In Ontario, our health system aims to put
clients at the centre with the right care,
at the right time, in the right place. And
the right place for many Ontarians is in
their homes*. Over one million Ontarians
and their families receive home and
community care today.
*Note: A client’s ‘home’ is wherever that person resides. It can be a private residence, supportive housing, retirement
home or just about anywhere except a hospital. A person’s community includes more than just a residence; it includes
any location where services are provided for individuals who live at home, including, for example, clinics, schools and
recreation centres.
With appropriate supports, many
individuals of all ages can remain in
their homes, return home more quickly
from hospital, or delay or even avoid
the need for admission to a hospital or
long-term care home. By helping these
people remain in their homes as long as
possible, quality of life is often sustained
or improved, and the health system can
reduce the use of less appropriate and
more expensive health care services
such as emergency rooms, hospitals,
and long-term care homes.
Pressures for Change
The aging of Ontario’s population is well
documented along with its impact on the
health care system
1,2
. In addition to the
growth in the number of patients, the
health system has also begun to rely on
the home and community sector to care
for increasing numbers of high needs
individuals who require more intense
care and services for a longer period
of time. Indeed, the number of clients
receiving services through Community
Care Access Centres (CCACs) has doubled
since 2003/04
3
and is expected to
continue to grow as the population ages.