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
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!
Dear Reader,
The VON Community Heath Guide has been developed to inform the local communities in Erie St. Clair about the health care services provided by VON in Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton and Windsor-Essex. Our teams of dedicated staff are ready to help you find solutions that fit your needs as a client, caregiver or family member.
VON offers home care and community support services to enhance each client’s quality of life by providing them with the personal assistance and support needed to make them comfortable in their own home.
What sets VON apart in the home health care industry?
• VON is a registered charitable health care organization that cares for all ages in all stages of life,
• VON services are guided by a profound sense of respect for individuals and their right to make choices about and participate in their own health care journey. Our objective is to promote independence in the home. Clients and family members are encouraged to be partners in the planning and delivery of care,
• VON Canada is accredited by Accreditation Canada which gives you the peace of mind knowing that you and your family are receiving the highest quality of care available.
If you are already a VON client, thank you for being part of our family! We invite you to read this guide to learn about all of the services we offer in case we can assist you further. If you are not a VON client we invite you to utilize this guide to determine how we can help you or your family, or share this information with someone you know that may need our services.
VON relies on the support of our community in the form of volunteers, individual donors and corporate donors to support our programs. If you are interested in helping in your community, please check out our volunteer information page in this guide for more information. Our VON team looks forward to continuing to serve in our local communities.
Paula Vanthournout Director, Home & Community Care
VON Erie St. Clair
Champion
VON Windsor-Essex has been providing home and community care programs for individuals and families in the Windsor-Essex area since 1927. Serving a population of over 500,000 there are several unique municipalities within the region including: Amherstburg, Kingsville, Lakeshore, LaSalle, Leamington and Tecumseh.
Our programs are driven by the dedication and hard work of 155 staff and over 250 volunteers. Programs are executed and developed through the support of funding partners, community partnerships, and generous community donations.
This Is Where You Come In!
As a leader in the delivery of innovative, community and home-based care, we are confident our programming fosters quality of life for all our clients, young and old. We work to ensure their needs are being met; from home care to nutrition, reducing social isolation and ensuring clients live every day to the fullest. But we don’t do this alone.
It’s with your support that we are able to strengthen and grow our programs to serve your community. As a registered charity, your support enables us to continue our essential home nursing and support programs for our community’s most vulnerable.
Help VON Windsor-Essex touch the lives of those in need by making a donation today to ensure VON services are available when they are needed most.
Make your gift instantly by visiting www.von.ca or call 519-254-4866 to speak to our Fund Development team!
Immigrant Health Clinic
Our Team
• Multilingual Speaking Nurses
• VON Nurse Practitioner
• Medical Secretary
• Clinical Manager
Our Services
• Provided by Appointments & Referrals only
• Education on personal care, healthy eating and overall wellness
• Physical Examinations
• Primary Care
Immigrant Health Clinic
• Patients are referred through a clinical connection process to the most appropriate primary care provider
• Patient’s geography and language needs are considered when referring to primary care
• Provides a holistic client-centered assessment to each individual
• Education on maneuvering through the health care system of Windsor-Essex
Goals
• Provide both coordination and access to primary care services throughout Windsor-Essex to Immigrants and Refugees
• Refer patients to the most appropriate primary care provider through a clinical connect process based on need, language and geography
• Facilitate a seamless transfer to a primary care provider after conducting an initial assessment and addressing immediate concerns
• Provide education on healthy living and wellness in multiple languages.
• Create a warm welcome into our health community
Clinic Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Contact Us
Address: 250 Tecumseh Rd. East. Suite 160 Windsor, ON N8X 2R3
Phone: 519-916-4370
Fax: 1-855-634-9584
Home and Community Care Services
VON Windsor-Essex home and community care services enable individuals to be cared for with compassion, with dignity and in the comforts of their own space. Available 24/7, services may be funded through insurance or government sources or can be privately purchased. Your VON team works together with you, your caregivers and a team of health care professionals to assess your health care needs and collaboratively develop a personalized plan of care. Every visit will consist of on on-going assessment, support for you and your family, encouragement and holistic care. Your VON team is highly trained and experienced in all aspects of community health care. In addition to in-home care, VON provides services throughout the community where it’s needed most.
Maintaining independence as we age is important to us all. Sometimes remaining active in our homes means needing that extra one-on-one support to live independently. At VON we deliver more than health care, we bring peace of mind. That means that when extra care is needed we are there with valuable services tailored to individual needs and budgets. Our trained staff of nurses, personal support workers and other support professionals are available to make up the difference between what is provided and what you need.
