The Ontario government has announced the expansion of the Aging at Home strategy. Programs under this strategy provide health care services to seniors at home so that they can remain living in their own home. The strategy is also meant to avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals, which can ultimately reduce emergency room wait times.
The 2010 program expansion will include approximately 125 additional Aging at Home projects including: a program in Sarnia and Chatham-Kent where rehabilitation teams lead exercise sessions for seniors who suffer from chronic health conditions; a transportation program in the Brampton area that will give seniors rides to medical appointments and related treatments; and a Toronto-based program that provides seniors living in supportive housing with mental health outreach counselling, homemaking services, personal support, security checks and medication reminders.
Ontario is increasing funding for the Aging at Home program by $143.4 million in 2010 and is investing $330.6 million for Aging at Home programs this year in total.
For more information, visit www.health.gov.on.ca.