Advocacy group urging province implement home care tax credit

 

While the pandemic has been hard on everyone, it has been especially hard on those who live in or have family living in long-term care (LTC) facilities.

Many LTCs in Ontario have experienced outbreaks of COVID-19 at some point during the last 12 months, and many residents have died from the virus.

As a result, some who may have been considering moving from their home to an LTC are having second thoughts.

Because of this, Home Care Ontario (HCO) is urging the Province to implement a home care tax credit worth up to $1,500 to help seniors who want to remain where they are.

“Home care services have only become more important during the pandemic when hospitals are full and staying at home is the best way to stay safe,” Sue VanderBent, CEO of Home Care Ontario, said in a news release.

The tax credit would help seniors to remain in their current homes, and maintain a more independent lifestyle, while also easing the burden hospitals, LTC's and over health care facilities are currently facing.

The proposed 15 per cent tax credit would apply to between $1,000 and $10,000 in annual family-funded home care services.

“We need the provincial government to step up its support for seniors by introducing this tax credit in their upcoming budget," VanderBent continued.