THUNDER BAY – “Our government is very much committed to shifting care into homes and the community. It’s why we increased our support for the community sector last year by 4% – and why, this year, we went a step further – increasing investment by 6% or $260 million. Today’s announcement highlights the great work being done in our community to increase access to health care services that help people stay in their homes and out of hospital.”
Seniors and residents in Thunder Bay and region are receiving better access to home care and community supports to help them live independently and at home longer.
Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle stated, “Ensuring that more people, especially our seniors, have access to quality healthcare with the proper supports to stay independent and in their homes longer, remains an important priority for our community and for our government. Certainly today, I am pleased to announce additional funding for the Northwest LHIN to help ease pressures and build on important work already underway. This additional funding will help reduce home care wait times, enhance access to necessary community health care support and improve patient care experiences for our families, friends and loved ones.”
“This investment supports many valuable programs in the North West LHIN. We’ve listened to the residents of Northwestern Ontario who tell us they would like care as close to home as possible. We’ve collaborated with our health service provider partners and we’ve expanded on the success of last year’s funding in support for home care and community services for seniors and residents of Northwestern Ontario. The spirit of engagement and collaboration with a focus on person-centred care is well and truly evident in this investment,” stated Laura Kokocinski, CEO, North West LHIN.
Ontario is providing North West Local Health Integration Network (North West LHIN) an additional $4.43 million in funding to support home care for more seniors – and for expanded community health care services, including mental health supports.
This investment will support programs that reduce unnecessary emergency room and hospital readmissions, including examples such as:
- Expanded Hours for Urgent Care – NorWest Community Health Centre
- Enhanced Supportive Housing & Assisted Living Services – St. Joseph’s Care Group
- Assisted Living Services for Physically Disabled – HAGI Community Services for Independence
- Assisted Living Services for Acquired Brain Injury Clients – Brain Injury Services of Northern Ontario
- Relocation of Respite Services – Wesway
- Diabetes Education Programs – Northern Nursing Stations
Improving access to home care and community supports is a key priority of Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care and helps to provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place. This is part of the Ontario government’s economic plan to invest in people, invest in infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
