Seniors and Windsor-Essex health care providers are calling on the provincial government to stop changes to OHIP funded physiotherapy, saying they will lead to deep cuts in care.
After two major falls, Jean John relies on her physiotherapist to regain balance, but more, her independence.
“I have regained strength and confidence in my mobility," says John.
With arthritis throughout her body, Ruth Lavoie says she can walk, because of her ongoing treatment she's afraid of what's to come.
“I think it’s a disgrace going to take it away from us,” says Lavoie. “We really need it.”
Wynne says the changes they have made mean a different model of delivery, but they are going to provide to more across the province, more evenly distributed.
She says the changes will improve care for the most vulnerable population, but advocates say the numbers tell the real story. As of Aug. 1, physiotherapy services to seniors in long term care homes will be cut by $44 million.
“The current spending of $200 million will be reduced to $136 million and 20 million for group exercise classes,” says physiotherapist Merle Duchesne. “Do those look like recipe for expanded services? No.”
Dozens of people protested outside of one of Wynne's events in Windsor on Wednesday.
“It's a necessary change,” says Wynne. "We have an aging demographic and that's what this is designed to deliver.”
