Betty lives with Multiple Sclerosis and needs assistance with regular household chores. She has come to think of Amber, a Home Support Worker from VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) who visits every two weeks, as a bright spot.

“I was finding it very challenging to manage all the housekeeping myself and it was causing me a lot of anxiety,” shared Betty, who has been receiving support from VHA for many years through the Homemakers and Nurses Services Program (HMNS) operated by the City of Toronto and funded by the City and the Ministry of Health. “Amber is so helpful and always knows what to do,” Betty added. “I feel very comfortable with her. She is like my angel.”

The HMNS program is a community-based service providing homemaking services such as light housekeeping, laundry, shopping and meal preparation through community agency contracts to individuals who require assistance with household activities due to illness, disability or age and who have a limited income.

Joyce has been receiving support for three years since she was hospitalized due to diabetes. Joyce also has severe arthritis which makes regular household chores very difficult. Hillarie, who has been a home support worker for seven years, provides regular support to Joyce.

“I am glad I am able to help Joyce,” said Hillarie. “Earlier this year I saw that she didn’t have some essential items and I was able to help her get involved with VHA’s United Way program Good Neighbours Enroute that delivers food and other essentials to clients in need.”

“I am very happy and grateful to have this support,” shared Joyce. “Sometimes there is a lot to do and I try to help Hillarie, but she knows how painful it is for me, so she insists on taking care of everything herself. She’s so nice. This service is a godsend for me,” Joyce added.

VHA has been providing HMNS services to clients like Betty and Joyce for 70 years. The City of Toronto recently expanded VHA’s service area to include South Etobicoke, North York and the City of York in addition to ongoing care in Scarborough, East York and Toronto.

“I have nothing but positive things to say about this service. I feel very grateful to receive it,” added Betty.