Interdisciplinary team’s “magic touch” improves health and comfort
For many Ontarians living with chronic illness or complex medical needs, navigating the health system can be challenging and it can feel difficult to access the care you need where and when you want it.
But at VHA, interdisciplinary teams – individuals from different health professions including personal care, nursing and rehab therapy – work together to make sure clients receive all of the care they need, preventing trips to the emergency room and improving quality of life for clients while they live comfortably at home.
For VHA Client Carol Harvey, this circle of care includes lead Nurse Lorelie Baysa Laurente and Personal Support Workers Latoya Benjamin and Elizabeth Cruzada. Together, under Lorelie’s clinical leadership, the three home care specialists work together and make sure Carol receives care every day of the week.
Carol, 58, lives with diabetes and experiences mobility challenges. She lives in a supportive housing facility in downtown Toronto, where she moved after experiencing homelessness and living in and out of shelters for many years.
“It provides a lot of comfort to know I have Lorelie, Latoya and Elizabeth to check on me,” says Carol. “Beyond helping me with personal care, administering my various treatments, and helping with necessary chores around my home, we talk about life. That companionship means a lot to me.”
Lorelie has been a nurse at VHA for over 10 years and has been caring for Carol for 5 of those years. She recalls she was brought on to help monitor Carol’s diabetes and insulin administration. Lorelie visits Carol at least 3 days a week and regularly checks in with the PSWs, who see Carol daily.
And, during her time as a VHA client, Carol notes she has seen remarkable improvements to her health and comfort. She feels Lorelie has the “magic touch,” because Carol has seen significant reduction of swelling in her legs and healing of rashes on her skin under Lorelie’s care.
“As a team, we have great communication. When a PSW observes something that needs medical attention, they consult with me and I am able to see Carol right away to address the issue. There have also been instances where I have involved Carol’s primary physician,” says Lorelie.
“Working in home care means we can be nimble and meet the needs of our clients wherever they are,” adds Lorelie.