Ontario is broken up into 14 LHINs that are responsible for health care in each area. Sudbury, Ontario belongs to the North East Local Health Integration Network. Living in the North can be challenging for those needing health care services due to the widespread geography and multiple remote communities. Northern Ontario has "a population density of less than one person per square kilometre, compared to 4,100 people per square kilometre in Toronto" (Statistics Canada, 2012). With a vastly growing aging population this is becoming a major barrier in providing equitable and accessible health care in the north. Most older northerners prefer living in their homes for as long as possible. However, home care services are not accessible to all of those who are in need. Geographical location is a determinant of health that can put older adults at higher risk for poor health outcomes such as social isolation. 

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In addition to geographical barriers to accessing care in northern Ontario, the province is also facing staffing shortages of both personal support workers and nurses. The Sudbury region has recently experienced hospital overcrowding resulting in hallway medicine while in the middle of a PSW crisis. This creates a 'double jeopardy' effect to those who are in need of home care but cannot access them due to where they live and inability to staff. The NE LHIN has put forward an action plan to increase the number of PSW's working in the North.  See below and/or click here to compare your regions demographics with the the NE LHIN region.