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.
DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT
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.
Share
More Updates
With Ontario’s senior population expected to nearly double by 2046, the need for coordinated, community-based care has never been more urgent. OCSA’s latest policy paper outlines a practical roadmap for scaling Healthy Ageing Community Hubs—integrated models that deliver health, social, and housing supports to help older adults age safely at home. The paper identifies six key policy recommendations: integrated and flexible funding, expansion of existing models, streamlined regulation, digital health integration, empowered local leadership, and province-wide service mapping. These hubs are already demonstrating improved outcomes—from reduced hospital use to higher client satisfaction—but scaling them requires system-level action. This paper is a call to policymakers, health system leaders, and community organizations to build on what works.
TORONTO, May 30, 2025 - The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Holloway as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 30, 2025. A recognized leader in Ontario's health and community care sectors, Holloway brings over 20 years of experience driving system change, championing equitable access to care, and strengthening community-based services. Her appointment marks a full-circle moment—returning to OCSA after previously serving as Chief of Operations over a decade ago. Holloway's extensive leadership portfolio includes roles as CEO of Bellwoods Centres for Community Living, National Director of Health and Wellness at the Canadian Red Cross, and Interim CEO of CANES Community Care. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and proven ability to lead organizations through complexity while keeping people and purpose at the centre. "Lori is a values-driven leader with deep roots in our sector," says Steve Sherrer, Chair of the OCSA Board of Directors. "At a time when demand for home and community care is growing and the policy landscape is shifting, her strategic insight and operational expertise will be invaluable in advancing OCSA's mission. We're thrilled to welcome her back to the sector and this exciting role with the organization." Holloway takes over from outgoing CEO, Deborah Simon. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Deborah for her tireless dedication and lasting contributions," says Sherrer. "Thanks to her leadership, OCSA is well positioned to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead." This leadership transition comes at an important time as OCSA calls for more support for the sector through its Everyone Needs Home and Community Care campaign. Through the campaign, all Ontarians are encouraged to visit www.everyoneneedscare.ca to learn more and to connect to their MPPs for better funding, visibility, and support for home and community care. 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 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
Toronto, ON — Today, on Personal Support Worker (PSW) Day , the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) proudly joins communities across the province in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Personal Support Workers. PSWs are the backbone of Ontario’s home and community care system, providing essential support that enables people to live safely and independently at home. Each year on May 19th, PSW Day is an opportunity to show our deep appreciation for the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of these vital frontline workers. Whether helping seniors with daily tasks, supporting people with disabilities, or providing companionship to those facing isolation, PSWs deliver the care that’s needed—and the care that’s wanted—every single day. As Ontario faces a growing demand for home and community care, the role of PSWs has never been more important. OCSA continues to advocate for investments that will strengthen the PSW workforce, and this is part of the Everyone Needs Home and Community Care advocacy campaign. OCSA encourages all Ontarians to take a moment today to thank a PSW in their life. You can also visit www.everyoneneedscare.ca to learn more about how to support the people who provide essential care in your community. Happy PSW Day—and thank you to all the Personal Support Workers who make a difference every day.
