Grey County seniors will continue to benefit from in-home care provided by community paramedics following the Ontario government's announcement of $89 million in permanent funding for the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program.
The announcement, made August 5, also included a $500,000 increase in Grey County’s annual allocation. The program will now be fully funded by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, with no impact on the county tax levy.
The Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program allows specially trained paramedics to visit seniors in their homes, monitor health conditions, provide treatment, and connect patients with additional care when needed. It also helps those without a primary care provider, reducing avoidable hospital visits and easing pressure on emergency departments.
Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs said the program has proven to be invaluable locally.
“Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care has been a tremendous asset for Grey County residents for several years, and the benefits of the program are numerous and invaluable,” she said. “Not only does the program help keep more seniors in their homes for longer – which is where they want to be – it improves their overall quality of life and helps take some pressure off of our busy hospital emergency departments.”
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers also welcomed the permanent funding, calling community paramedicine “a breakthrough in local healthcare.”
Grey County has been a leader in community paramedicine since 2014, participating in several provincial pilot projects. In addition to CPLTC, the County delivers programs that support residents with chronic conditions, palliative care needs, and mental health challenges.
