Ontario Announces $1.1 Billion Investment to Expand Home Care Services
Province strengthens Hospital to Home program and supports aging population with historic health-care funding
Toronto, Ontario – The Ontario government has announced a $1.1 billion investment over three years to expand home care services and the Hospital to Home (H2H) program, helping thousands of Ontarians recover safely in their homes while easing pressure on hospitals and long-term care facilities.
The announcement, part of Ontario’s upcoming Fall Economic Statement, reflects a growing need to support the province’s aging population and ensure patients receive “the right care in the right place.”
“As part of our plan to protect Ontario, our government is making responsible, forward-looking investments that strengthen Ontario’s health-care system and our economy,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By funding critical home care services and Hospital to Home programs, we are building a more self-reliant and resilient province and ensuring patients and families get the right care at home.”
Strengthening Home Care and Reducing Hospital Waits
Ontario’s funding includes $982 million to expand access to nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers for more than 650,000 patients province-wide — an 18 per cent increase in home care access since 2023. This expansion aims to prevent unnecessary hospital stays and support patients with complex medical needs in the comfort of their own homes.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and access.
“Families across Ontario want faster and more flexible care that supports recovery and independence,” said Jones. “By strengthening and expanding home care services, we are enabling more people to live, heal and thrive in their own homes.”
The government is also allocating $170 million over three years to grow the Hospital to Home program, which connects patients leaving hospitals to follow-up care services in their communities. The funding will establish 18 new sites and expand 23 existing ones, freeing up hospital capacity while ensuring patients transition home safely.
Supporting Seniors and Independent Living
Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho said the investment will particularly benefit older adults who wish to stay connected to their families and communities.
“As Ontario’s population ages, seniors are increasingly relying on programs and services to keep them healthy and independent,” Cho said. “This investment will help them access the care they need to remain safely at home.”
According to the province, nearly 75 per cent of Ontarians waiting for long-term care beds are already receiving home care, allowing them to stay home longer and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
Proven Results and Sector Support
The new investment builds on the province’s 2024 commitment of $2 billion to expand home care capacity. Since that announcement, Ontario has achieved a 94 per cent reduction in wait lists for personal support services and lowered unplanned hospital readmission rates for H2H patients by nearly a quarter.
Health-care leaders across the province have welcomed the announcement:
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Cameron MacKay, CEO of Home Care Ontario, said the funding delivers “the fastest, most cost-effective relief for the broader health system.”
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Lori Holloway, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association, highlighted measurable sector improvements, including reduced staff turnover and missed care visits.
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Dr. Kathryn Nichol, President and CEO of VHA Home HealthCare, praised the investment for ensuring “people receive the right care in the right place at the right time.”
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John Yip, CEO of SE Health, said every dollar invested in home care “multiplies its impact,” improving outcomes while reducing hospital strain.
Looking Ahead
Ontario’s Fall Economic Statement, set for release on November 6, 2025, will outline the government’s broader plan to protect public services, grow the economy, and make Ontario the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7 for investment.
Through its latest investment, the province is reaffirming its commitment to a connected, patient-centered system that allows more Ontarians to recover at home — safely, affordably, and with dignity.
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