How to Support Our Frail Elderly: A Suggested Action Plan (November 2023)

(Toronto, Ontario. January 29, 2024.)

There is a profound demographic shift underway. The 80+ population in Ontario is projected to more than double by 2040.

People want to age at home – yet one in five older adults today have complex care needs which make remaining at home very challenging. Plus, the family and other loved ones who are taking care of older adults are struggling, with 63% of caregivers saying they reached their breaking point last year but had no choice but to keep going.

Couple this with the almost 43,000 people in Ontario waiting for long-term care – more than the populations of a mid-sized town such as Bradford, Orillia, Stratford, Orangeville, or Leamington – with the waitlist for long-term care expected to grow to 48,000 individuals by 2029 based on population growth and complex care need trends.

Bottom line, there will not be enough long-term care beds for those who need them, even with the significant investments and historical commitments already made by the Ontario Government, and the commitment by long-term care homes to deliver on the Government’s pledge to redevelop older homes and to create 30,000 new long-term care spaces.

Collectively, with leaders across our sectors, we have identified existing solutions that can be expanded to reduce the long-term care wait list, help more older people with complex care needs age at home, and to fast-track access to long-term care for those who really need it.

Click here to read our Suggested Action Plan.

ABOUT

How to Support Our Frail Elderly: A Suggested Action Plan was a collaborative effort by 8 provincial associations to provide insightful data for government and community care providers in Ontario.

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OCSA Joins Communities Across Ontario to Celebrate March For Meals 2025

By Karla Sealy • March 1, 2025

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