Province to add three million more home care hours

Minister of Health and Long Term Care Deb Matthews
News Release

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Over the next three years, Ontario will help 90,000 more seniors get the care they need to live comfortably in their own homes by adding three million more hours of personal support worker (PSW) care.

PSWs assist people with personal hygiene, light housework and help with delegated health procedures such as changing dressings. Having the support of PSWs enables seniors, people with physical disabilities and those with complex needs to live independently at home — rather than in a hospital or long-term care home.

Helping seniors stay at home longer benefits the entire health care system by freeing up hospital beds for those who need acute care, reducing pressure on emergency rooms and saving money.

Increasing PSW hours ensures access to the right care, at the right time, and in the right place, and is part of the McGuinty government’s Action Plan for Health Care.

QUOTES

“Health care is an area that is ripe for reform, and our government is working hard to make changes that put the patient first and reduce strain on our hospitals and long-term care homes. Not only does the care provided by personal support workers help seniors get the help they need, where they want it, it has the added benefit of costing less money.”

— Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario

“Seniors tell me that home is where they want to receive care — and that’s why our government is helping our seniors live independently by investing in more PSW hours. We’re making the right choice to expand home care by moving forward with a freeze on doctors’ compensation so we can put the needs of patients first.”

— Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

QUICK FACTS

§ This investment is part of the government’s 2012 Budget commitment to increase funding for community and home care services by an average of four per cent over the next three years.

§ There are about 26,000 PSWs in Ontario providing home care services.

§ Personal Support Worker Day is May 16th and recognizes the contributions of PSWs to the province’s health care system.

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