The Ontario government is investing $153,144.52 in 3 projects in Parry Sound-Muskoka to help seniors with complex medical needs like dementia and bariatric care connect to specialized care and supports in their long-term care home instead of a hospital. This is part of a $20 million investment this year in 189 projects provincewide through a new Local Priorities Fund operated by Ontario Health.
“This investment, tailored to the needs of our community, will provide long-term care residents right here in Parry Sound-Muskoka with the specialized supports and services they need,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “Under Premier Doug Ford’s leadership, we’re taking action to bolster our province’s long-term care system and put residents’ needs first.”
Some of the local projects will do this by helping residents get the specialized care they need in their long-term care home without having to go to the emergency room or be admitted to hospital. Others will support the admission into homes of people who no longer require acute care in hospital, but who have complex needs that can be difficult to accommodate without specialized services and supports.
The projects in Parry Sound-Muskoka receiving funding are:
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$66,861.76 to Lakeland Long-Term Care Services for the purchase of bariatric equipment and the expansion of support services to reduce the number of avoidable emergency department visits;
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$66,861.76 to Belvedere Heights for the purchase of bariatric equipment and the expansion of support services to reduce the number of avoidable emergency department visits; and
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$19,421.00 to Muskoka Landing for the purchase of a bladder scanner to support home admission and prevent avoidable emergency department visits and hospitalization.
“Our government is increasing our investment in bold, creative, and innovative solutions that conveniently connect long-term care residents to the specialized care they need in the comfort of their long-term care home instead of a hospital,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Initiatives like the Local Priorities Fund ensure Ontarians are being connected with the right care in the right place, close to their family and friends.”
The Local Priorities Fund is part of an investment of over $120 million in 2022-23 to provide access to a range of specialized services and supports that are helping long-term care residents with complex needs access connected and convenient care in the right place.
“We are very grateful to receive this funding; it will allow us to continue to prioritize exceptional care for our residents and will help us better support residents experiencing circumstances that require specialized care – ensuring that they are able to continue to celebrate life in the safety and security of their own home! Belvedere Heights always strives to place residents at the center of care and we appreciate the government’s recognition of this pursuit.” Kami Johnson, Administrator for Belvedere Heights.
“The equipment and enhanced care hours this funding provides to Lakeland Long Term Care will be very beneficial to our organization. We always strive to provide the best care possible, enhancing the support we can provide residents with complex medical needs is invaluable. We are thankful to MPP Smith for his acknowledgment today and his on-going support.” Steve White, Administrator for Lakeland Long Term Care.
The government is fixing long-term care to ensure Ontario’s seniors get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve both now and in the future. This work is built on four pillars: staffing and care; quality and enforcement; building modern, safe, and comfortable homes; and providing seniors with faster, more convenient access to the services they need.