Veterans' Care Overview

Programs and Services for Veterans

Perley Health is fortunate to have volunteers who have either served in the Canadian Forces and/or are eager to serve Veterans. The team of 400 volunteers is committed to providing exceptional comfort and care to support long-term care residents and individuals in the Senior Living independent apartments. Dedicated volunteers undergo meticulous screening and training and some support onsite research projects. Their presence enhances participation in many activities, enriching the lives of Veterans and fostering a vibrant and supportive community.

• For more information please visit PerleyHealth.ca/veterans-information or phone (for LTC: 613.526.7170 x 2300; Senior Living: 613.526.7170 x 2006)

The History of Caring for Veterans

With roots in caring tracing back to 1897, Perley Health emerged from the amalgamation of The Perley Hospital, the Rideau Veterans' Home, and the National Defence Medical Centre. This distinguished community of care, includes 450 (mostly private) rooms and offers a mix of long-term care, short-stay accommodations, and an array of programs and services to benefit Seniors and Veterans.

Of the 450 beds, 200 are allocated for community seniors, while 250 for Veterans are supported by the federal and provincial governments for Veterans. These are contract beds reserved for Veterans who served in Second World War or the Korean War, known as War Service Overseas Veterans (WSOV), as well as beds for other qualified Veterans, as determined by Veterans Affairs Canada. Perley Health, the largest not-for-profit long-term care home in the Champlain region, collaborates closely with all levels of government, partners and stakeholders to raise public awareness of these services while supporting priority access and enhanced care for Veterans.

In 1992, the transition of the Rideau Veterans Home from Veterans Affairs Canada to the province of Ontario marked a pivotal moment. Since then, Perley Health, in partnership with federal and provincial governments, has been instrumental in providing essential care for Veterans in eastern Ontario. 

Beyond the provision of standard long-term care, Perley Health is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of the broader Veteran population. In 2017, Perley Health received approval for 25 Specialized Veteran beds. These beds are intended to care for Veterans ineligible for contract beds but eligible for Veterans Affairs Canada-supported long-term care. Perley Health, with the support and approval of Veterans' Affairs, has expanded these beds for Veterans to 130, many of whom served after the Korean War.  Veterans' Affairs and the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC) provide the same level of funding for both contract beds and specialized Veterans beds.

Perley Health's unique position as a long-term care facility, enriched with an established history of serving Veterans, highlights an ongoing dedication to providing specialized care. A 20-bed secure unit in the Rideau Veterans Residence opened in 2023, specifically designed for Veterans living with dementia. Respite House at Perley Health, a 12-bed bungalow on the property, includes one VAC-funded bed providing safe, compassionate, and accessible care for a Veteran living with early to mid-stage dementia while gifting caregivers with time to recharge.

The funding structure for long-term care for Veterans includes enhanced care, ranging from specialized services such as the expertise of a Psychogeriatric Resource Nurse, dental care, and programs like the Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts program. This funding showcases Perley Health's commitment to elevating the quality of life for Veterans.

Perley Health is supported by a community that is dedicated to improving the well-being of the people in their care, bolstered by volunteers, many of whom are former serving members, as well as individuals who want to honour and support former members of the Canada's armed forces.

At the core of Perley Health's commitment lies the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™ (COE), a hub for innovation in research and education. The CoE spearheads projects specifically designed to benefit Veterans, attracting other researchers and organizations dedicated to the care of Veterans and sometimes collaborating with Veterans Affairs Canada and the province of Ontario to advance healthcare for Veterans.

One standout feature of Perley Health's commitment to Veterans is the policy providing priority access to the two Senior Living independent apartment buildings within the Seniors Village for all former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and retired members of the RCMP. This ensures that Veterans receive the necessary support in an environment that encourages independence and community living. In some cases, this suite of services can provide a continuum of care for eligible Veterans as their care needs change.

Perley Health's commitment to Veterans extends beyond physical care, encompassing an innovative lifelong learning program. This ground-breaking initiative to inform and engage helps combat social isolation and is offered to Veterans living in long-term care and the Senior Living apartments. A new weekly intergenerational playgroup involves members of the public from the surrounding neighbourhood and invites participation from Veterans to attend. This weekly engagement transcends traditional care models and helps to foster awareness of -- and appreciation for – the values, experiences and commitment exhibited by Canada's Veterans.

Perley Health's journey is a testament to its unwavering - and evolving - commitment to the well-being of Seniors and Veterans.

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