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New Federal Budget to Deliver $1,100 Tax Credit for Personal Support Workers

                                                        Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu  The federal government has announced a major new measure in Budget 2025 aimed at supporting Canada’s personal support workers (PSWs). The initiative introduces a refundable tax credit of up to $1,100 per year for eligible PSWs, a move expected to benefit more than 200,000 frontline care workers across the country. Unveiled by Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu , the credit is designed to recognize the essential role PSWs play in Canada’s healthcare system, particularly in caring for seniors and vulnerable populations. The refundable nature of the credit means that even low- and modest-income workers, who may not owe income tax, will still be able to claim the benefit. The program will allow PSWs to claim five per cen...
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Cultural Long-Term Care Admissions in Ontario: A Language Barrier Challenge

 

In an Italian long-term care home in Toronto, a perplexing situation unfolds each month. Approximately three new non-Italian residents are admitted due to recent government changes in priority rules. These newcomers find themselves confused and isolated in an environment where they do not speak the language. The home, Villa Colombo, conducts its programming exclusively in Italian, leaving these residents at a linguistic disadvantage. 

The root cause lies in a law known as Bill 7, enacted in 2022. While the bill aimed to move patients out of hospitals and into long-term care homes, it has had unintended consequences. Under the new rules, patients who can be discharged from hospitals but cannot be cared for at home are now prioritized for long-term care admission. As a result, the first available space may not align with the cultural preferences of the individual. For instance, someone who desires a Finnish home may find themselves placed in an Italian one simply because it’s the next available spot.

The impact on residents is profound. Imagine being in a hospital, recovering from an illness, only to be transferred to a care home where everyone speaks a language you don’t understand. For those with slight dementia, this cultural isolation can trigger negative behaviors. They find themselves surrounded by Italian-speaking neighbors, unable to communicate effectively. It’s a disorienting experience that exacerbates their vulnerability.

This issue extends beyond Villa Colombo. Across Ontario, several dozen cultural long-term care homes cater to seniors from diverse backgrounds—Korean, Jewish, francophone, and more. The rigid bureaucracy behind admissions now prioritizes hospital patients over personal preferences. While freeing up hospital space is essential, we must also consider the emotional well-being of these residents. They deserve care that respects their cultural and linguistic needs.

As Ontario grapples with these challenges, we must strike a balance between efficiency and empathy. Our seniors deserve more than just a bed; they deserve a place where they can thrive, connect, and feel understood.


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