News

As a not-for-profit charity, VON relies on the support of our community to help make it possible for us to provide the highest quality care to our clients, where and when it’s needed most. A key part of upholding that commitment is ensuring the safety and health of both our staff and clients, by equipping our teams with the resources they need to provide comfort and care safely and effectively. 

VON is grateful to have received two generous gifts from the Eastern Kings Memorial Health Foundation that have helped the team in Annapolis Valley create a pantry for staff to access supplies for clients who are navigating palliative and end-of-life care. The team was also able to purchase safety equipment such as transfer belts, Doff n’ Donners (compression stocking applicators), tub scrubbers and other cleaning tools, helping to reduce strain on our care providers while making daily tasks safer, more comfortable and more accessible to both clients and staff.

“The safety equipment has greatly reduced the strain on our backs, arms and shoulders, which has made a meaningful difference in our day-to-day work. The Doff n’ Donner devices, in particular, make it much easier to put on compression socks and support staff who may have health restrictions. Overall, the equipment has made tasks simpler, safer and more comfortable for everyone,” said continuing care assistant Joanne Mazalin.

Compression stockings can be applied more gently by rolling over a client’s foot and leg, helping to protect fragile skin, ulcers, wounds and dressings. They also help minimize the strength needed from the provider to pull the stocking up manually. “Our staff recognize that using these devices prevents them from potential injury and strain, and we’ve heard from clients that they are much more comfortable with the application of the compression stockings when the device is used,” said Patricia Davidson, manager, home and community care.

Thanks to the foundation’s donation, the team in Annapolis Valley was also able to purchase transfer belts which promote proper mobility and safety by offering a steady and central grip to help stabilize a client during a transfer. The transfer belts can also reduce client falls by allowing service providers to gently guide mobility without the potential of tugging on a client’s back, arms or shoulders. They also prevent injury by allowing them to assist transfers from a safe location at the client’s side.

“Transfer belts are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment that allow clients and us to move safely and walk without the risk of arm, shoulder or back injuries,” said Kelsey Taylor, continuing care assistant in Annapolis Valley.

VON is grateful for the generosity of the Eastern Kings Memorial Health Foundation and all of our donors who help make our mission come to life for our clients, families, caregivers, volunteers and staff every day.