Nursing Services
Our nursing services include:
• Shift Nursing
• Wound care
• Intravenous care
• Palliative care
• Pediatric care
• Ostomy care
Visiting Nursing
• Acute post-hospitalization care
• In-school health care
• Chronic disease management
• Peritoneal dialysis
The VON nurse works together with clients, caregivers and health care professionals to assess the individual’s health care needs and develop a personal plan of care to meet those needs. Visiting nurses provide service in wound care, diabetes management, medication management, health education and so much more.
Shift Nursing
VON shift nursing services provide nurses in 4-12 hour shifts to enable individuals to be cared for in the comfort of their own home.
eHomecare
eHomecare is an innovative strategy that uses existing and emerging technology to support people to live in their homes safely and receive the healthcare they require. The eHomecare model pairs a registered nurse (RN), working remotely while connected by technology to a PSW at the bedside of the patient. eHomecare provides overnight respite care, pediatric support and end of life support for patients in our community.
If you would like more information regarding eHomecare please call us at 1-855-285-2990, option 4 or email us at escintake@von.ca.
Chronic Pain Management Assessment & Referral Program
Mission:
To utilize a client centered approach in developing a care plan for clients living with chronic pain, to facilitate access to appropriate health care services, to enhance quality of life through empowerment and education.
What to expect:
The Nurse Practitioner will review your pain history, diagnostic imaging, medications and the effects of past and present medical interventions. A focused physical examination will be done when necessary. These findings will allow them to provide you and your healthcare provider recommendations on evidence-based treatment options. Some examples of recommendations include medication changes, exercise programs, various therapies and referral to specialists.
The Counsellor facilitates Chronic Pain Self-Management Classes, as well as provides one on one counselling support to interested individuals. Counselling support includes cognitive behavioural therapy, pain reprocessing therapy and other evidence-based therapies, to help patients improve their quality of life and cope with the difficulties of managing chronic pain.
Chronic pain affects all aspect of our lives which is why our program performs a comprehensive assessment, with attention to both mind and body.
The VON Chronic Pain Program is funded by Ontario Health and provides services in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton.
Eligibility:
1 Experience non-cancer related pain
2 Not be considered end of life (palliative)
3 Experience chronic pain, greater than 3 consecutive months
Please have your primary health care provider or supporting community agency fax a referral to the VON Chronic Pain Program. Once your referral is received, you will receive a phone call within 1-2 weeks to arrange an appointment.
Appointments are arranged either in person or virtually at the following locations:
• VON Windsor Site, 190-250 Tecumseh Rd E., Windsor
• VON Chatham Kent Site, 100-190 Stanley Ave., Chatham
• VON Sarnia Lambton, 1705 London Line, Sarnia
Should you have any questions, you are welcome to call the office at 519-945-2931 or toll free at 1-855-419-5200 ext 4, Monday through Friday between the working hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 pm.
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services in a supportive housing environment by VON Personal Support Workers.
This program supports clients who can no longer manage safely in their own homes but with the provision of individualized service, can continue to live independently with on-site assistance & 24 hour support. Services include assistance, supervision or training with personal support for washing/bathing, personal hygiene and preventative skin care. Activities of daily living, such as dressing, transferring & positioning, toileting, bowel routine, assistance with eating, assistance with pre-measured medications, medication reminders and exercising.
Clients must have a valid Ontario Health card number to be eligible for the program. They must be able to direct their own care. They must live or be willing to move to a designated Supportive Housing site and meet tenancy requirements to rent an individual apartment. Clients require a volume or frequency of service more than Ontario Health atHome can provide, need emergency response availability up to 24 hours a day, have insufficient caregiver support, and without service are at risk and would require placement in a long term care facility.
VON has partnered with Safeguard to ensure 24/7 help for our clients. Supportive Housing receives referrals from Ontario Health atHome. This program fills a large void in our community that currently exists for frail and elderly who require additional support however do not require long term care. This program reduces hospital visits and continues to accommodate individuals to be able to age in place.
The Home Help program is designed to help isolated seniors, seniors recovering from surgery, frail seniors and those persons with permanent physical disabilities, who do not have access to assistance, remain safely in their home by providing light housekeeping services. Upon acceptance, the client is assigned a Home Helper who can assist with light housework to maintain the functionality and cleanliness of the home. There is a modest fee for this service ranging from $10.00 to $25 per hour dependent on a financial assessment. This assistance may be provided weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Assistance is flexible and based on individual need.
