Program Cancellations

VON Program Update and Cancellations

Last updated: March 26, 2020

The health and safety of our clients, employees, and volunteers remains our top priority as we continue to deliver essential care. We recognize that certain VON programs and services are essential to helping you or a loved one remain safe, healthy and at home. We will continue to do our best to ensure these services continue without too much disruption, while maintaining the health and safety of those delivering and receiving VON care.

In light of the exceptional circumstances we find ourselves in during the COVID-19 pandemic, VON has made the following changes to our local programming, effective immediately until further notice. If you have questions about services in your area not listed below, you can always contact your local VON directly via our directory for more information.

This information is being reviewed and subject to change on a daily basis. Due to a rapidly changing situation, program updates are currently available in English.

Ontario

Cancelled programs

• Bathing program (in Woodstock)
• Congregate Dining programs
• Exercise and Falls Prevention classes
• Hospice Volunteering
• In-Home Exercise programs
• Nursing Flex Clinic (in Wallaceburg)
• Overnight Respite program (in Woodstock)
• SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) classes
• Support Group programming (including Stroke Support and Bereavement Groups)

Reduced programs

• Adult Day Programs, transitioned to an entirely virtual program model, more details being communicated directly to clients and caregivers
• Volunteer Transportation programs, for essential medical appointments, with appropriate screening and depending on volunteer availability.
• Volunteer Visiting (including Hospice Volunteer Visiting), volunteers and clients may continue to connect via telephone instead.
• Programs that support clients on an individual basis will continue as assessed on a case-by-case basis, with appropriate screening measures and safety protocols in-place.

Continuing programs

• In-Home Nursing and Personal Home Support programs
• Assisted Living (Supports for Daily Living), with safety precautions in place
• Family Supports Program in Middlesex-Elgin, Grey Bruce, Perth Huron and Oxford County, with safety precautions in place
• In-home Respite for those requiring the additional support, with safety precautions in place
• Meals on Wheels programs are continuing
• Sakura House Residential Hospice continues to operate to support the patients and families at end-of-life, please contact Hospice staff for visitor restrictions and precautions in place.
• SMILE program in Kingston and Hastings-Northumberland-Prince-Edward, with safety precautions in place
• Transportation via Bus and Van programs, for essential medical appointments. Number of passengers in vans being limited, appropriate screening and disinfecting in place.

Nova Scotia

Cancelled programs

• Adult Day Programs, clients will recieve check-ins by phone as an alternative
• Meals on Wheels (with the exception of Antigonish), alternate meal offerings across the province detailed below
• Non-Essential Community Clinics (including Foot Care Clinics, Wellness Clinics and Tuberculosis testing clinics)
• Suspended – Volunteer Transportation programs, more direction coming soon

Reduced programs

• Ambulatory Care Clinics in Cape Breton, will operate over the weekend
• Transportation programs, continuing for essential medical appointments/food security purposes only with safety protocols in place

Continuing programs

• In-Home Nursing and Personal Home Support programs
• Hot Meal delivery is being offered in Antigonish and Cumberland
• Cold Meal delivery is being offered in Cumberland
• Frozen Meal delivery is being offered in Annapolis Valley, Antigonish, Cape Breton, Colchester East Hants, Halifax, Lunenburg, Pictou Queens, Tri County (Yarmouth) and Windsor (Coming soon to Richmond County)

These decisions were made with your health and safety in mind and as a response to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations, and under direction from our provincial and local public health agencies.

To learn more about precautions you can take to keep yourself and others safe, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.

Thank you for your understanding as we work together to keep our communities healthy and safe.