 Why Give to VON Metro Vancouver?......................................... 26 The VON Commitment..............................................................34 Contributing Advertisers............................................................. 35

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VISION:

VON will be Canada’s leading charitable organization addressing community health and social needs.

MISSION:

VON Metro Vancouver, a charity, guided by the principles of primary health care, works in partnership with Canadians for a healthier society through: 1. Leadership in community-based care; 2. Delivery of innovative comprehensive health and social services; 3. Influence in the delivery of health social policy.

CORE VALUES:

Respect Participation Responsiveness Courage.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

The principles inherent in the following concepts are the guiding principles which govern all aspects of VON operations: • Primary Health Care • Community Development • Quality Management

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Philosophy

VON, a national registered charity, addresses the health needs of people in Canada through services provided by nurses, other health professionals, support service workers and volunteers. 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 are 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 and plans for provision of their care. Individuals and families are supported to enable them to live and meet death in comfort and with dignity.

Access to comprehensive, compassionate, family and community centred health care is the right of all individuals regardless of their ability to pay.

Health care providers collaborate to develop, implement and evaluate services that respond to the expressed needs of individuals, families and communities in keeping with the principles of primary health care.

Volunteers make a valuable contribution by extending and complementing the services provided by health professions.

Volunteer involvement helps to identify needs, formulate policy, plan, promote, support, and provide community health services.

Community health services of assured quality are essential.

VON Metro Vancouver has a responsibility to expand knowledge through ongoing research, program evaluation and education.

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Committed to Community Care Since 1899 For over a century, VON has provided health care in the Metro Vancouver community. Today’s active agency with 4000 staff and over 8700 volunteers has come a long way from the one nurse branch started by Mrs. Adelaide Hoodless in 1899. However, the spirit of care and compassion as its core and the commitment to individual health, dignity and well-being remain the same.

VON Metro Vancouver is proud to be a province that provides services of the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada (VON Canada), a national health care organization and registered charity that has been caring for the lives and well-being of Canadians in their homes and local communities since 1897.

VON is committed to help people live independently in the community and have the best possible quality of life. With VON’s help, many elderly, ill or disabled persons have been able to delay or avoid admission to an institution. People in hospitals have been able to return to their homes more quickly with VON support, and many caregivers have been given the assistance and relief they need to continue caring for a loved one at home.

With more than 100 years’ worth of client experience behind us, you can be fully confident that you’ll receive exemplary care in the comfort of your own home. Your program will be tailored to meet your specific health and home care needs, helping you manage your life and retain your independence. Additionally, all profits generated

by VON Metro Vancouver are invested directly back into the community.

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By choosing VON Health Care, you can be rest assured that you and your loved ones will benefit from: • • • •

exceptional client service; world-class quality of care; holistic approach; sense of empowerment and freedom; and • peace of mind.

VON Metro Vancouver provides: Visiting Nursing Nursing assessments Home support Workplace Wellness Wellness education and testing for community programs Educators in Health related topics Immunization Personal care Medication Administration Meal Planning and preparation Housekeeping Companionship Infant Relaxation Assistance and support with newborn care for babies by trained nurses Complex care Respite care Vial of Life support program

VON services are guided by a profound sense of respect for individuals and their right to make choices about and participate in

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their own care. Personal values and cultural traditions are considered when a plan of care is developed and family members are encouraged to be partners in the planning and delivery of care.

As we move forward in the next century, VON continues to prepare to meet the challenges ahead. New services will be developed to accommodate changing community needs and new health technologies will be incorporated. What will remain constant is the VON legacy of caring and the commitment to individuals and wellness.

Caring for Life through Respect, Participation, Responsiveness and Courage We’re Bringing the Highest Quality Health Care Home to You

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Services at a Glance VON Metro Vancouver Services • Visiting Nursing

VON nurses work closely with individuals, their caregivers and members of their health care team to develop a flexible and individualized plan of care. VON nursing services are all provided by RN’s. VON nurses are skilled in specialized care areas such as, continence management, IV therapy, posthospital care, complex wound management and palliative care.

