Latest news with #NataliaKusendovaBashta
CTV News
7 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Ontario makes program aimed at keeping seniors out of hospital permanent
Ontario's long-term care minister has announced that the province is making a paramedic program that helps keep patients out of hospital permanent. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta says the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program has served more than 81,000 people since launching as a pilot project in 2020 and expanding across the province in 2022. The program sees community paramedics treat seniors who are waiting for long-term care in their homes for non-emergency issues such as help with chronic disease management. The government says community paramedics typically provide care within hours or days, which helps prevent emergency incidents and eases pressures on hospitals. Ontario is putting $89 million toward the program, which includes expanding services offered in First Nations communities. The Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs says the pilot project 'has demonstrated the unique role paramedics play in our health-care system outside of 911 response, by enabling seniors to age at home and reduce emergency room visits.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 5, 2025. Allison Jones, The Canadian Press
CTV News
7 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Province invests $89M to help seniors age ‘safely at home'
Second from right: Sarah Mills, director and chief of paramedics for the County of Simcoe. Fourth from right: Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, Fifth from right: Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe warden. Sixth from right: Doug Downey, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte MPP, Seventh from right: Andrea Khanjin, Barrie—Innisfil MPP The Ontario government announced on Tuesday an investment to make their Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care (CPLTC) program permanent, continuing to offer care for seniors right at their front door. 'Starting in 2026-27, Ontario will invest $89 million annually into the (CPLTC),' stated Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, in her announcement at Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus. Through the CPLTC, community paramedics can offer basic diagnostic services and check-ins to those who are on the waiting list for long-term care. According to the province, the program has served more than 81,000 people and provided more than 310,000 hours of care to seniors since launching in 2020. With more non-emergency services available at home, the province confirmed to CTV News that it has translated to fewer 911 calls and more efficiency in the healthcare system. 'It's a win-win situation for all,' said Kusendova-Bashta in an interview with CTV News. 'Our community paramedics are one of those providers who can help support people to stay at home longer. We know that our seniors, they feel really good at home. And if we are able to provide them with the right supports, like through community medicine, they will be able to stay within the comfort of their home longer.' Of those 81,000 served by the CPLTC program, nearly 2,300 have been in Simcoe County. The announced funding will support paramedic services in 56 municipalities and expand to seven Indigenous communities in total. 'It means a permanent program,' said Sarah Mills, director and chief of paramedics for the County of Simcoe. 'And securing support for our communities as our seniors age at home and really diversifying the portfolio of paramedics in the County of Simcoe.' 'It's so important if you can keep your family members at home where they feel comfortable, where they feel relaxed,' added Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe warden. 'They know somebody's coming in that's an expert, and even to go over their medication just to make them feel better. At the end of the day, when they leave, (they know that) 'yes, I'm doing everything right, I'm doing the best I can, and there's somebody looking out for me.'' Those on the waitlist for long-term care and those who have been assessed are eligible. Clients may also refer themselves or family members by contacting their local paramedic service.
CTV News
28-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Two long-term care homes in Barrie undergoing major expansion and upgrades
Construction is officially underway across two long-term care homes in Barrie. The Grove Park Home for Senior Citizens and the Village of Innis Landing long-term care home is the dynamic duo undergoing a construction funding subsidy top-up. Both care homes are part of the government's commitment to build 58,000 new and upgraded long-term beds in Ontario. 'As Ontario continues to grow, our government is making historic investments to protect families and their loved ones,' said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. 'Today's (Monday) announcement is great news for Barrie and will ensure that 337 residents will get the care they need, in modern and safe homes.' The Grove Park Home for Senior Citizens is upgrading 62 of its existing beds and adding two new beds, reaching a total of 145 beds in the home. The province says it has plans to fulfill all nursing call systems, improve fire detection and suppression systems and introduce new monitoring features to ensure resident safety. The home located at 234 Cook Street will also house a café and community hub space, with mechanical lifts added to resident rooms. The Village of Innis Landing project will see the redevelopment of the Coleman Care Centre. The new home is adding 80 beds for a total of 192 beds. The province says the care home situated on 800 Yonge Street will include expansive common spaces to support a variety of care and recreational programming, along with various opportunities for residents to engage with each other and visitors. 'Today's announcement ensures that our seniors will be able to age with dignity and the care they need, in the community they love. By upgrading these existing facilities, residents will be able to choose care in places they know and trust while still receiving the qualify of care they have come to expect, said Doug Downey MPP, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte.
