Ontario Home Care Association welcomes budget commitment to serving more Ontarians at home

TORONTO, March 28, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Home Care Association (OHCA) applauds the Government's commitment to helping Ontarians to manage their health at home and in the community as outlined in yesterday's budget, Strong Action for Ontario. "A shift in emphasis to the community is a necessary enabler to fundamentally transforming the health system in order to respond to the needs of our aging population and support the growth of a robust home care system for people of all ages," said Sue VanderBent, OHCA Executive Director.

The commitment to home and community care in the budget represents a paradigm shift in health care and strengthens the strategies outlined in Ontario's Action Plan.  Health providers must work together to build the continuum of care in the community so that there are more options for seniors to get the care they need, outside of hospitals and long-term care.

Evidence has demonstrated the potential of home care to support the frail and vulnerable in their home and generate value for money.  OHCA commits to continue to work collaboratively with Minister Matthews and all health system partners to develop high quality responsive health care in the community.

About the OHCA
The OHCA, the voice of home care in Ontario, is a membership association representing providers of quality home care services from across Ontario.  OHCA members represent an estimated 25,000 staff collectively serving 300,000 Ontarians per year.  OHCA works with families as integral partners in the delivery of home care services and as such estimates that 1.2 million Ontarians are impacted by members.   OHCA is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of the home and community health care sector by helping to shape health care policy, supporting members to excel, and being a leading source of information on home and community care.  OHCA members are accredited through Accreditation Canada, CARF, and/or registered with the International Standards Association (ISO).

For the latest in news and information about the home care sector in Ontario, subscribe to the Ontario Home Care Association's "House Call" at www.homecareontario.ca.

Sue VanderBent
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @HomeCareOntario