OCSA applauds efforts of PSWs in protecting thousands of Ontarians

Toronto, Ontario – Personal Support Workers (PSWs) have a critical role in our healthcare system and assist in the provision of care to thousands of Ontarians. This is the message from the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) this PSW Day, May 19th.

“PSWs have remained on the frontline throughout the pandemic, supporting vulnerable seniors and their families,” says OCSA CEO, Deborah Simon, “As we mark another PSW Day, we recognize the work of PSWs across the province and say thank you.”

Against the backdrop of a severe PSW shortage, OCSA is also highlighting the need for wage parity for PSWs across healthcare. “Regardless of the setting, PSWs possess the same qualifications and are expected to perform similar tasks,” says Simon, “Yet PSWs in home and community care are paid less than their counterparts in long-term care and hospitals. This compounds the challenge of PSW recruitment and retention and is having a devastating impact on families that depend on PSWs coming to their homes.”

About OCSA

Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 230 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services that help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These compassionate and cost-effective services improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. They are the key to a sustainable health care system for Ontario.

For more information, visit www.ocsa.on.ca and https://twitter.com/OCSAtweets.

For comments/queries please contact:

Karla Sealy

Communications Manager

Ontario Community Support Association

416-256-3010 ext. 242

Karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca

More Updates

OCSA Joins Communities Across Ontario to Celebrate March For Meals 2025

By Karla Sealy • March 1, 2025

ONTARIO, March 1, 2025 - This March, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is proud to stand with communities across Ontario in support of March for Meals, an annual campaign highlighting the essential role of Meals on Wheels programs. Delivered in 181 communities across the province, these programs provide nutritious meals, social connection, and safety checks for vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. Meals on Wheels Ontario, with the support of belairdirect, encourages Ontarians to show their support for March for Meals and the local Meals on Wheels programs that serve their communities. Together, these programs deliver over 3 million meals annually and provide vital assistance to nearly 70,000 Ontarians. As the demand for nutritious and affordable meals grows, so too do the challenges faced by local programs—including underfunding and volunteer shortages. Now more than ever, community support is essential to ensuring these programs continue to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. “Meals on Wheels programs are a cornerstone of home and community care in Ontario, ensuring that seniors and adults with disabilities have access to healthy meals, social connection, and safety checks,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. “However, these programs face growing demand and funding challenges. March for Meals is an opportunity for all Ontarians to rally around these essential services and support their sustainability so that no one is left behind.” During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province will host special events, engage local officials, and encourage community participation to raise awareness and support for these critical services. OCSA invites Ontarians to learn more about the impact of Meals on Wheels and explore ways to get involved. For more information on March for Meals and how you can support your local Meals on Wheels program, visit Meals on Wheels Ontario . About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) champions a strong, sustainable home and community care sector in Ontario. The association represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations that deliver high-quality services that help seniors, people with disabilities, and those with complex care needs remain independent in their homes and communities. These proactive and cost-effective services prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. For more information visit www.ocsa.on.ca or @OCSATweets For media inquiries please contact: Karla Sealy (she/her) Manager of Communications 416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242 karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca