VON Alberta South Community Health Guide

V i c t o r i a n O r d e r o f N u r s e s - AL B ERTA SOUTH

h t u o S a t r Albe c o m m u n i t y h e a lt h g u i d e

Welcome Letter “Health Starts at Home” The Victorian Order of Nurses (V.O.N.) is a national, non-profit health organization and registered charity offering a wide range of community health care solutions. For 115 years, V.O.N. has pioneered home health services in Canada, often being the first to identify emerging health and social needs, and providing innovative services to meet those needs.

Since the 1890’s when Lady Lougheed, grandmother of Premier Peter Lougheed, founded the Alberta Chapter of V.O.N., we have provided quality, compassionate care to Albertans.

Recognized by generations of Canadians for our visiting nursing program, V.O.N. has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the populations we serve. This Community Health Guide provides valuable information on the wide range of V.O.N. programs that support the Medicine Hat community.

Special thanks to the advertisers, for making this Guide possible. We also appreciate the efforts of Willow Publishing for undertaking this important community project.

The Victorian Order of Nurses – Alberta South #105 3030 13th Ave SE Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 1E3 (403) 529-1222 V.O.N. is accredited by Accreditation Canada

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Table of Contents Welcome Letter.....................................................................................................................2 V.O.N. Vision & Mission.......................................................................................................4 V.O.N. Vitality Home Health Care........................................................................................ 5 Workplace Wellness...............................................................................................................6 Travel Vaccinations................................................................................................................7 Immunizations.......................................................................................................................8 Foot Care Services.................................................................................................................9 Adult Day Program..............................................................................................................10 Volunteering with V.O.N..................................................................................................... 11 Charitable Programs & Community Support...................................................................... 12

Community Detoxification Program...................................................................... 12

S.M.A.R.T. – Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together....................................... 13

Telephone Index.................................................................................................................. 14

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V.O.N.’s Vision & Mission Vision – “Health Starts at Home” V.O.N. will be Canada’s leading charitable organization addressing community health and social needs.

Mission – V.O.N. works in partnership with Canadians for a healthier society.

V.O.N., 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 V.O.N.’s model of care and service shapes the actions of thousands of V.O.N. staff and volunteers touching the lives of millions of Canadians. We work within the existing health care, economic, and political environments, constantly striving to inform, influence, and impact change. V.O.N. is characterized by a learning culture which aims for excellence, innovation, and integration. Our success is based on a proud history of service to Canadians, and people who are passionate about its philosophy, mission, values and strategic vision for the future.

For more information about V.O.N. Calgary, please visit www.VONMedicineHat.ca and www.VONLethbridge.ca or call 403-529-1222.

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V.O.N. Vitality Home Health Care A Health Care Solution Just For You. V.O.N. Vitality Home Health Care services are designed to give you the freedom to choose the services you want, when you want.

V.O.N. Vitality offers services tailored to individual needs and budgets, including: • Private nursing care • Personal care • Home support V.O.N. Vitality is committed to help people live independently in the community and have the best possible quality of life.

With V.O.N.’s help, many elderly, ill, or disabled people have been able to return to their homes sooner than expected, and many caregivers have been given the assistance and relief they need to continue caring for loved ones at home.

A V.O.N. Vitality client assessment, conducted by qualified nurses, allows us to develop a customized care plan. Following the assessment, we will draw up a care proposal tailored to your needs. Let V.O.N. help you optimize your health and well being to retain your vitality and independent living for as long as possible.

Call today for a V.O.N. Vitality client assessment at (403) 529-1222.

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Workplace Wellness A healthier organization. Greater employee well being and engagement.

Improved productivity. Controlled benefits cost.

“For organizations that measure Return On Investment (ROI), there is growing evidence that the costbenefit ratio ranges from $1.50 to $6.15 for every dollar invested in wellness initiatives.”* V.O.N. is experienced in delivering comprehensive and customized Workplace Wellness programs. We will help you tailor a program to meet your company’s wellness goals. Our services include: • Biometric Screening Clinics – Helps identify employees’ high-risk health indicators, including diabetes and heart disease.

• Health Risk Appraisal – By asking health and lifestyle questions and using the results of the Biometric Screenings, this online questionnaire provides employees with a personal report that highlights health risks and provides specific recommendations.

• Comprehensive Wellness Portal – Offers a range of online interactive educational programs and assessments aimed at sustained employee engagement.

• Wellness Workshops – “Lunch & Learn” workshops with specific wellness topics, perfect for small employee groups.

• Seasonal Flu Clinics – Workplace flu clinics help to ensure your employees are protected and healthy.

• Onsite Immunizations – For businesses operating in high-risk environments, V.O.N. provides Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and tetanus shots at your workplace.