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

• Wellness Clinics

VON Metro Vancouver offers a variety of wellness clinics to workplaces and to the public on a range of health related topics.

• Flu Clinics and Worksite Immunization

Research has shown that influenza immunization can decrease the incidence of the flu. Employees can benefit from this convenient, worksite service.

• Infant Relaxation

A parent and infant support program, trains and assigns staff to visit in the homes of healthy newborns or provide clinics to new mothers.

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• Home Support Services

VON home support services enhance individuals quality of life by providing them with personal assistance and support needed to make them comfortable in their homes.

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 and many more services available.

• Vial of Life

The Vial of L.I.F.E. is Lifesaving Information for Emergencies.

This kit enables emergency medical personnel to quickly locate helpful information regarding the client’s medical history in a time of crisis. Information is updated and stored in the “Vial” in the client’s refrigerator. The aim of the Vial of Life program is to help fire fighters and paramedics on the scene of an emergency by cutting down on the amount of time spent searching for basic medical and prescription information.

Having this information easily accessible will also save time for emergency room and hospital personnel and facilitate the care process.

Access to a patient’s health history and medical information is critical, and can potentially save precious time at the scene.

“In many cases, fire fighters are the first to arrive on the scene and once the paramedics arrive we can assist by locating the medical information. Sometimes it’s difficult to find this critical information and we search night table drawers and medicine cabinets to locate it. If all of the medical information were centralized it would save.

Contact us regarding this program at 604-415-4771

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Fundraising As a registered charity, VON Metro Vancouver relies on the support of generous people, families and organizations. Funds raised through donations, major and planned gifts and special events allow VON to continue to provide the community support services in our area.

• Donations

Donations in memory of a loved one or in tribute to someone special can be made to VON in support of our charitable programs in the Metro Vancouver area.

• Fundraising & Special Events

VON often holds special events such as a baseball tournament with proceeds designated to our charitable programs.

• Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Majors gifts are immediate gifts over $1,000 that allow VON to expand services or carry out special projects in our community. Major gifts can be personal, or take the form of corporate donations or sponsorships. Planned gifts, such as bequests, insurance policies, charitable trusts, gift annuities and publicly listed securities can be designated. The major gifts and planned giving programs enable people to leave a lasting legacy within their community.

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Nursing Services Visiting Nursing VON Metro Vancouver provides nursing services individualized to your needs each day of the year. VON provides nursing services in the community administered by VON trained nurses.

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. VON nurses provide support to caregivers and families in their care giving roles.

VON BC receives private referrals for nursing and specialized services from the VON Canada National office. VON Metro Vancouver is committed to working with the Health Authorities in each BC region and other community partners to provide all residents of British Columbia with access to the best quality nursing services.

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As a member of the Healthy Living Alliance of British Columbia, VON contributes to the planning, coordinating and evaluating of wellness care programs, education and services to continuously improve the system of care for individuals facing life-threatening illness and chronic diseases.

All VON Metro Vancouver nursing services are provided by RNs holding current, valid Certificates of Competence issued by the College of Nurses of British Columbia.

VON nurses work closely with individuals, their caregivers and members of their health care team to develop a flexible an individualized plan of care. VON nurses are skilled in specialized care areas such as nursing assessment, continence management, IV therapy, post-hospital care; complex wound management and palliative care.

We are committed to providing care and compassion and the most up-todate knowledge and skill available. We understand that in these circumstances only the best will do.

VON Canada’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.

VON nurses also collaborate with the client and caregivers to provide client focused care. Any individual faced with a lifethreatening 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 on ongoing compassionate support to the client, family or caregivers, thereby greatly enhancing quality of life for those involved.

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A Registered Nurse at VON meets with the clients in their home to carry out a health assessment and as needed, helps to link people with medical care and community support services. The nurse also provides health education, providing guidance on nutrition, medication management, and supporting individuals in maintaining an active lifestyle.

Referrals

The Metro Vancouver Site accepts referrals from individuals, families, caregivers, physicians and health care professionals.

