The McGuinty government is investing $29.2 million for community support and supportive housing services to help keep Ontarians in the community for as long as possible instead of admitting them to hospitals or institutions.
These funds are part of the McGuinty government's $417 million investment in community support and supportive housing services for 2004-05.
"Community support services and supportive housing services help the frail elderly and people with physical disabilities live in their communities with a higher degree of independence than if they were institutionalized," Smitherman said. "While our plan is a compassionate one that improves the quality of life for Ontarians in their homes and communities, it's also a practical approach that will reduce the stress on our hospitals and allow them to focus on the acute services they provide so well."
Today's announcement means hundreds of agencies that provide community support and supportive housing services in Ontario will receive the funds they need to assist up to 8,000 more Ontarians to live in their communities this year.
This investment will improve access to community support services like adult day programs, meal programs and community transportation for those who need them. It also means that our frail elderly and people with physical disabilities, an acquired brain injury, or HIV/AIDS will benefit from strengthened supportive housing services like 24-hour access to personal care and essential homemaking.