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.