The province is spending more money to allow Sudbury senior citizens on long-term care waitlists to get at-home care through the Community Paramedicine program.
The extra funding was announced Feb. 16 by Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli. The province said this will allow more seniors to "stay safe while living in the comfort of their own homes for longer."
Fedeli said the $6.5 million in additional funding will complement home and community care services provided to seniors while at the same time providing peace of mind to family members and caregivers during the wait for a bed space to be provided in a long-term care home.
“Eligible individuals for long-term care homes in Sudbury will receive 24/7, non-emergency support, through home visits and remote monitoring that is responsive to changes or escalation in their health conditions,” said Fedeli in a news release.
Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger said he was pleased with the announcement.
"I would like to thank the Province of Ontario for this funding. This is a great program and one that will ensure the seniors living at home while awaiting placement in long-term care in Greater Sudbury can still safely receive the care they need and deserve," said Bigger in the news release.
He added the extra funding will be welcome relief for those needing support, given the increased anxiety for family members and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It ensures safety, better quality of life and most importantly the integrity of getting the care our seniors need without waiting for it in a potentially overcrowded hospital setting," said Bigger.
The Community Paramedicine program focuses on long-term care and leverages the skills of community paramedic providers to provide medical care and support to elderly people, allowing them to live in their homes for longer rather than having to move into long-term care.
The first phase of this program was announced in October 2020, in partnership with five communities. This expansion will help keep seniors safe, while delaying the need for long-term care by providing enhanced at-home supports.
The program was also endorsed by Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Ontario's Minister of Long-Term Care.
“Expanding the program across the province means that more of our loved ones can access services from their own homes, potentially even delaying the need for long-term care, while still providing the quality care and service they need and deserve.”
The news release said the program will provide:
- 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;
- Ongoing monitoring of changing or escalating conditions to prevent or reduce emergency incidents;
- Additional education about healthy living and managing chronic diseases; and
- Connections for participants and their families to home care and community supports.
