A significant gap in Ontario’s senior care and housing services has been identified by experts, potentially preventing many older adults from joining long-term care waitlists and reducing institutional expenses by 50%. Enhanced Assisted Living (EAL) caters to seniors needing more assistance than home care offers but not yet requiring long-term care placement.
WoodGreen Community Services’ Senior Director of Public Affairs, Eric Mariglia, co-authored a policy paper advocating for the expansion of successful EAL models to alleviate pressure on hospitals and long-term care facilities. The report, a collaborative effort by WoodGreen, the Ontario Community Support Association, and AdvantAge Ontario, suggests the need for an official definition and sustained operational funding for EAL initiatives.
While the Ministry of Health noted recent investments in home and community care services and housing support, the report emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of EAL models compared to the predominantly long-term care-focused system. Mariglia highlighted that EAL costs significantly less than long-term care, reducing the burden on hospitals.
Dr. Samir Sinha from the National Institute on Aging emphasized the necessity of investing in EAL services to bridge the gap between home care and long-term care facilities. He stressed the importance of diverting resources to support EAL programs, which could prevent thousands of people from needing long-term care placements.
AdvantAge Ontario’s CEO, Lisa Levin, pointed out the obstacles faced by new EAL projects due to funding challenges and the lack of a clear pathway for financial support. She suggested that with appropriate funding channels, EAL programs could be swiftly implemented across the province without the need for new construction.
Levin emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing senior population in Ontario, projected to reach 4.6 million in the next 25 years, underscoring the need for swift action in developing and implementing EAL initiatives.