HELPING CAREGIVERS SPEND MORE TIME WITH SICK FAMILY MEMBERS

For August 17, 2011

MERLIN—MPP Pat Hoy says the Ontario government is proposing to expand protected leave from work by allowing caregivers to spend more time with family members who cannot care for themselves because of serious injury or illness including cancer or stroke.

"Let's say someone is in a serious car accident, or perhaps an elderly parent falls and breaks a hip. These examples are not terminal. But the care and support from family members is critical," said Hoy. "Family Caregiver Leave would be in addition to the Family Medical Leave — that means if while you are caring for a loved one under the Family Caregiver Leave and their condition becomes terminal, you would then also be entitled to the Family Medical Leave."

"Giving caregivers the opportunity to care and support their family members would benefit all Ontarians. We know our health care system will be under strain as our population continues to age," said Hoy. "This leave could mean that for a few weeks or a couple months an elderly parent would be taken care of at home instead of in a hospital or long-term care facility, actually saving money."  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.