Improving physio care

Re: Physiotherapy services a blow to seniors, April 22.

I’m disappointed that a small number of for-profit companies would rather protect their monopoly instead of expand access to physiotherapy and exercise classes for seniors.

Our improvements will double the number of Ontarians — mostly seniors — who will have access to physiotherapy, exercise and falls prevention classes in the community. In total, we’re going to help over 200,000 more Ontarians be healthier.

We’re increasing the budget for these services from $146 million to $156 million annually — and we will provide even more services by changing how they are funded.

Change is long overdue. Under the old system, four companies delivered two-thirds of publicly-funded physiotherapy. This antiquated model resulted in less access and poor value — especially in our long-term care homes and retirement homes, where outcomes for patients have not matched spending growth.

I will always put patients first. Under the new model, we will directly fund the physiotherapy and exercise that seniors need, expand the availability of those services to more locations across Ontario, and serve more seniors — while ensuring eligibility for those services remains the same.

Seniors in long-term care, in retirement homes, and those living in their homes in the community will continue to have access to both publicly-funded physiotherapy and free exercise and falls prevention programs. These changes also have the support of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association.

For more information, check out our website at www.ontario.ca/ physiotherapy or call the Seniors’ Infoline at 1-800-387-5559.

DEB MATTHEWS, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Ontario