604-415-4771

Nursing assessment Carrying out a thorough VON assessment allows us to gain a clearer picture of your situation, so that we can develop a customized home care plan just for you.

We’ll be focusing on three main areas:

• The state of your health and your medical information, including any pre-existing conditions, prescribed medications, or allergies; • Your home environment, including transportation issues, mobility challenges, house and yard maintenance needs, and telecommunications capabilities; and • Your social environment, including your network of family and friends, volunteer work, hobbies, and social engagements.

Following your client assessment, we’ll match your needs with the wide assortment of Nursing services, Personal Care services, Home Support services, and various other valuable services that we provide, and draw up a home care proposal tailored to your needs.

Referrals

The Metro Vancouver Site accepts referrals from individuals, families, caregivers, physicians and health care professionals.

604-415-4771

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Home Support Home care is a group of services that allows people with health problems to live as well and as independently as possible, in their own homes and communities.

Successful home care: • delays or eliminates the need for care in a hospital or longterm care institution • provides preventive medicine • assists in relieving caregiver stress • encourages a high degree of participation by the person receiving care • assistance with activities of daily living • assistance with personal hygiene

Support Services A wide range of homemaking and personal support services provided by VON Metro Vancouver.

• • • • •

homemaking companionship services community dining home maintenance respite care • in-home respite — including overnight care • Palliative care: home care for someone with a progressive, life-threatening illness

Referrals

The Metro Vancouver Site accepts referrals from individuals, families, caregivers, physicians and health care professionals.

604-415-4771

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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.

Wellness Clinics In collaboration with VON Canada, VON Metro Vancouver offers a variety of wellness clinics to workplaces and to the public on such topics as: Lifestyle Management Arthritis Child Safety Cholesterol Cold and Flu

Hypertension Diabetes Osteoporosis High Blood Pressure Medication

Stress Management Menopause Stress Safety Migraine

Flu Clinics and Workplace Immunization Get Your Flu Shot!

Most people can benefit from a flu shot. A bout of flu can leave you bed ridden for five to ten days. It can take weeks to fully recover, interrupt work, recreation and family activities. It can also protect those around you who may be at risk of severe complications from the flu.

Workplace Flu Clinics

Research has shown that influenza immunization can decrease the incidence of the flu. Employees can benefit from this convenient, worksite service. VON arranges immunization clinics at workplaces throughout British Columbia in the Fall of each year to help “Beat the Flu Bug� and help to decrease the incidence of influenza in your community.

You can prevent huge losses in productivity and profits with a very small investment in the VON Flu Immunization Program.

Companies who vaccinate prior to a mild flu season realize savings

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greater than four and a half times the cost of vaccinating.

Find out how you can have a healthy and productive workforce through a simple and effective VON Program.

Infant Relaxation This service trains and assigns staff to visit in the homes of parents with healthy newborns.

Customers learn the basics of infant care from a registered nurse and then make weekly visits of an hour or two to care for the baby (or babies) while Mom takes a nap or a bath, does household chores or just has some company. VON Staff are also there for new Canadians to help them adjust to having a baby in a new culture.

As well the VON can accompany the mother and baby on shopping trips or to medical appointments. Mother and VON Staff can determine visiting times that work best for them.

For more information, contact the VON office at 604-415-4771

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Community Support Services Working In Partnership to Provide High Quality Care Vial of Life The Vial of L.I.F.E. is Lifesaving Information for Emergencies. This kit enables emergency medical personnel to quickly locate helpful information regarding the client’s medical history in a time of crisis.

Information is updated and stored in the “Vial” in the client’s refrigerator. Over the last year there has been expressed interest in reviving the “Vial of Life” programme and there has recently been interest from the BC Ambulance Service to support this.

There are currently in place a number of mechanisms to support this programme.

The aim of the Vial of Life program is to help fire fighters and paramedics on the scene of an emergency by cutting down on the amount of time spent searching for basic medical and prescription information. Having this information easily accessible will also save time for emergency room and hospital personnel and facilitate the care process.

