Province invests $3 million

REGIONAL - The Ontario government is investing $3,196,000 to expand the community paramedicine for Long- Term Care program in Windsor and Essex County.

This initiative will help more seniors on longterm care waitlists stay safe while living in the comfort of their own homes for longer.

“Our government understands the struggle seniors are going through, living at home while on the wait list for long term care homes,” said Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington. “We are investing money to ensure those at home, our vulnerable citizens, stay safe during the pandemic until their needs are met.”

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.

This expansion will help keep seniors safe, while delaying the need for long-term care by providing enhanced at-home supports.

“This pandemic has had a devastating impact not just on seniors in long-term care and retirement homes but on those who live at home, isolated from family and friends and the support networks on which they usually rely. This vital investment in community paramedicine will enable Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics to continue providing compassionate and quality care to the people who need it most.” said Warden Gary McNamara.

“Paramedics with Essex-Windsor EMS have considerable experience providing in-home care to patients through our Vulnerable Patient Navigator program and this vital investment will ensure they can continue to provide that exceptional level of care to our community’s most vulnerable residents 24 hours per day, seven days a week.” said Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter.

“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. “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 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;

• 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.