Layoff notices have gone out across the sector, after the provincial government announced a few weeks ago, sweeping changes in long term care and retirement homes.

OHIP is delisting physio for long term care by 60%, and a 100% cut at retirement homes, as the government phases out the fee for service model.

Area Manager for PT Health, Sara Sweeney tells Heart FM seniors will be impacted by the change.  "As of August 1st the money will flow through the nursing homes at a 60% reduction.  So right now, we're seeing the residents 3 times a week.  After, physiotherapists might only see them once every two weeks.  And for retirement homes, they're going to have to access outside of their home."

Physio Assistant with PT Health, Kelly Moore is concerned about seniors receiving less care under the new system.  "Some of them don't get to walk without our help.  The other staff just aren't trained for that.  So, if we wouldn't do it, it wouldn't be done."

Sweeney and Moore were a group of over a dozen Physiotherapists (photo) who showed up at MPP Ernie Hardeman's office today to voice their concerns over the change.  PT Health workers staged similar rallies across the province today.

However, the provincial government says they're boosting the physio budget from $146 million to $156 million a year, and are increasing services under the new model.  They say the number of residents receiving physio, exercise, and falls prevention classes will double.