Community paramedicine program receives nearly $7.8 million in funding

Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services will receive nearly $7.8 million in funding, over three years, from the Province of Ontario to expand the community paramedicine program for long-term care. The program works to support seniors on long-term care waitlists or eligible for long-term care to stay safe while living in the comfort of their own homes for a longer period of time.

Certified community paramedics provide in-home, non-emergency medical care to seniors and individuals living with chronic illness or ongoing health needs. The program includes scheduled check-ups, health assessments, and in-home safety assessments. Once an individual’s needs are determined, the community paramedic will connect them to appropriate services in the community.

The program to support long-term care will provide:

• Access to health services 24-7, through in-home and remote methods, such as online or virtual supports;
• Home visits and in-home testing procedures;
• Ongoing monitoring of changing or escalating conditions to prevent or reduce emergency incidents;
• Additional education about healthy living or managing things like chronic diseases; and
• Connections for participants and their families to home care and community supports.

“Through the program, community paramedics provide in-home support to seniors still living at home while they wait for space in a long-term care facility,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “We’re grateful for the support and partnership with the Province. This is a great program and we’re excited to offer seniors, and their loved ones, the peace of mind and comfort knowing additional support is available while they are still at home.”

“We are really proud of the Community Paramedicine program in Waterloo Region,” said Chief of Paramedic Services, Stephen VanValkenburg. “This funding will allow us to expand from five days a week to 24/7 and serve additional individuals through remote patient monitoring. In supporting individuals awaiting long-term care, we are supporting their loved ones, reducing caregiver burnout and being a resource to assist all involved through the transition.”

“This investment of nearly $7.8 million means that more seniors will be able to receive appropriate care in the comfort of their own home from specially trained paramedics in Waterloo Region”, said MPP Mike Harris and MPP Amy Fee. “This innovative program funded entirely by the province will keep residents near their loved ones as they await a space in long-term care while providing assurance to their families and caregivers that their care needs are met.”

Paramedic Services launched the Community Paramedicine program in October 2018 to provide in-home, non-emergency care to assist people living with chronic illness or ongoing health needs. The program was implemented to support individuals in their homes while redirecting non-emergency medical calls away from 911 and reducing emergency department visits. The new funding allows this program to offer more support to seniors waiting to move into a long-term care facility.

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