Access to a patient’s health history and medical information is critical, and can potentially save precious time at the scene. “In many cases, fire fighters are the first to arrive on the scene and once the paramedics arrive we can assist by locating the medical information.

Sometimes it’s difficult to find this critical information and we search night table drawers and medicine cabinets to locate it. If all of the medical information were centralized it would save time.

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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 Metro Vancouver 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.

VON has a formal Recognition Program.

You will be respected for your affiliation with our national organization providing health and support services.

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 • • • • • •

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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 VON Metro Vancouver at 604-415-4771 All volunteers are oriented, screened and educated

by VON to ensure the safety of our clients.

After completing these steps, 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 Metro Vancouver!

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VON Volunteer Opportunities We have a role for you‌ 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.

Vial of Life Program

Provide support and guidance disseminating vials in your community

SMART Program (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together)

An exercise program designed to maintain or improve functional mobility and independence for adults 55 years and up. Volunteers receive training by a coordinator of volunteers.

In-Home - Provide one-to-one visits with ten simple exercises in a client’s home.

Groups - Lead or co-lead a 1-hour group exercise fitness class.

Office Volunteering

Office volunteers are essential in the day-to-day operations of the VON. Appeals to individuals who wish to work for a couple of hours once a week in an office setting. Tasks may include filing, mailing preparation, photocopying and some help to collect information from volunteers who are visiting clients in the community.

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 Metro Vancouver offers. May involve several events per year - with much flexibility.

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Fundraising

Volunteers work on special projects and events, such as silent auctions and ball tournament to raise awareness and financial support for VON Metro Vancouver’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.

What makes each volunteer special makes VON special?”

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VON Career Opportunities Become part of the VON team of 16,000 staff and volunteers ensuring healthcare for all ages across Canada.

VON Metro Vancouver’s staff know the importance of creating the capacity for healing in each person. It is how we are helping to build a healthy community, one person at a time.

As a leader in the development and provision of quality human care programs, VON responds to the unique and changing health care needs our community.

For over 114 years, VON Metro Vancouver has been at the forefront of the fast changing health and social services field.

VON will continue to join forces with families, communities, governments and other groups to advocate for policies that ensure health care is available and accessible to everyone.

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!

Employment Opportunities • • • • • •

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Registered Nurses Health Care Aides Companion Care General Nursing Personal Support Workers Administrative Support

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• Management • Community Support

What We Offer • • • • • • • • • •

Career advancement opportunities Training and skills development Competitive compensation Flexible hours Comprehensive group benefits coverage Pension plan participation Annual vacation entitlement Cumulative sick leave entitlement Employee assistance program Employee recognition programs

Contact VON for a rewarding work experience at Careers@von.ca or by calling 604-415-4771

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Why Give to VON Metro Vancouver?

VON raises funds to support the delivery of high quality home and community health services to you, your family, your friends, and your neighbors in the areas of Metro Vancouver.

Your gift to VON helps people at all ages and stages of life to stay healthy and in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible.

With an aging population, your support is needed now more than ever.

Your donation helps to provide:

• Services to clients who are in need but who cannot afford to pay • A volunteer visitor for clients who are bound to their homes • Education to volunteer visitors who visit clients with lifethreatening illnesses • Vial of Life program Services to clients who are in need.

• Support for new parent(s) who are new to the community (or Canada) • Education and support to family caregivers • Nurses with the highest quality of ongoing training and education • And so much more….

Where Your Money Goes As a charitable organization, we are dedicated to providing VON donors with accountability of how their support is committed throughout the site.

Your dollars are directed toward charitable programs and services as well as subsidization of clients who are in need but cannot afford a fee for service.

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Our charitable programs and services that are funded by charitable dollars include: • • • • • •

Vial of Life Program Nursing Education SMART Seniors Exercise Program Assisted Transportation Volunteer Visiting And more!

Your donations to VON Metro Vancouver are vital and provide us with a source of revenue that enables VON to develop and maintain our charitable programs in order to meet the health and social needs of people in your community.

VON has touched the lives of millions of Canadians since 1899 – somewhere, at some time, you or someone you love will need our support. Please give generously.