For more information on Workplace Wellness, Workplace Flu Clinics, or Onsite Immunizations, please call (403) 529-1222. *The Business Case for a Healthy Workplace, Industrial Accident Prevention Association

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Travel Vaccinations Travelling to an exotic destination? Working abroad?

Unsure about what vaccinations you need?

“Because great memories should be the only things you bring home.”

V.O.N. provides a complete range of travel vaccinations and is designated by Health Canada as a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. We also provide vaccinations to protect against Hepatitis A and B, Cholera, Typhoid Fever, Rabies, travellers’ diarrhea, and more.

Travel clinics include a preliminary consultation, education, vaccinations, and a vaccine record. All travel vaccinations are administered by qualified Registered Nurses with specialized training. V.O.N. recommends an initial consultation at least six to eight weeks prior to departure, as some vaccines require multiple doses to become effective.

Competitive pricing. Flexible clinic times. Evening & weekend clinics offered.

For more information regarding V.O.N. Travel Clinics, please call (403) 529-1222.

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Immunizations Seasonal Influenza (Flu Shots) “What are you bringing to work this flu season?”

The flu is extremely contagious. It is also a productivity killer. Approximately 7.5 million workdays are lost to the flu in Canada annually. On average, people with the flu miss three to five workdays. If they go to work with the flu, their productivity drops by 50 percent and they can pass the influenza virus on. Co-workers also experience a drop in productivity. The flu costs your business more than you think.

V.O.N. is the largest non-government provider of seasonal flu shots in Alberta. To book a flu clinic for your company or organization, contact V.O.N. Calgary at (403) 640-4765.

Other Immunizations Zostavax - The Zostavax immunization aids in the prevention of shingles, which occurs when the dormant chicken pox virus activates again as shingles in later life. If you are 50 years or older and have had natural chickenpox, consider the Zostavax immunization.

Gardasil – The Gardasil vaccination aids in the prevention of infection caused by four of the most common types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

It also works in prevention of diseases associated with these HPV types including cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer, genital warts and more. Gardasil is meant not only for girls and women, but also boys and men, aged nine to twenty-six years old.

For businesses operating in high-risk environments, V.O.N. provides onsite immunizations including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and tetanus shots.

For more information regarding immunizations, call (403) 529-1222.

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Foot Care Services “Don’t tiptoe around the importance of foot health.”

Three out of four people develop serious foot problems as they age – putting their independence and well-being at risk.* Your feet can give you an early warning about serious health problems such as diabetes, nerve damage, poor blood circulation and arthritis.

For decades, V.O.N. has been widely recognized as one of the most experienced providers (and trainers) of therapeutic foot care across Canada. V.O.N. nurses are specially trained in assessment, care and education for clients with special foot care needs. Foot care services are provided in the convenience and privacy of your own home, or at foot care clinics located throughout the city.

Services include: • Assessment of lower legs, feet and nails • Toenails trimmed and filed, cream applied and feet massaged to enhance circulation • Treatment of corns, calluses, ingrown, fungal, and thickened toe nails • Education on maintaining foot health and prevention of foot and nail problems V.O.N. meets the highest standards for quality of care and sterilization of equipment.

For clinic locations, or to book an in-home appointment, call (403) 529-1222. *Public Health Agency of Canada

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Adult Day Programs (Alberta Health Services) Adult Day Programs (ADPs) are designed for adults with physical and/or memory challenges or are living with a chronic illness. These day programs have a dual focus – they provide clients with a regular outing one or two times a week and caregivers with a break.

V.O.N. Alberta South currently operates an Adult Day Programs in Lethbridge for seniors with dementia.

Adult Day Programs provide six hours a day of: • Warm welcoming fun environments supported by trained care staff • Enjoying the company of others with similar interests and health care needs • Nutritious meals and snacks • Recreational programming • Activities and exercise programs to improve health • Basic personal care • Monitoring of blood pressure and weight • Assistance with medication • Family caregiver respite, support and information You must be an AHS Home Care client in order to attend one of the AHS funded ADPs. Home Care clients (or their family caregivers) interested in an ADP should discuss this option with their AHS Case Manager.

For more information, call (403) 529-1222.

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Volunteering with VON Love meeting new people? Looking to give back to your community? Want to make a difference in someone’s life? Do you have great skills and experience to offer, or are you eager to learn something new? V.O.N. has volunteer opportunities for you!

When you become a V.O.N. Volunteer, we will: • Match your strengths, interests and available time to a volunteer role that’s right for you • Give you a clear picture of the position requirements and the training to do it well • Support you in your volunteer role through regular contact • Provide ongoing educational opportunities to assist you in your role and to introduce you to new opportunities To volunteer, or for more information, please either email volunteer@VON.ca, or phone us at (403) 529-1222.

