RENFREW: The Ontario government is investing up to $5 million to launch the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program in five communities across the province.
This program will help seniors on long-term care waitlists stay safe in the comfort of their own homes and communities for longer.
Details of the new program were provided by Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, Debbie Robinson, Warden, County of Renfrew, and Chief Michael Nolan, Paramedic Service & Director, Emergency Services, County of Renfrew.
Minister Fullerton said: “This program is an excellent example of our government collaborating with partners across the health care system.”
This new long-term care paramedicine program will leverage the skills of practitioners to help reduce hallway health care and provide additional and appropriate care for seniors.
This program, which will be implemented in phases, will delay the need for long-term care for seniors by providing them with enhanced at home supports. The program will be fully funded by the provincial government and operated in partnership with local municipalities.
Phase one of the program will be delivered in Brant County, Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board, the City of Ottawa, Renfrew County, and York Region.
These communities will build upon existing community paramedicine programs.
The program will be delivered through local paramedic services, providing:
• Access to health services 24- 7, through in-home and remote methods, such as online or virtual supports;
• 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
• Connections for participants and their families to home care and community supports.