Ontario Expanding Existing Community Paramedicine Program to Long-Term Care in North Bay
March 2, 2021NORTH BAY – Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is pleased to announce that the Ontario government is investing over $3.2 million to expand the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program in North Bay. This initiative will help more seniors on long-term care waitlists stay safe while living in the comfort of their own homes for longer.
“Eligible individuals for long-term care homes in North Bay 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 MPP Fedeli. “These services will complement the home and community care services they are receiving, while providing individual, families and care givers peace of mind while waiting for a bed in an LTC.”
“I would like to thank Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli and the Province of Ontario for this additional support for our seniors. It is especially important now that seniors in our community who are waiting for a long-term bed have the ability to get the care they need while remaining in their own homes,” said Mayor Al McDonald. “This funding will also help to alleviate pressure on our health care system and maintain capacity in our hospitals as we continue to combat the pandemic.”
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. This expansion will help keep seniors safe, while delaying the need for long-term care by providing enhanced at-home supports.
“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.
The Community Paramedicine program is yet another way Ontario is collaborating with our health system partners to provide innovative services and end hallway health care, build a 21st century long-term care system, and respond to the impact COVID-19 has had on seniors and their families.
For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)