LANARK COUNTY — Seniors in Lanark County and across Ontario will have permanent access to at-home medical support through the province’s Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care (CPLTC) program, thanks to an $89-million annual investment announced earlier this month.
The funding secures the future of the program, which offers 24/7 non-emergency care such as diagnostic procedures, in-home treatments and remote monitoring for people eligible or soon to be eligible for long-term care. It will also expand CPLTC services to more First Nations communities, including Pikangikum and Weenusk.
John Jordan, MPP for Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston and parliamentary assistant to the Ministers of Health and Long-Term Care, called the program “essential in reducing the number of emergency room visits,” and easing pressure on the healthcare system.
In Lanark County, the announcement means local community paramedics can continue providing proactive, in-home care without interruption. “Permanent funding will allow us to keep helping seniors remain safe, supported and independent at home,” said Travis Mellema, chief of the Lanark County Paramedic Service. “It strengthens the entire health system by preventing crises and reducing hospital visits.”
Since its provincial launch in 2020 and expansion in 2022, CPLTC has served more than 81,000 seniors and delivered over 310,000 hours of direct care. Community paramedics can typically respond within hours or days, helping to prevent health issues from escalating.
Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s minister of long-term care, said the permanent program will continue to “reduce avoidable hospital visits, support caregivers and improve seniors’ quality of life.”
Seniors 65 and older are Ontario’s fastest-growing age group. Over the past six years, the province has invested $426 million to fund 56 municipal, regional and Indigenous-governed paramedic services for CPLTC. Eligible clients include people on the waitlist for long-term care, those assessed as eligible but not yet on the waitlist, or those soon to be eligible.
Referrals can be made through Ontario Health at Home coordinators, healthcare providers, community agencies, family members or by self-referral to local paramedic services.
