Over the next three years, Ontario will help 90,000 more seniors get the care they need to live comfortably in their own homes by adding three million more hours of personal support worker (PSW) care.

PSWs assist people with personal hygiene, light housework and help with delegated health procedures such as changing dressings. Having the support of PSWs enables seniors, people with physical disabilities and those with complex needs to live independently at home -- rather than in a hospital or long-term care home. There are about 26,000 PSWs in Ontario today providing home care services.

Helping seniors stay at home longer benefits the entire health care system by freeing up hospital beds for those who need acute care, reducing pressure on emergency rooms and saving money. This investment is part of the government's 2012 Budget commitment to increase funding for community and home care services by an average of four per cent over the next three years. Increasing PSW hours ensures access to the right care, at the right time, and in the right place, and is part of the McGuinty government's Action Plan for Health Care.

You can learn more about what we are doing to improve community and home care by visiting www.ontario.ca/health or by contacting me at my Community Office at 613-722-6414.

Together, we are building a healthier Ottawa Centre!