Programs & Services

Adult Day Program

Adult Day Programs provide seniors and adults living with a disability, with an opportunity to enjoy a day of recreational and social programs with their peers in a safe environment, includes nutritious lunch. Bathing also available. This service is only provided in Strathroy & Dorchester.

Alzheimer/Dementia Support Services

Caregiver Support & Counseling — One-on-one and group support, as well as counseling for caregivers and families, providing them a chance to share feelings, problems, ideas, and information with others.

Blood Pressure Clinics

Trained volunteers help clients measure their blood pressure, and provide educational materials and information on how to be more “heart healthy.”

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a six week, evidence-based program licensed by Stanford University.  It provides techniques for those living with or supporting someone with chronic disease to cope with common symptoms such as fatigue, pain, isolation and frustration.  Trained lay leaders deliver the workshops covering topics such as healthy eating, medication management, strategies for working with a health care provider and goal setting.  The workshops are offered at various locations throughout Middlesex-Elgin and London according to community needs.

SMART Exercise Clinics (Seniors Maximizing Active Roles Together)

Certified volunteer instructors lead weekly, one-hour, high or low mobility exercise classes geared towards seniors and adults with a disability.

Family Supports

Special Services at Home (SSAH) — This service offers respite and support on an individualized basis and is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. SSAH is for people for all ages who have a developmental disability and also for children under the age of 18 who have a physical disability. Respite services provide temporary relief to caregivers and facilitates the growth and development of those supported by program. Support may be provided by support workers that are screened by VON and matched with families based upon their needs. This service is provided in London, Middlesex and Elgin areas.

Host Respite Program — VON Host families provide overnight respite to people of all ages who have a developmental disability, giving families a necessary break. This service is provided to London/Middlesex areas.

Familyhome Program — This program is residential program for Individuals over the age of 18 who have a developmental disability. This program is offered in the London/Middlesex/Elgin area. Individuals are matched to families who provide support and a residential setting, enhancing their quality of life. This program is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Foot Care (In-home & Clinics)

VON nurses provide foot care for all ages from infants to seniors. Nurses provide assessment, care and advice for clients including the elderly and people with diabetes, who have particular problems looking after their feet. Care includes clipping nails, treating corns, calluses, ingrown nails, and thickened nails. Preventative care is provided, as well as referrals to other health professionals. For clinic locations, click here.

Home At Last (HAL)

HAL is a program that identifies seniors and adults who have complex needs in local hospitals who require assistance to get home and settled following a hospital discharge. These clients could be living alone, have an elderly caregiver, or family that is unavailable. HAL clients receive assistance with transportation, errands such as grocery or prescription pick-up, homemaking, and a complimentary 'Meals on Wheels' meal. Follow-up from HAL staff ensure clients a smooth transition from hospital to home.

Home Maintenance Referral

VON will connect seniors or adults living with a disability with companies and/or individuals to provide home maintenance, housekeeping, meal preparation, yard work, etc. Service costs are negotiated directly between the client and the service provider.

Hospice Volunteer Program

Hospice Visiting — Trained volunteers provide support and respite to individuals and their families who are facing life threatening or life altering conditions, as well as those who have lost a loved one.

Caregiver Support and Counseling — Program coordinators and volunteers offer emotional and spiritual support, bereavement support groups and library resources.

Meal Programs

Meals on Wheels — Volunteers deliver hot or frozen meals to clients, helping them meet their nutritional requirements. Meals are prepared using home-style foods and traditional recipes, while meeting quality standards

Congregate Dining — A morning, afternoon or evening of dining and entertainment (music, games or guest speaker) for seniors and adults with disabilities.

Collective Kitchens — Individuals come together to prepare and enjoy a nutritious meal. Educational sessions on meal planning, healthy grocery shopping, budgeting and other healthy lifestyle practices are provided.

Meal Preparation — Home support or personal support workers assist clients with meal preparation or prepare meals for clients who are unable to do so for themselves.

Nursing

see nursing and personal support page

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists are registered professionals who assist an individual in developing or maintaining life roles and activities at home and in the community when one’s ability to function independently has been challenged by an accident, disability, emotional problems, developmental difficulties, or disease. Occupational therapists use a variety of assessment and treatment techniques to address goals developed with the client. Interventions may include the training of daily living activity and community life skills; prescription or specialized equipment; evaluation and modification of home, work or school environments; and related education and counseling.

Personal Care and Companion Services Light Housekeeping

This support program helps people with routine, but often physically challenging tasks, such as laundry, grocery shopping or making meals, to help keep them living at home. The home-support worker can also provide companionship and/or personal care. In some cases, the work is done by volunteers who provide companionship and help in doing errands, but don’t provide personal care or cleaning.

Personal Support

see nursing and personal support page

Safety & Security Programs

Support services that provide seniors or adults with a disability with regular contact to determine that the client is not in crisis or at risk of harm. These services help relatives feel reassured about having to leave their loved one alone. Contact your local VON office for participating buildings.

Security Checks — Daily door-to-door checks by a volunteer for residents living in apartment buildings.

Telephone Reassurance — A regular telephone call by a volunteer to ensure the client is not in crisis.

Speech Therapy

Speech and language therapists are specialists in communication disorders. They work to assess, diagnose, and develop a program of care to maximize the communication potential of the people under care. Speech and language therapists also work to support people with swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties. Such work involves direct contact with people with communication difficulties, as well as their caregivers and significant others in their lives.

Supportive Housing for Adults with a Disability and for Seniors

Supportive Housing is an alternative to institutionalization for individuals who wish to continue living in the community, but who require support services beyond that which can be provided through the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) and other community-based services. Professional staff provides access to 24-hour care to support individuals in their own home. Locations for these services are designated.

Transportation Services

Volunteer Transportation — Assists seniors and adults with disabilities to get to appointments, shopping, errands, and social outings.
Accessible Transportation — Wheelchair accessible van transportation is available in some communities

Vial of Life

VON trained volunteers assist clients to complete medical information in a provided template, so it is accessible for emergency personnel, in the event of an emergency. Volunteers continue to follow up with client to ensure that the information remains constant

Volunteer Visiting

This is a support program that matches a volunteer with a senior or adult with a disability, and allows both individuals to enjoy activities in or outside of the home together.