August 5,2025
RED FM News Desk
The Ontario government is investing $89 million to make the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care (CPLTC) program permanent, while also expanding its services to more communities, including First Nations. The program provides seniors with 24/7 access to non-emergency care at home, such as routine diagnostic tests, at home treatments, and remote health monitoring, helping them remain in their homes longer and easing pressure on the health-care system.
Launched in 2020 and expanded across Ontario in 2022, the CPLTC program has already served over 81,000 seniors and delivered more than 310,000 hours of direct care. “By making this program permanent, we are protecting our long-term care system, supporting caregivers, and improving the quality of life for seniors,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care.
Community paramedics can typically respond within hours or days, preventing health issues from escalating and reducing the need for emergency hospital visits. The new funding will also support the program’s expansion to the Independent First Nations Alliance paramedic service, including Pikangikum First Nation, and allow the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority to deliver services in Weenusk First Nation.
The initiative is part of Ontario’s long-term care strategy, which focuses on increasing staffing and care, strengthening quality and enforcement, building modern and comfortable long-term care homes, and ensuring seniors have faster, more convenient access to health services.
Eligibility for the program includes people who are on the long-term care waitlist, those assessed as eligible but not yet on the list, and those soon to be eligible. Referrals can be made by Ontario Health at Home coordinators, primary care providers, community agencies, or emergency response paramedics. Seniors and caregivers can also self-refer through their local paramedic service.
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