Ontario makes seniors assistance program permanent

The Ontario government has announced that the Community Paramedics for Long-Term Care program will be made permanent. Since its pilot in 2020, the program has helped more than 81,000 seniors, and will be expanded to the entire province by 2022.

Paramedics provide immediate but essential care to seniors at home, such as managing chronic conditions, to help avoid hospitalizations and reduce the burden on hospitals.

The government is providing $89 million to expand the program, including expanding services to Indigenous communities.

The Ontario Paramedics Association said the program has proven to be effective in providing non-emergency care and allowing seniors to stay at home longer, reducing emergency department visits.