2020 Ontario Pre-Budget Submission
A SYSTEM IN NEED OF REBALANCING
Helping Ontarians live well at home through home and community care
Introduction
At the heart of our health care system are Ontarians who need and receive critical health services at home and in their communities. This point is often lost in the discussions about hallway health care, the alternate level of care (ALC) issue and health system transformation. This submission will tell the stories of Eric, Joy and Albert to illustrate the way the current health care system shapes the lives of everyday Ontarians and how the impact of home and community services can help to rebalance outcomes.
In 2019, a record 5,400 patients in Ontario hospitals were designated ALC and in June, there were over 1,000 people being treated in hospital hallways across the province.1 Not only is this an ineffective use of limited resources, it is a situation that no patient or family member wants to experience. In fact, the cost of caring for a single patient using an ALC bed for one year is comparable to three people living safely and independently at home and in their communities in the same period.
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Our health system needs to be drastically, yet safely, rebalanced to better serve people. Home and community care services have untapped potential to help end hallway health care and reduce the demand for more expensive institutional settings like hospitals and longterm care. A recent study found that the biggest concern of people transitioning home from hospital was not enough publicly funded home care services to meet their needs.2 The development of Ontario Health and Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) are a key opportunity to strengthen the home and community care sector by enhancing integrated care across the entire health care system.
We know that if no changes are made, the waiting list for long-term care is expected to balloon to 40,000 people over the next few years. This is a situation that can be alleviated. Last year, almost 18,000 people living in longterm care homes could have continued to live at home and in their communities if the proper supports were available and appropriately funded.
Ontarians, like Joy and Eric, wish to receive care at home and in their community, but systemic issues can prevent that from happening, costing all of us in the long run.
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More Updates
OCSA Launches New Campaign Empowering Ontarians to Call for More Support for Home and Community Care
Against the backdrop of uncertain times, Ontarians need and want more access to these services
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
