TORONTO — The Ontario government will soon introduce legislation that, if passed, will better connect seniors and their caregivers to complex care supports, including enhanced dementia supports, as well as increasing access to community and social programs that help seniors stay fit, active and healthy in their communities.
"Our government is putting forward bold, innovative changes to ensure Ontario’s seniors receive the best possible care,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “That’s why we will soon be taking further steps to support and protect seniors living with dementia and the loved ones that take care of them, whether they are living in their family homes, congregate settings or long-term care."
As part of the Your Health plan to conveniently connect people in Ontario to the care they need, when and where they need it, the government is introducing proposed changes that invest almost $80 million over three years to improve dementia care and supports to improve the well-being of seniors, their caregivers and families, including:
Improving Dementia Care in Ontario
Requiring all long-term care homes to have a dementia program, with an investment of $9 million over three years to launch a new program to train staff in emotion-based models of care that prioritize relationships and empathy in a culture of dignity and respect when caring for residents living with dementia. The new program is expected to train staff in up to 15 long-term care homes in its first year, serving more than 1,800 residents.
$15 million over two years to launch Community Access to Long-Term Care that will give seniors still living in their own homes access to certain services in long-term care homes, such as personal care, clinical services, and recreational and social programming. In the first year, the pilot is expected to launch at up to three sites
$9 million over three years to continue support of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s First Link program and the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County’s Dementia Care Coaches. These programs connect people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia to advisors who can connect them with a range of supports, including home and community care services, behavioural supports, and adult day programs.
$6 million over three years to continue support for GeriMedRisk, which provides telemedicine consultation and education services for clinicians in Ontario.
Supports for Seniors, Families, and Caregivers
$20 million over three years to expand adult day programs, which offer social programming and peer connections, helping reduce isolation for seniors, including those with dementia.
$20 million over three years to expand access to respite services, to support the caregivers of people living with dementia. Respite services provide those living with dementia recreational activities, adult day programs, or substitute living arrangements, to allow their caregivers to have a much-needed break.
"Our government is continuing to take action to ensure that Ontarians have access to the health care and services they need, at every stage of life,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment will improve access to high-quality dementia care across the province, allowing more seniors and their loved ones to connect to the compassionate services and supports they need, in their community."
These changes are part of a larger proposed package that will take actions to meet the needs of Ontario’s aging population and better support the people who care for seniors by improving and expanding supports for seniors living in long-term care, congregate settings and in the community.
Quick Facts
By 2046, there will be 1.7 million more seniors living in Ontario.
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the number of people living with dementia is expected to triple by 2050.
As part of its plan to fix long-term care and address sector waitlists, the government is building 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province.
Ontario is offering incentives of up to $25,400 to students and recent graduates of personal support worker education programs to launch careers in long-term care homes and in the home and community care sector.
The Ontario government is investing up to $4.9 billion to create thousands of new positions for personal support workers and nurses in long-term care.
Quotes
"Supporting initiatives that strengthen our community and enhance the lives of seniors remains a top priority for our government. This investment will significantly improve the care and treatment of seniors living with dementia and provide vital support to their caregivers and families in Ontario."
- Lorne Coe
MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
"AdvantAge Ontario applauds today’s landmark investments by the provincial government. For years we have been asking for measures to support older adults with dementia. Today the government made it clear they are listening. Ontario seniors, their families and those who care for them will benefit from the transformational investments in emotion-focused care, which is a game-changing approach for those with dementia. Older adults will also benefit from significant investments in community access to care by leveraging long-term care homes. Taken together, these coordinated investments by three ministries are commendable and worth celebrating."
- Lisa Levin
CEO, AdvantAge Ontario
"With this further support from the Ontario government our Adult Day Programs can get seniors out of their homes and enrich their well-being and quality of life in a welcoming atmosphere. These investments will help give caregivers a critical break, giving them time to recharge or attend to other responsibilities, knowing their loved ones are in good hands. Investments in these programs will help reduce our waitlists, support seniors, their families, and caregivers, providing relief and peace of mind."
- James Meloche
CEO, Community Care Durham
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