Fundraising and Special Events VON Ball Tournament

The VON “Big Hearts” Ball Tournament is held annually in August at the Bolivar Parks in Surrey BC. The tournament includes many contests, live and silent auctions, prizes for each team and a delicious dinner. There are many sponsorship opportunities, including major sponsors, whole sponsors, individual donors and volunteers and auction donors. All funds raised through VON’s Big Hearts Ball Tournament support VON Charitable Services.

Donations General Donations

General donations provide an immediate source of income for VON Metro Vancouver and an immediate tax benefit to you, the donor.

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For the convenience of donors, the VON office accepts VISA, and pre-authorized bank debit donations or by phone at 604-4154771. We also accept gifts online through our secure website at www.GiveToVON.ca.

In Memoriam

Our donors often wish to dedicate their gift to a friend or loved one who has passed away. Families of deceased individuals who wish to make In Memoriam donations to VON should notify the funeral home of their intention. VON will acknowledge all In Memoriam donations with a special letter mailed to the next of kin of the deceased.

In Honour/Tribute Gifts

Has a VON nurse or volunteer touched your life or that of a loved one in a special way? Would you like to pay tribute to that person in a very personal way?

A Tribute gift is a way to recognize VON providers who go over and above the call of duty in providing care. Your contribution can be made in honour of that person. Best of all, the VON nurse or volunteer that you are paying tribute to will receive notification that a Tribute gift has been made in their honour.

VON Benevolent Fund

Known as the fund of last resorts, the Benevolent Fund provides support for individuals who do not have resources themselves.

This fund has helped people with an outstanding pharmacy bill, rent in arrears, formula and diapers, a taxi fare to get to an important medical appointment, a telephone bill, hydro, shoes and clothes.

Requests come from staff or other community workers, on behalf of VON clients who are not able to access funds any other way. The fund is limited to $3,000 each year and up to $300 per request. VON encourages people to seek out support whenever possible, and often refers them to other programs in

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the community as part of this vital service. Donations are greatly needed for this fund in order to be able to grant requests for individuals in need of last resort funds.

Gifts In Kind

Support for the VON does not always come in the form of cash. Donations of physical assets such as artwork, real estate, equipment, or other tangible property may also assist VON in supporting its mission. These assets may then be used as part of our services or sold and the cash proceeds utilized to support charitable programs.

A tax receipt for the fair market value on the date that the gift is received by VON (to be determined by one or more professional appraisers) will be issued. Please note that a gift of professional services does not qualify under The Canadian Income Tax Act for a tax receipt.

Monthly Giving

VON offers a convenient Monthly Giving program, where donors can set up monthly pre-authorized payments to VON Canada for the Metro Vancouver area. You determine the amount you wish to contribute, which can be changed or stopped altogether at any time. To become a member of VON’s Monthly Giving Club, simply visit www.GiveToVON.ca and click on Monthly Giving to complete the Monthly Giving Club Form or contact VON Canada at 1-888-VON-CARE (866-2273).

Major Gifts

Major Gifts are immediate gifts over $1,000 that allow VON to expand services or carry out special projects in our community.

They can be in the form of cash, or securities, property, trusts, or gifts-in-kind. Your major gift to VON can be either undesignated or designated to special projects or services. Major gifts can be personal, or take the form of corporate donations or sponsorships.

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Legacy Gifts

A legacy (or planned) gift is the ultimate way to ensure that VON is there to help your loved ones, friends and neighbours when they need VON care. Legacy gifts also allow you to make a larger contribution than you may be able to at the present time.

For donors planning to give larger amounts, a bequest gift is the ultimate expression of one’s appreciation for the work of VON. Bequests or Legacy Gifts give people assurance that their estate will help VON continue to meet the needs of Canadians for many years to come.

If you are considering a bequest in your will to VON Metro Vancouver or would like planned giving information, please call the VON Metro Vancouver Office at 604-415-4771 or VON Canada at 1-888-VON CARE. Our staff will be pleased to answer your questions or suggest a list of professional advisors who could assist you with this.

