Federal Budget 2021: Continuing Care Initiatives
Apr 20, 2021On Monday, April 19, 2021, the Federal Government released Budget 2021 with a focus on supporting the country’s economic recovery and fighting COVID-19 as it transitions from a pandemic to an endemic.
Continuing Care
- Budget 2021 proposes $3 billion over 5 years, starting in 2022-23 for National Standards in Long Term Care (LTC). Provinces and territories are being supported to ensure that standards for LTC are applied, and permanent changes are made. To keep seniors safe and improve their quality of life, the federal government will work collaboratively with provinces and territories to ensure that seniors and those in care, live in safe and dignified conditions.
- The Budget also proposes $90 million over 3 years, starting in 2021-22, to Employment and Social Development Canada, to launch the Age Well at Home initiative. Intended to assist community-based organizations in providing practical support such as matching seniors with volunteers to help with meal preparations, home maintenance, errands, and transportation, the initiative would help low-income and otherwise vulnerable seniors age in place. Regional and national projects that help expand services helping seniors stay in their homes will be supported, such as knowledge hubs helping seniors access the local services, and training programs for community-based organizations delivering practical supports to seniors.
- Over $40 million for investments in palliative, end-of-life care and MAID, investing to advance improve access to quality palliative care, as well as training for medical assistance in dying (MAID).