Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) Encouraged by Provincial Investments in Home and Community Care
Ottawa, Ontario, April 28, 2017 — The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) is encouraged by the government of Ontario’s investments in home and community-based care, including $85 million over three years to support expanded home care and respite services, $18 million in new funding for community support services, and $100 million for the Ontario Dementia Strategy.
“The need and demand for home care and support services in our communities continues to grow, and these are critical investments,” said Sharon Goodwin, Senior Vice President, Home and Community Care, VON. “For many of us, care at home and in our communities is a preferred approach to receiving a range of health care supports. This funding is a step in the right direction towards improving access to home care and support services in our communities, easing some of the pressures for families and their loved ones.”
With investments being made to enhance home care, personal supports, and respite for caregivers, the government of Ontario is making progress to improve access to home and community-based health care that will enhance the lives of many people in our province.
The additional funding for community support programs such as Meal on Wheels and volunteer transportation services will help improve the quality of life for people wishing to remain in their own homes and communities. “These programs at VON are supported by thousands of donors and volunteers” said Ms. Goodwin. “The additional investment by government is crucial to sustaining those individual contributions.”
Dementia is a growing concern for many families and health care workers. “Funding of $100 million over three years for the Ontario Dementia Strategy is a welcome investment to improve services for people with dementia, their families and their caregivers,” said Ms. Goodwin. “We encourage the Ontario government to continue to focus and invest in opportunities to improve access to home care and community-based health support services.”
About VON Canada:
Established in 1897, and this year celebrating its 120th Anniversary, VON is Canada’s longest-standing home and community health care charity delivering a wide range of vital health and wellness services to more than 10,000 people in Ontario and Nova Scotia every day. VON is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada.
Media Contact:
VON Canada
1-888-866-7510
communications@von.ca
