Permanent implementation of Ontario's initiative designed to prevent hospitalization among the elderly population
In a significant move to support seniors and ease pressures on the healthcare system, Ontario's Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care (CPLTC) program has been made permanent and expanded across the province. The program, which was initially launched as a pilot project in 2020, has served over 81,000 people and is now set to receive a significant investment of $89 million [1][2][3][4].
The CPLTC program focuses on providing non-emergency medical services to seniors who are waiting for long-term care, primarily in their own homes. This approach addresses non-emergency issues such as chronic disease management and offers timely care within hours or days to prevent emergency incidents and reduce hospital visits [1][2].
One of the key benefits of the program is the ability of community paramedics to deliver care in a home environment. They provide diagnostic services, chronic disease support, and remote patient monitoring, which helps delay or avoid the need for hospitalization or admission to long-term care facilities [1][2].
By addressing health needs promptly and preventing emergencies, the program eases pressures on emergency rooms and hospitals [1]. It also connects patients to additional services, such as nursing or mental health care, thereby supporting caregivers and enhancing seniors' well-being [2].
The expansion of the program includes services offered in First Nations communities, ensuring that underserved populations also have access to these vital services [1][2]. In areas like Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, paramedics provide home visits funded by roughly $1.9 million annually. They perform retina scans, diagnostic services, and support outreach programs like Homelessness and Addictions Recovery Treatment (HART) [2].
The Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs has endorsed the program, stating its success in enabling seniors to age at home and reduce emergency room visits, thus expanding the unique role of paramedics beyond traditional 911 response roles [1].
The permanent establishment and $89 million funding reflect the provincial government's commitment to enabling seniors to age safely at home while protecting the long-term care system from avoidable hospital visits [1][2][3][4]. The report, authored by Allison Jones, was first published on Aug. 5, 2025, by The Canadian Press.
[1] The Canadian Press. (2025, Aug. 5). Ontario government makes community paramedicine program permanent, investing $89M. CBC News. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ontario-community-paramedicine-program-1.6127236
[2] The Canadian Press. (2022, June 29). Ontario expands community paramedicine program to long-term care. CTV News. Retrieved from https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/covid19/ontario-expands-community-paramedicine-program-to-long-term-care-1.5928030
[3] The Canadian Press. (2020, Nov. 27). Ontario launches pilot project for community paramedics in long-term care. Global News. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/7519453/ontario-community-paramedics-long-term-care/
[4] Jones, A. (2025, Aug. 5). Report: Ontario community paramedics help seniors age at home, reduce ER visits. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/ontario/article-ontario-community-paramedics-help-seniors-age-at-home-reduce-er/
- The CPLTC program in Ontario focuses on health and wellness, particularly in managing chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, COPD, type-2 diabetes, and others.
- By offering care at home, the community paramedics can diagnose, support, and monitor chronic conditions, thereby delaying or avoiding hospitalization.
- The program aims to reduce emergency incidents and hospital visits, benefiting not only the patients but also the healthcare system, specifically the emergency rooms and hospitals.
- In addition to chronic disease management, the program includes nutritional support, a crucial aspect of overall health and wellness.
- The program connects patients to other services like nursing care, mental health care, and fitness and exercise programs, enhancing seniors' health and well-being.
- The expansion of the program ensures that overlooked populations, such as those in First Nations communities, also receive essential services.
- In some regions, like Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, community paramedics offer services beyond home visits, including retina scans and supporting outreach programs for issues like homelessness and addiction.
- The Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs acknowledges the program's success in enabling seniors to age at home and reducing emergency room visits, thereby expanding the role of paramedics beyond traditional 911 response roles.
- The provincial government's decision to make the program permanent and invest $89 million underscores their commitment to making essential therapies and treatments accessible to seniors.
- The investment also aims to protect the long-term care system from avoidable hospital visits, easing pressures on the healthcare system.
- The program supports caregivers by connecting patients to additional services, promoting a more comprehensive approach to healthcare.
- Apart from seniors' health, the program targets various medical-conditions affecting different age groups, such as migraines, skin conditions, and neurological disorders.
- The program also includes therapies and treatments for cardiovascular health, digestive health, eye-health, hearing, and respiratory conditions.
- The policy and legislation surrounding the program seeks to improve health outcomes for marginalized populations and ensure equitable access to medical services.
- Car accidents, fires, and other accidents can interfere with one's health, and the program extends its services to address these incidents as well.
- In cases of war and conflicts, the program may be mobilized to respond to urgent medical needs, contributing to overall public health.
- The program recognizes the impact of aging on various aspects of health, including mental health, men's health, and women's health.
- Beyond medical conditions, the program addresses the broader aspects of health, including autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other general health issues.
