Seniors waiting for space in long-term care homes will soon have more support available thanks to funding from the province for an expanded community paramedicine program.
MPP Norm Miller joined District Chair John Klinck, District Councillor and Health Services Committee Chair Steve Clement, and Chief of Muskoka Paramedic Services and Emergency Planning Jeff McWilliam via Zoom to announce $3.25 million in funding that will both help seniors stay in their homes longer and alleviate strains on the healthcare system.
Miller noted that as of December 2020 there were 160 seniors on the waitlist for Fairvern Nursing Home, 26 for Muskoka Landing, 122 for Muskoka Shores, and 337 for The Pines. “The wait is too long for seniors and their families,” he said. “It takes a long time to build new long-term care facilities and many seniors would rather stay in their homes as long as possible.”
He paused to thank long-term care workers in the region. “They’ve done a great job protecting our seniors from COVID,” he said, adding that “the pandemic has highlighted that we need to do our part to help people to safely remain in their homes for as long as possible. However, without the support they need, some seniors are at risk of ending up in the hospital or in crisis.”
According to a release from Miller’s office, community paramedicine programs can include “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.”
Chief McWilliam noted that no two community paramedicine programs are the same. “We really try to work with our community partners and work as capacity enhancers in the system and not duplicate services that are out there, rather complement those services,” he said, giving a shout-out to Muskoka’s current community paramedics. “If it wasn’t for them to step up, lead, promote, and champion this program with their dedication and compassion and professionalism, I don’t think we would be in the position we are in today.”
There are currently four community paramedics in Muskoka, and this funding will enable MPS to train six more. “Really excited to be able to expand the service and the program in Muskoka,” he added.
McWilliam commended other health agencies, including the Ministry of Health, the local health integration network, community health hubs, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare hospitals, home and community care, Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Algonquin and Cottage Country Family Health Teams, for their support.
Klinck said that “Many families in Muskoka will, I think, take comfort knowing that their loved ones will soon have more access to what they deserve, that being the highest quality care that we believe can be provided through…this community paramedicine program.”
Clement added that the expanded program will help to reduce strain on emergency departments and paramedic services, as well as save money in the long run.
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Phil Beacock says
This is a great move! All the help we can get our seniors is comforting to all, they have taken the brunt of this pandemic and continue too! My question here is! Can we not pay PSW’s extra to do this same thing? PSW’s have stepped up to the plate, they do large percentage of the heavy lifting and did and are doing a great job helping our elders! They are though, grossly under payed and staffed! To all our front line people, thank you for doing what your doing!
Bill Beatty says
Great news Jeff and thanks Norm for Your work on this . This will help keep some Seniors in their homes longer and not burden burden The Pines& Fairvern with overcrowding and lengthy waiting lists . Now Norm , convince the powers that been to keep Hydro rates at AFFORDABLE levels to aid in allowing Seniors to remain in their homes as long as possible. Leaving homes because of illness or mobility is sometimes unavoidable but forced out because of affordability is not ! All levels of government can help here ( property taxes need attention also ) !