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Charitable Programs & Community Support As a registered charity, V.O.N. relies on the support of generous people, families and organizations. Funds raised through donations, major gifts, and special events allow V.O.N. to continue to provide the community support services in our area. 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.

Major Gifts & Planned Giving Major gifts are immediate gifts over $1,000 and allow V.O.N. 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.

The V.O.N. Medicine Hat office accepts donations by cheque, VISA, Mastercard, by phone at (403) 529-1222. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

Community Detoxification Program V.O.N. provides the Community Detox program, in partnership with Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services. This free and confidential program provides clients with detoxification and withdrawal management services in their homes or at an alternative safe location. Services include screening, an assessment performed by a licensed nurse, and the creation of a detox care plan – all based on medically accepted practices.

For more information, please contact (403) 529-1222.

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S.M.A.R.T. – Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together A V.O.N. Community Support program.

The V.O.N. Canada S.M.A.R.T. program is designed for people 55+ who want to improve their strength, balance, and flexibility regardless of their current ability level. S.M.A.R.T. programs are led by volunteers who receive specialized training (including CPR and First Aid) and ongoing education to deliver safe, appropriate physical activities that contribute to successful aging.

The S.M.A.R.T. In-Home Program and S.M.A.R.T. Group Programs are for people who cannot participate in traditional exercise programs due to health issues, mobility restrictions, confidence, chronic disease, or other reasons. There is no floor or mat work involved and exercises are tailored to the participants’ ability levels. No previous exercise experience is necessary.

Participation in physical activity programs like S.M.A.R.T. can help: • Improve physical health and energy • Increase and maintain strength, coordination, balance and flexibility • Improve lung and heart function • Decrease bone loss • Provide opportunities to meet new people and socialize New volunteers are welcomed for our S.M.A.R.T. program!

• Help support seniors to remain active, healthy, and independent • Have fun and meet new friends while developing a strong social support network • Training, education, and support provided by V.O.N. For more information, please contact the S.M.A.R.T. Program Coordinator at (403)529-1222.

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Telephone Index Emergency Ambulance/Police/Fire.....................911 Crime Stoppers........... 1 800-222-8477 Poison Centre...............1 800-332-1414 City Services & Resources City of Lethbridge...........(403) 329 7355 City of Medicine Hat......(403) 529-8115 Health & Safety V.O.N. Medicine Hat & Lethbridge .......................................(403) 529-1222 Alcoholics Anonymous ..(403) 527-2065 Medicine Hat Mental Health Clinic Crisis Line ...............................(403) 529-3500 Medicine Hat Regional Hospital ......... .....................................(403) 529-8000 Chinook Regional Hospital................... .......................................(403) 388-6111 Health Link................... 1 866 408-5465 The Distress Line of SW Alberta.......... ...................................... (403) 327-7905 Senior Services Meals on Wheels, Lethbridge............... ...................................... (403) 327-7990 Meals on Wheels, Medicine Hat.......... .......................................(403) 525-8885 Seniors Outreach, Lethbridge.............. ...................................... (403) 504-8718 Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization ...................................... (403) 320-2222 Seniors Center at Strathcona Centre, Medicine Hat................ (403) 529-8307 Veiner Centre................ (403) 529-8383 Housing Lethbridge Housing Authority............. ...................................... (403) 329-0556

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Telephone Index Housing Medicine Hat Community Housing Society.............................................. (403) 527-4507 Salvation Army Family Support Centre..................................................... (403) 526-9699 Income & Benefits Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB)....................................................Toll-Free 1 800-642-3853 Canada Pension Plan (CPP) & Old Age Security (OAS) ............. Toll-Free 1 800-277-9914 Social Insurance Number (SIN).................................................Toll-Free 1 800-206-7218 Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) ...................................................................... 1 866-522-2122 Weather Environment Canada ................................................................................ (403) 526-0483

CO-OP PAYS CASH BACK! Last Year, Medicine Hat Co-op customers earned, in equity & cashback..

8.5¢ /L on Fuel Purchases 4.5% on Food Purchases 9.8% on Prescriptions 6.0% on Liquor Purchases

“DID YOU GET YOUR SHARE?” FOOD & PHARMACY Co-op Mall, 3030 13th Avenue SE 10 Northlands Way NE 4926 46th Avenue - Taber

CO-OP LIQUOR STORES 20 Northlands Way NE #1 Hwy & Eagle Butte Road - Dunmore #102 - 1234 Southview Drive SE

GAS BARS, CONVENIENCE STORES & CAR WASHES 3030 13th Avenue SE 540 Maple Avenue SE 6 Northlands Way NE #1 Hwy East of Medicine Hat - Dunmore 4960 46th Avenue - Taber

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Victorian Order of Nurses

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