Bequests: Leaving a Legacy Gift to VON in Your Will

A lawyer usually drafts the bequest, which is then settled via the services of the estate executor after the benefactor’s death. Prior to proceeding, it is recommended that the donor seek the services of an experienced estates lawyer to ensure that the bequest is established in the most appropriate way. You may also wish to contact VON Canada to discuss such a gift and to inform us of your intention so that you may be recognized and honoured as a member of VON’s Legacy Society.

Charitable Gift Annuities

A charitable gift annuity is an attractive option for donors wishing to make a planned gift to VON Hamilton. The principal benefit of a charitable gift annuity is that it not only provides the donor with a guaranteed level of income for a set number of years or for life, but it also bestows an immediate gift to VON, all from the same capital source.

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A charitable gift annuity works as follows: The donor gives a lumpsum donation with the understanding that VON will provide a fixed amount of income back to them over a specified term or for life. The donor will receive a tax receipt equal to the amount donated minus the cost of the annuity and the donor is taxed on the interest portion of each annuity payment they receive.

Gifts of Insurance

The gift of a life insurance policy during life provides donors with an affordable means to make a large contribution, which in turn has a large impact on those in need in the community.

The donor arranges with VON to purchase a life insurance policy based on his or her life. VON Metro Vancouver is named as the owner of the contract and declared the beneficiary of the contract, ensuring that VON Metro Vancouver receives the proceeds upon the donor’s death. The donor then makes the regular premium payments that keep the policy “in force.” The proceeds of the policy pass directly to VON Metro Vancouver after the donor’s death.

Another donation option is to transfer an existing policy to VON Metro Vancouver. In this instance, the benefactor would transfer ownership of the existing policy to VON Metro Vancouver and name it as the contract’s beneficiary. The donor, in exchange, receives a tax credit based on the cash surrender value of the policy, minus any policy loans, and may have some income to include as the policy is treated as having been disposed of.

Gifts of Retirement Benefits

Individuals are able to leave all or part of their retirement savings to VON. Upon the individual’s death, the proceeds of their registered retirement savings plan are paid out to VON Canada. The executor of the donor’s estate will include the full balance of the registered plan in the final tax return of the deceased and will receive a charitable receipt from the charity for the same amount, which may be used on the donor’s final tax return or carried back to the year prior to their year of death.

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Trust funds

For individuals wishing to bestow large gifts to VON Metro Vancouver, the establishment of a charitable remainder trust may be an attractive planned giving option, particularly if during their lifetime they would like to secure both income and significant tax relief.

Under the advice and guidance of trust and estates lawyers, a donor is able to establish a charitable remainder trust by transferring property to a trust. Upon this transfer, the donor is considered to have disposed of the property and he/she may realize a capital gain or loss. The trust documents instruct the trustee to pay all of the income earned within the trust to the individual, but requires the property to be transferred to the charity at some later date, which is usually upon the death of the donor. Once the charity is named as the beneficiary of the trust, it cannot be removed or revoked. After the donor’s death, the assets are passed on to the designated charity. If the donor has a spouse, the charitable remainder trust should be set up so that the property passes to the charity only after the death of that spouse.

Gifts of Securities

As of the passing of the May 2010 federal budget, donations of publicly listed securities are exempted from capital gains taxation, making this one of the most attractive ways to support VON. If you donate shares to VON Metro Vancouver directly, you will not pay any capital gains tax normally associated with such a sale of shares! You will receive a tax receipt for the full value of the donation but you are NOT taxed on any gain.

VON can accept different types of securities, including bonds, publicly listed shares and mutual fund units. Consultation with a financial advisor is strongly recommended prior to initiating this type of donation, as this will ensure that the donor receives professional advice tailored to his/her personal financial and tax situation.

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VON is committed to collecting, using and disclosing personal information responsibly and only to the extent necessary. We conduct our fundraising activities in a manner that conforms to the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy’s Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code. We do not rent, sell or trade our mailing lists and any third party contractors involved with the production of this ad adhere to the privacy legislation.

