TORONTO: The Ontario government is investing up to $15 million to expand the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program.
This initiative will help more seniors on long-term care waitlists stay safe while living in the comfort of their own homes for a longer period of time.
The government is inviting communities to express interest in expanding their existing community paramedicine programs to include long-term care. Communities will be invited to submit an implementation plan and proposed budget, outlining how they will administer a larger Community Paramedicine program.
“The community paramedicine program provides our seniors, their families and caregivers peace of mind while waiting for a long-term care space,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care.
The long-term care focused Community Paramedicine program leverages the skills of community paramedic providers to help end hallway health care and provide additional care for seniors. The first phase of this program was announced in October 2020, in partnership with five communities.
The program will be delivered through local communities, providing:
• Access to health services 24-7, through in-home and remote methods, such as online or virtual supports;
• Non-emergency home visits and in-home testing procedures;
• Monitoring of changing or escalating conditions to prevent or reduce emergency incidents;
• Additional education about healthy living; managing chronic diseases; and other supports.