The program objectives are to assist clients to “age in place” by helping them maintain a safe, hygienic and hazard free home. Our goal is to allow clients to maximize their independence in areas of their choice by allowing us to assist with essential housework. Services may include dusting, vacuuming, laundry, mopping floors, grocery shopping, cleaning of bathroom & kitchen and linen changes. By preventing accidents and encouraging safety, Home Help will reduce the need for untimely admittance to long term care.
The Home Help program receives referrals from Ontario Health atHome, community partners, family members, churches, physicians and clients themselves.
Please call 519-254-4866 to apply.
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Meals On Wheels
More than just a meal!
The VON Meals on Wheels (MOW) program is intended to help persons in our Windsor community benefit nutritionally from the delivery of our hot and/or frozen meals. The program is available to those recovering from an illness, who have a disability, receiving cancer treatments, persons receiving respite, caregivers or seniors. Regardless of the situation, the MOW program is there to help allow persons regain or assist in their health and wellbeing and maintain their independence with the delivery of nutritious and affordable meals. The program is flexible and can be short or long term. It is entirely up to the person’s needs.
MOW can provide a variety of meals and can accommodate various diet types and texture modifications. Vegetarian, chopped, minced and pureed meals are available upon request. Meals include a soup, entrée, (including a protein, vegetable and starch), bread and dessert. Our meals are delivered by our vetted and friendly volunteers who can provide a caring connection, a conversation and a smile to those when it’s needed the most! Delivery occurs Monday to Friday between 10:45 am and 1 pm.
Working in partnership with the UHC-Hub of Opportunities, meals are prepared in a professional & new state of the art kitchen under the leadership of a red seal Chef and features fresh, locally Ontario grown produce.
Meal types and prices vary. Subsidization is available to those who qualify. Veterans can receive subsidization through Veteran’s Affairs.
Please call 519-254-4866 ext. 1 to apply.
Testimonial:
“The most important benefit I receive from the Meals on Wheels Program is that it has allowed me to remain living independently in my own home. I also look forward to my daily visits from the volunteers. They always have a way of brightening my day.”
~ Mary (Meals on Wheels Client)
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Adult Day Program
The VON Windsor-Essex Adult Day Program provides all day programming to adults living with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, or cognitive impairment living in the community. Programming is provided in a safe, caring environment, focused on abilities as opposed to disabilities, and incorporates social, therapeutic, and recreational activities as well as a hot lunch and snacks throughout the day.
VON provides on-site nursing support when required reducing the need for hospital/physician visits, all while giving caregivers respite and support as they care for their loved one. Programming runs Monday – Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm. For more information please contact us at 519944-7909.
VON SMART Exercise & Fall Prevention Program delivers ongoing fall risk intervention for seniors in the community by delivering FREE exercise programs and fall prevention education.
Who benefits from the VON SMART Exercise Program?
• Adults 55+
• Individuals who wish to learn about fall risk factors and how to reduce their chance of experiencing a fall
• Individuals who wish to maintain and/or improve their strength, balance, social connection and overall wellbeing
SMART in the Community
VON SMART group exercise classes are led by SMART Certified Instructors and take place weekly in community locations near you! Classes are offered at various intensities and modifications are provided to accommodate all participants. Specialty classes for individuals living with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Brain Injury/ Stroke are also available.
SMART Rest and Retirement
VON SMART group exercise classes are offered within various retirement homes throughout Windsor-Essex. Classes are provided at no cost to residents. Class components include warm up and cool down, cardiovascular training, strength training, balance training, flexibility and mindfulness.
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SMART In-Home
VON SMART In-Home program is completed in the participants home. This program is designed for individuals 55+ and is best suited for participants who may not benefit from traditional activity programs due to health issues, mobility restrictions, lack of transportation, confidence, chronic disease or other reasons. Participants are taught 15 simple, yet progressive exercises that help to improve their mobility and encourage independence while performing activities of daily living.
*Please note: Registration is required for all VON SMART classes.
SMART Virtual Exercise Program (VEP)
VON SMART Virtual Exercise Program (VEP) are available virtually both online and offline. Live, interactive exercise classes are offered using Zoom, where participants join from the safety and comfort of their homes. For individuals who have no internet access, the VON SMART VEP offers free tablets which contain a library of exercise classes and guided fall prevention presentations. For more information call 519254-4866 ext 6239
Francophone Primary Care Clinic
Clinique Francophone Pour Nous Joindre
Adresse : 250, rue Tecumseh E, Suite 160
Tél. : 519-916-4370
Téléc. : 1-855-621-7893
HEURES D’OUVERTURE
Du lundi au vendredi, de 8:30 h à 16:30 h
Des services d’approche sont offerts à d’autres endroits dans la région de Windsor-Essex. Communiquez avec nous pour en savoir plus long.
