The Ontario government has announced a major $1.1 billion investment over the next three years to expand home care services and the Hospital to Home (H2H) program as part of its Fall Economic Statement plan. This funding aims to extend convenient at-home care for patients who no longer need hospital treatment, easing pressure on hospitals and freeing up critical bed space. The initiative is part of Ontario’s broader effort to strengthen public services and ensure patients receive the right care in the right place.
Of the total investment, $982 million will be directed toward expanding vital home care services, connecting more Ontarians with nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers. This move supports the province’s aging population and those with complex health needs, allowing more people to recover and live independently at home. Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones emphasized that the government is responding to families’ calls for faster, more flexible access to home-based care, helping residents heal and thrive in their own homes.
An additional $170 million will enhance and expand the Hospital to Home program, helping more patients transition safely from hospitals to their homes. The funding will create 18 new H2H sites and expand 23 existing ones across the province, strengthening Ontario’s capacity to deliver care at home and reduce strain on hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Officials highlighted that the investment will particularly benefit seniors who rely on home care to maintain independence and stay connected to their communities. The announcement builds on a previous $2 billion home care funding commitment made in 2024, which has already produced strong results—an 18% increase in patients served, a 94% reduction in personal support waitlists, and lower hospital readmission rates.
Health care leaders across Ontario welcomed the new funding, calling it a crucial step in strengthening the home care sector. They noted that investing in home and community-based care improves patient outcomes, reduces hospital pressures, and ensures Ontarians receive high-quality care in the comfort of their homes. The expansion of Hospital to Home programs is expected to improve care transitions and further integrate Ontario’s health system, contributing to a more resilient and efficient model of care across the province.
