A new wound VAC (vacuum-assisted closure) device funded by Eldercare Foundation will make it easier for Saanich residents to transition home from hospital.
Wound VAC therapy offers several benefits for wound healing, including reduced swelling, inflammation, and infection risk, as well as improved blood flow and tissue regeneration. It can also decrease the frequency of dressing changes and may shorten hospital stays.
Over the years, Saanich Community Health Services has seen an increasing demand for wound VACs but the cost of renting a unit became prohibitive. Manager Nic Stankov approached Eldercare about purchasing a lightweight portable unit for community health clients.
“Helping more Vancouver Islanders to age safely in place is a key priority for Eldercare,” says Executive Director Tom Arnold, “And given our long history of strategic partnerships with Island Health, projects like this just make sense.” Stankov agrees: “Our missions are so similar – we both want to support our senior population to stay healthy and remain independent at home. It’s been great to team up.”
Saanich resident Debra Morin (pictured above) didn’t even know what a portable wound VAC was until she found herself to be the very first recipient of the Eldercare-funded wound VAC. Debra is recovering from a parastomal hernia that caused a serious infection. “I was sick for a while,” she says. “I knew something was wrong, and it turns out I was septic for a month. The fact that I survived is a miracle. I’m just very grateful to Eldercare for donating the wound VAC. It’s been a lifesaver.”
Debra was ready to return home after several weeks in hospital and the wound VAC allowed that to happen sooner. “The first thing I did was make some chicken soup and dumplings,” she says. “I’m not knocking the hospital food, but there is nothing like comfort food. The best part is, I’m able to putter or go for a walk. The wound VAC has a shoulder strap and carrying bag, so I’m not tied to a bed or a machine. It’s fantastic.”
Debra says the whole ordeal was a big health scare. “I’m just so grateful to be here,” she says. “I haven’t kicked the bucket, but I do have a bucket list.” Her newfound appreciation for life has her embracing the important things like family and friends. She plans to focus of them and her passions: singing, playing guitar, painting, writing poetry, and finishing her novella.