NOTRE ÉQUIPE
• Infirmière praticienne bilingue de VON (anglais et français)
NOS SERVICES
• Diagnostiquer des maladies et des blessures
• Réaliser des examens physiques
• Demander et interpréter des examens diagnostiques
• Fournir conseils et éducation
• Fournir des traitements
• Demander des interventions
• Adresser les clients à d’autres professionnels de la santé et spécialistes
• Prescrire des médicaments
• Gérer des maladies chroniques comme le diabète, la MPOC et l’asthme
• Administrer des vaccins
• Évaluer la santé mentale et fournir les soins nécessaires
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À NOTRE SUJET
• Financée par le Réseau local d’intégration des services de santé (RLISS) d’Érié St. Clair
• Services avec ou sans rendez-vous ou sur recommandation
• Organisme sans but lucratif
• Évaluation holistique axée sur le client
Program
When children and youth are hungry, they can’t focus, and when students can’t focus it is challenging to concentrate and learn. That’s why the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) provides funding and support to over 90 schools and 27,000 students in Windsor and Essex County for nourishing snack and meal programs; to ensure no child has to learn on an empty stomach. Programs are stigma free and universal in nature, meaning they are open to all students, regardless of socio-economic background.
Student nutrition programs extend beyond filling hungry bellies, they incorporate educational objectives, community building, leadership opportunities and linkages with local food systems. They provide a positive start to the day and safe spaces for students to connect with their peers while supporting students’ physical and mental well-being. There is emphasis on serving food that is healthy, safe, culturally appropriate and locally-sourced, when possible.
”At our school, we have witnessed the positive impact of the extra snack items, specifically whole grain and protein options, provided this school year. These nutritious snacks have not only contributed to maintaining a focused and energized learning environment but have also improved overall student well-being. Students appear more engaged in their learning, and we appreciate the effort to
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prioritize their health and academic success. The OSNP program has been instrumental in fostering a positive and nourishing atmosphere within our school community.”
- Elementary School Principal
The Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP):
• streamlines the distribution of funding and resources to schools
• fosters partnerships that enhance our menu and direct delivery programming
• fundraises and generates resources to provide programs with adequate support
• provides learning opportunities for schools around effective program delivery, food safety, nutrition and menu planning, engagement strategies and more OSNP receives some government funding to support programs, however, programs would not be possible without support from generous community donors, grantors and volunteers.
For more information about OSNP or how to become involved, please contact osnp@von.ca
Make a lasting difference in your community
Join the thousands of VON volunteers who help make communities healthier. If you would like to give back to your community by sharing your time and caring for others, we have a role for you!
Volunteer Opportunities:
• Meals On Wheels
• Adult Day Program
• SMART Seniors Exercise Instructors
We have a role for you!
• Board of Directors
• Fundraising, Charitable Bingo & Special Evets
We will match your interests and availability to a volunteer role that’s right for you. We offer the training you need and will be in frequent communication. Support is always a call away. Here are a few examples of how you can make a difference as a VON volunteer.
Join the volunteer team today www.von.ca/volunteer
Volunteer with VON
Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity in the Windsor-Essex area? Choose to Volunteer for VON Windsor-Essex and become a proud VON Volunteer!
Volunteers enrich the lives of those they help by providing a warm smile and a friendly face. At VON Windsor-Essex, volunteers are valued, respected and appreciated! Make a Difference in someone’s life today!
To learn more about these opportunities visit www.von.ca or call 519-254-4866.
Help us make a BIG impact!
When you support VON, you’re supporting quality, accessible, and affordable home and community care for all. You’re giving 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.
Please, donate today
(Please print):
Name: Street: City: Postal Code:
Donation Amount: q $25 q $50 q $75 q $100 q Other: $_______________
Payment Method: q Cheque q Visa q Mastercard q Other:
Please return completed form to: VON Windsor-Essex 400-4520 Rhodes Drive Windsor, ON N8W 5C2
VON Erie St. Clair Directory of Services
Social Media Links
VON Chatham-Kent Site
190 Stanley Ave., Suite 100
Chatham, ON N7M 3J9
Phone............................................................................................519-352-5515
Fax ................................................................................................519-352-2466
VON Sarnia-Lambton Site
1705 London Line
Sarnia, ON N7W 1B2
Phone........................................................................................... 519-542-2310
Fax ................................................................................................. 519-542-1160
VON Windsor-Essex Site
4520 Rhodes Drive, Suite 400
Windsor, ON N8W 5C2
Phone 519-254-4866
Fax ................................................................................................ 519-254-4184
http://patientdirectory.ca
