Comments 1

1. Dr Ingram 04 Feb

   The VON Day Program is the best kept secret around. They have begun programs in many areas and for a small fee -  less than most people would pay for a meal at a restaurant, - a caregiver gets a day to spend on personal issues or relaxation while the attendee has a day of activity, friendship, chatter, enthusiastic activity and a three course hot meal as well. What's not to like!
   
   In some communities Community Care has taken the lead in providing a similar offerring. 
   
   These programs are able to decrease the need for Long Term Care by extending the coping of families for months if not years in all sorts of positive ways. 
   
   If you have someone at home whom you hate to leave alone or idle, these are good programs to add to their weeks' activity schedule even if just for one day a week I often tell my patients that a one day a week attendance is like an insurance policy. If your spouse or carer is suddenly unwell or injured in a car accident - the VON can adjust your days until the health of the spouse is known or until the caregiver can re assume their full 7 day a week activity. 
   
   I also liken it to therapy.  If a patient has a broken arm they always eagerly ask for (physio)therapy.  The Day Programs are therapy for the spirit for the mind for the mood and for the soul. So while it takes a bit of massaging the system to get started its well worth it.  Call your CCAC.
   
   Many day programs also now offer weekend day programs and late pick ups. Some have extended their program to a night out at the centre where the day visitor  remains  for the night with staff in attendance. This gives the caregiver a much needed break.  From our patient's point of view the transition is easy as they already know the staff.  I suspect it feels a bit like the old fashioned sleep over with all the connotation of a fun night away that that idea conjures. Movies and popcorn anyone?
   
   Well Done VON
   Well Done to all the Day Programs
   To all the staff - Keep up the great work 
   
   and
   To all the familes and caregivers out there - Give it a try - you will not regret it!
   
   Dr Ingram