Nursing

Wound Care

Many Canadians are impacted by wound or skin issues. There are many types of wounds, some examples include; surgical wounds, pressure ulcers and diabetic wounds. Sometimes when a person has surgery they are discharged from the hospital with a wound that still needs to heal. People who live with chronic conditions, like diabetes, are at risk for wounds including foot ulcers. Wound care at home is very important to prevent infections and heal wounds properly.

SE Health's clinical team, including nurses with specialized knowledge and training in wound care, provide exceptional care using the best treatments and products. Our team works closely with each patient in a variety of ways according to their individual needs.

Services we offer:

• Wound care: assessing and measuring the wound and skin around it, choosing the right dressing or treatment, changing wound dressings.
• Education: e for patients and caregivers for how to change wound dressings, recognize signs of infection, and help wounds heal through activities such as eating a balanced diet and getting proper exercise.
• Talking with your doctor and other healthcare providers about the wound progress.
• Consulting for more complex wounds or situations: Wound care specialist nurses have specialized training and Enterostomal Therapy Nurses are nationally certified in wound, ostomy and continence management. Continence management expertise includes bladder and bowel control, and related skin care issues

Cancer Care

It is estimated that nearly 1 in 2 Canadians will develop cancer during their lifetime, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. As the first Canadian home care company to deliver chemotherapy in the home, we understand the need for compassionate and qualified cancer care at home.

Our team of health professionals provide specialized services, monitoring and support for clients living with cancer , closer to home and with a focus on physical and emotional comfort.

Services we offer:

• Pain and symptom management resulting from cancer treatments, such as chronic nausea treatment, hydration therapy, administering medications and central line care.

Continence Care

Incontinence or loss of bladder control is a common issue that we offer services and treatment for. Symptoms can range from leaking urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing or engaging in an activity such as jogging, having a strong and sudden urge to urinate frequently, to having frequent bladder (UTI) infections.

SE Health’s staff, with the support of our specially trained nurse continence advisors, can assist you with continence issues. People who have difficulty with bladder, bowel or constipation problems may benefit from seeing one of our nurse continence advisors, who can provide education and tools to manage their conditions.

Services we offer:

• Development of customized treatment plans
• Ongoing teaching and support to improve quality of life for those living with bowel and/or bladder incontinence
• Catheter care and maintenance

Diabetes Care

According to the Canadian Journal of Diabetes, In 2015, 9.3% of the population was living with diabetes and that number was predicted to rise to 12.1% (Canadian Journal of Diabetes). Managing your own, or a loved one's, diabetes can feel overwhelming - especially in the beginning or if you run into complications.

SE Health staff care staff are here to help those living with diabetes, at every need level.

Services we offer:

• Health education and/or monitoring for those who are adjusting to a newer technology like the insulin pump, and children attending school.

• Self-managing but needing some help including; regular foot care, nutrition support, medication management, and helping people who are aging (often with multiple health conditions) and need more help managing their day-to-day diabetes care.
• Long-term diabetes complications: Includes people with vision loss, neuropathy (often causing pain and numbness in hands and feet), delayed surgical wound healing, diabetic foot ulcers, stroke, or chronic kidney disease.

Our diabetes care team includes:

• Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE), who are health professionals with specialized knowledge in diabetes care and education, and who have passed the Canadian Diabetes Educator's Certification Board (CDECB) exam
• Nurses
• Personal support workers
• Registered dietitians
• Social workers
• Wound care nurses

Foot Care

Many people develop problems with their feet that require medical attention, particularly those who are aging. People living with diabetes especially, need to make sure they receive foot care from qualified healthcare providers. That’s because people with diabetes are at risk of developing wounds and infections on their feet due to decreased sensation and extra dry skin that can lead to calluses.

We offer foot care services as an important part of nursing care, which includes health promotion, patient education, and ensuring both safety and comfort. During a visit to your home, a nurse with specialized knowledge in foot care and treatment and diabetes educators can provide education on living with diabetes, including foot care.

Services we offer:

• Personalized assessments, education and additional supports in your community
• Care for calluses, bunions, ingrown toenails, fungal infections (‘Athletes foot’) and more
• Nail trimming and filing
• Diabetic foot care and education

Ostomy Care

An 'ostomy' or 'stoma' is a surgically created opening in your abdomen that allows waste or urine to leave your body. There are several different types of ostomies, but the main reason for this surgical procedure is that the body can no longer effectively pass waste from the body and requires a surgically created 'waste management system'.

People with ostomies can receive care at home, including support from nurse specialists known as Enterostomal Therapists (ETs).

Services we offer:

• Before surgery: Assisting the surgeon with determining the best location for the ostomy opening
• After surgery: Assisting with choosing the best ostomy supplies and appliances
• Providing expert teaching on how to live with and manage an ostomy

As individuals continue to live with their ostomies, changes in weight and health may cause appliance leaks to occur. Re-assessment by an ET nurse can address the problem.

It can take time to adjust to an ostomy and you will likely have many questions, like “what can I eat?”, “can I participate in any sports?” or “can other people tell I've had ostomy surgery?” We can help you become comfortable by helping you to manage ostomy care and continue with normal activities.

Many people successfully return to work and can independently manage their ostomy care. Our goal is to help you get back to your best level of health, and we are here to help if you experience problems with ostomy supplies, leakage or other issues.

Palliative Care

Hospice palliative care is a type of care for people and families who are dealing with a life-threatening illness, at any age. The focus is on achieving comfort, reducing suffering, and improving quality of life.

Quality palliative care:

• focuses on the concerns of patients and their families
• provides relief to pain and other physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, shortness of breath and fatigue
• examines the whole person - considering the emotional and spiritual concerns of patients and families while respecting their social and cultural needs
• ensures that care is respectful and supportive of patient dignity
• is provided by an interprofessional team including different people such as social workers

Palliative care can be delivered in several different locations or settings including the hospital, home, long-term care facilities or hospices. The best place to receive care is usually the place that best matches your needs.

Our palliative care team can address the challenges that individuals and families face during illness. Some of the health care professional and individuals who may be a part of the palliative care team are nurses, occupational therapists, personal support workers (or community health workers), physiotherapists, social workers, and spiritual care providers.

Services we offer:

• management of pain and other symptoms such as loss of appetite, shortness of breath and fatigue
• nutritional support
• personal care (e.g., bathing)
• advance care planning support
• functional and safety support (e.g., equipment to assist with walking or bathing)
• spiritual care
• bereavement support

Pediatric Care

SE Health provides personalized care to families with children from birth to the age of 21. Our program is based on best clinical practices and evidence and our services are offered by pediatric care trained professionals

We work in collaboration with families to deliver care in the environment best suited to the child's needs - most often at home or in a school environment. Most children who receive home and community care are.

• Experiencing an acute childhood illness or injury. Health services may include dialysis, pain management, infusion therapy, rehabilitation, nutritional support, respite services, and supporting the ability of children with complex medical and health needs to attend school.
• Living with long term or chronic complex care needs. Children are often dependent on technology. Care may include helping the family establish a routine for their child's needs, family caregiver support, helping the family to remain as independent as possible, and supporting the ability of children with complex medical and health needs to attend school.
• Living with chronic illness but needing some help. Includes monitoring and support for children, who are often seen in our School Health Support program and shift program.

We understand the unique physical and emotional needs of caring for a child with health issues. That's why we work in collaboration with families to deliver a customized care experience. Our goal is to empower families with knowledge and skills to be as independent as possible.