Vulnerable Ontarians left to fend for themselves while they wait for institutions to be built
Vulnerable Ontarians left to fend for themselves while they wait for institutions to be built
DOWNLOAD PDFOCSA is concerned by the lack of noted investment for the care of clients in the home and community care sector in the 2021 Budget
TORONTO, March 25, 2021
– With the release of yesterday’s provincial budget, there is real concern that the government has failed to include much needed additional funding for nearly a million seniors and people living with disabilities that rely on home and community care across Ontario. While we have always acknowledged that Ontario desperately needs more health care infrastructure, vulnerable Ontarians and their caregivers need help now; they are burnt out, especially given the additional pressure from COVID-19.
“The lack of any mention of investments into the sector is extremely concerning and disappointing,” said Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA). “Our sector’s front-line staff and support staff are exhausted and undervalued; they need and deserve more than just thanks. While education and training can go a long way, PSWs, RPNs and RNs in our sector need decent, sustainable, competitive compensation; without it, not-for-profit agencies will be unable retain and deploy adequate staff to meet the needs of clients and we will quickly return to hallway healthcare as the threat of COVID-19 lessens.”
Not only has the government missed a crucial opportunity to keep thousands more Ontarians safe at home and out of hospitals and long-term care this year, but by not increasing home and community support services, OCSA cannot see how our not-for-profit members can continue to support the over 750,000 clients served in this sector to remain safely in their homes and communities without additional investments.
Every year for nearly a decade, provincial governments have put in needed funding for home and community care due to Ontario's aging population, lack of facilities and the need for seniors to age safely in place; these issues have not changed since 2020. Last year’s budget included $267 million in additional funding, and in November the government added $100 million for the High Intensity Support Program, which alone helped keep an extra 850 Ontarians safe at home and out of long-term care.
Our agencies stepped up and delivered for Ontarians in need throughout the pandemic, managing to innovate through serious fundraising revenue shortfalls, which are unlikely to rebound soon. When adequately resourced, our sector and its employees help vulnerable Ontarians stay safe at home and in their communities, where they prefer to live. OCSA urgently calls on the government to clarify their funding approach and investments to ensure that the care of vulnerable Ontarians is not disrupted.
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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, OCSA
416-256-3010 ext. 242 or 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
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.