Please contact our office at 604-415-4771 if you have any concerns or questions around our privacy policy.

Charitable Registration # 129 482 493 RR0001

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The VON Commitment VON provides care for every stage of life-from infancy to old age.

We are committed to help people live with health, independence and dignity and have the best possible quality of life. With VON’s support, many elderly, ill or disabled persons are able to remain living at home in familiar surroundings. All VON services are designed to promote healthy living and facilitate meaningful and enjoyable lives.

Quality Care VON staff and volunteers are recognized for their competence, understanding and compassion.

You are assured of quality care and friendly, reliable service with VON. VON is accredited by the Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation.

An Active Community Partner As a responsive and concerned organization, VON works closely with community partners, to provide economical and accessible community health care services in Metro Vancouver. If you need extra supports and services, VON, with its many community connections, will help to put them in place. We are committed to caring for the people of this community with as much skill and dedication in the next hundred years as we have over the last century. You can rely on VON.

When you need us‌VON will be there!

604-415-4771

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Contributing Advertisers The Victorian Order of Nurses are extremely grateful to all contributing advertisers, without whose support this guide would not have been possible.

Beauty Salon Viton Hair Studios Inc................................................................38

Funeral Services First Memorial Funeral Services...................................................37 Forest Lawn Funeral Home.........................................................39 Ocean View Funeral Home........................................................39 Oliveira Funeral Services Ltd.......................................................37

House & Apartment Cleaning Molly Maid................................................................................36

Mastectomy Products & Bras Viton Hair Studios Inc................................................................38

Medical Equipment & Supplies Bowers Home Health.................................................................37

Wigs & Hair Pieces Viton Hair Studios Inc................................................................38

Telephone: 613-475-2927 Toll Free: 1-800-339-5662 Fax: 613-475-5331 Route 3, P.O. Box 1599, Brighton, Ontario K0K 1H0 Associate Member of Email: info@willowpublishing.com www.willowpublishing.com • www.patientdirectory.ca • http://issuu.com/willowonline

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©2011

“Providers of Quality Healthcare Publications”

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Please remember that you should not visit at any time, any medical facility if you feel ill in any way with fever, headache, sore throat, chills, cough, muscle aches, etc.

Bowers Home Health Unit # 7 3691 Viking Way Richmond, BC V6V 2J6 800-663-0047 604-278-7566 www.bowersmedical.com The “BEAR” facts since 1972

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We Don’t Just Do Funerals We Build Friendships Paying more doesn’t mean better service

• We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week • Arrangements in the family home or at our office at no extra cost • Interest-free payment plans • We serve all faiths and traditions www.oliveirafuneralhome.com

Oliveira Funeral Services Ltd. 2657 Shaughnessy St. Port Coquitlam, B.C. 604-942-7920

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PROSTHETICS Hair Studios Inc.

Improve circulation to your legs and feet, help maintain muscle

Large Inventory of: • Breast Prosthetics & Bras • Wigs, Toupees & Headwear 417C - 6th Street New Westminster, B.C. V3L 3B1 Telephone 604-517-0407

strength, flexibility and promote healthy bones by exercising regularly.

Appointments:

Notes:

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Community Telephone Index EMERGENCY Ambulance ............................................................................. 911 Vancouver Crisis Line .............................................................. 911 Fire, Police .............................................................................. 911 Poison.................................................................. 1-800-567-8911 CITY OF MISSION City Hall .................................................................604-820-3700 Library .................................................................... 604-826-6610 COMMUNITY EDUCATION City Hall .................................................................604-820-3700 HEALTH Fraser Health .......................................................... 604-587-4600 INCOME & BENEFITS Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)...................................................... 1-800-277-9914 Financial Assistance for Seniors (Gov. Programs) .... 1-800-926-9105 RECREATION & LEISURE Parks & Recreation .................................................. 604-820-5350 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION ................................... 604-826-5238 SENIORS INFORMATION LINE BC Health and Seniors Information Line ...............1-800-465-4911 VOLUNTEERING City Hall .................................................................604-820-3700