The province is expanding a program that trains personal support workers to work in long-term care homes.

The Learn and Earn Accelerated Program (LEAP LTC) was established last year.

Minister of Long-Term Care, Paul Calandra, says $16.5 million allows for the training of more PSWs.

“Leap LTC is an online program that trains long-term care staff,such as resident attendants and dietary aides, to become personal support workers. Participants do coursework online, followed by a paid onsite clinical placement at the long-term care home where they already work,” says Calandra. “This makes it possible for people to build their skills and their careers without leaving their communities.”

Calandra says 600 PSWs with be trainined through the program by 2026.

“Our investment in Leap LTC will increase the care available for residents, helping long-term care workers grow their careers and support the staffing needs of rural, remote, and northern long-term care homes. This means more hands-on support for residents who need help with the activities of daily life. It makes long-term care a better place to live, a better place to work. And simply put, this investment will make a drastic difference in the lives of residents across Ontario.”

The program is one of the initiatives the province has put in place to ensure long-term care residents receive an average of four hours of hands-on care each day by 2025.