Implications of the Pandemic for Vashon

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The current Covid-19 virus pandemic is requiring everyone to cope with ways to avoid becoming infected, to deal with the unexpected financial burdens of income loss as workplaces close, and the difficulty of navigating an overloaded health and social services system.  ​With no on-island hospital, with Vashon's limited access to nursing care--especially for the elderly-and reliance on the ferry system to have access to supplies, urgent care treatment or medical equipment, the Vashon Island community has needs that compound problems the pandemic compels us to meet.  

 

The Vashon Care Network is rising to the challenge by building on the services we normally offer, and expanding our connections with community services groups to specifically address problems that have arisen through this situation of sheltering-in-place.  In addition to our Care Closet expansion, last year we began our Scholarship program which covers the cost of Home Care Aide training and provides mentorship for the scholarship recipients to help them as they go through the training process and is increasing the number of trained and certified caregivers available on Vashon.

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VCN's Response

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VCN 's most well-known service to the community is meeting the needs of islanders through its Care Closet which provides free medical equipment and supplies to islanders who may require anything from a hospital bed to personal hygiene supplies. This last year we distributed 1800 pieces of equipment and supplies to our island community.  We are currently working with the group Masks for Vashon to distribute masks to islanders, especially to caregivers and the elderly.  The Care Closet has also provided gloves, antiseptic wipes, and soap which are indispensable to defend against the Covid-19 virus, and have offered free kits of these supplies for caregivers on Vashon Island.   

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VCN works to provide caregivers, families and individuals support throughout this pandemic, helping clients stay in their homes and the caregivers who make staying at home

possible.  This prolonged pandemic  can add stress,  symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and depression. In the first year and a half we provided ZOOM workshops/seminars for caregivers on subjects such as working with clients who have dementia, hospice care, and self-care for those who are caring for clients or family members.

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We are proud to play a part in helping our community to weather this particular storm the pandemic has caused, and will continue building a solid foundation to expand that support.  We hope you will consider joining in our journey by contributing your skills as a volunteer, your expertise, and your financial support to help us help others.