Celebrating Community Support Month 2022!
Toronto, Ontario - This October, we are proud to recognize and celebrate Community Support Month and the thousands of staff and volunteers who deliver critical community services across the province. With the health care system currently experiencing significant challenges, community-based services are even more important, as they help to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and alleviate pressure on long-term care. Over one million Ontarians access community support services (CSS) annually, and the need is growing.
“CSS organizations have deep-rooted connections with their communities,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA), “they understand the needs of their clients, the diversity of their populations, and they utilize their knowledge of their geographic locations to ensure that Ontarians receive care where they want it, at home and in their communities. This Community Support Month, we want to raise awareness of the tremendous work these organizations do, and applaud the commitment of their staff and volunteers.”
There are over 25 different programs offered by the sector, including services such as nursing care and personal care, homemaking, Meals on Wheels, Alzheimer and adult day programs, transportation to medical appointments, caregiver support, and hospice and palliative care services, just to name a few. These compassionate and cost-effective services are delivered by staff and volunteers. Dedicated volunteers donate close to 3 million hours of service each year.
Community support services are a lifeline for many Ontarians, keeping them healthy at home and in their communities.
Community Support Month celebrations are scheduled as follows:
October 3-7 Meals on Wheels Week
October 5 Congregate Dining Day
October 7 Supportive Housing/Assisted Living Day
October 10-14 Community Care Worker Week
October 11 Friendly Visiting/Telephone Reassurance Day
October 12 Respite Services Day
October 14 Client Intervention and Assistance (CIA) Day
October 17-21 Adult Day Program Week
October 21 Home Help/Maintenance Services Day
October 24 Transportation Services Day
October 25 Attendant Services Day
October 6/13/20/27 OCSA’s Virtual CommunityConnect Speaker Series
October 28 Hospice and Palliative Care Services Day
Follow the conversation on social media in October at #CSM2022
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.
For comments/queries please contact:
Karla Sealy
Communications Manager
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 ext. 242
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