OCSA Response to the Auditor General Report on Assisted Living Services
December 7, 2021
Auditor General highlights key opportunities for improvements but misses mark on recommendation
for competitive procurement of Assisted Living Services
OCSA welcomes the Auditor General’s Audit on Assisted Living Services as this report confirms several of the concerns our members, clients and their caregivers have raised for years. Most notably it makes it clear that the province has not invested enough in the development of assisted living services to improve the performance of the entire health system. We must work together to focus on a system-wide solutions-based approach that benefits the growing numbers of people who urgently need these services to live well at home and in their community.
The audit identifies several improvement opportunities related to client safety and health system efficiency. We and our members look forward to working with the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health on these recommendations to build a better health system, one that leverages assisted living services more effectively and allows vulnerable Ontarians to live well at home.
The Auditor General’s report makes it clear that we all must work together to focus on a system-wide solutions-based approach that benefits the growing numbers of people who urgently need these services.
However, OCSA strongly opposes the Auditor General’s recommendation that funding of these services be allocated through a competitive bidding process. As the province’s experience and the evidence has shown, competitively acquired service delivery of key health service does nothing to improve the quality of care or cost effectiveness of service. Competitive bidding processes are disruptive, create unnecessary turnover in front-line staff, hurts care continuity and quality, and reduces client satisfaction. OCSA strongly rejects this recommendation and implores the government to do the same.
“Assisted living services have experienced tremendous growth in the past years due to their success at keeping people at home and in their community” said Deborah Simon, CEO of Ontario Community Support Association. “The recommendations identified in the report are opportunities to strengthen and expand these tremendous services across the province.”
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.
About Assisted Living Services
Assisted Living Services enable over 23,000 vulnerable Ontarians such as seniors those with physical disabilities, Acquired Brain Injuries and HIV/Aids to live well at home and in their communities. Through a combination of 24/7 available supports, scheduled personal support services, homemaking and other services, these programs are a less costly alternative to long-term care or hospital care.
To arrange an interview and more information please contact:
Janice Bedore
Executive Assistant
416-256-3010
1-800-267-6272, ext. 224
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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
Voter support strongly linked to party policies on Home and Community Care
Calls on all candidates to pledge to support home and community care
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.
