OCSA calls for an integrated cross-sector health human resource strategy
The long-term care staffing plan will decimate the home and community care workforce without a comprehensive approach
DOWNLOAD PDFTORONTO, December 18, 2020
– Yesterday, the government of Ontario released a staffing plan intended to address challenges in the long-term care (LTC) sector. The overall aim of the plan is to improve the quality of care for residents in the sector, a necessary goal. That being said, the newly released plan will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the home and community care sector and will cause staffing issues in an already precarious workforce. Without adequate health human resources to keep seniors and those with disabilities well and safe at home, the pressures on LTC homes will only increase.
This is why the government must develop an integrated and comprehensive strategy that recognizes the interdependencies between various health sectors and ensures a stable and resilient workforce across our health system. Only by developing an integrated plan, can we ensure that addressing staffing challenges in one sector does not come at the expense of individuals receiving care in other sectors across the continuum.
“We are currently dealing with crippling staffing shortages across our health system. Sectors across the system share the same pool of qualified health human resources,” said Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA). “The competition for the very scarce health human resources is ferocious and home and community care organizations continue to find themselves at a significant recruitment and retention disadvantage due to historical funding discrepancies.”
The majority of home and community care organizations report losing staff to the LTC and hospital sectors, where pay is significantly higher. A recent survey of OCSA members found that for 60% of organizations low pay rates and opportunities in other health sectors were the primary reasons why PSWs left their organizations. The current wage gap for PSWs working in the community sector versus the hospital sector is an average of 18.7% or $3.57 an hour. The gap is 9.2% or $1.75 an hour for PSWs working in long-term care.
OCSA is committed to working with the province and other stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive and integrated health human resources strategy that ensures all sectors have an adequate supply of qualified staff in order to provide the best possible care to individuals who need it.
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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.
To arrange an interview and more information please contact:
Michele Vantrepote
Communications Manager
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 ext. 242
Michele.Vantrepote@ocsa.on.ca
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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
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CONTACT US
180 Dundas St. W., Suite 1400-B,Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8
416-256-3010 | 1-800-267-OCSA
info@ocsa.on.ca
Charitable Registration #:
13426 9505 RR0001
HOURS
Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
INFORMATION
OCSA is being hosted on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13, signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
