Toronto, Ontario – Personal Support Workers (PSWs) have a critical role in our healthcare system and assist in the provision of care to thousands of Ontarians. This is the message from the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) this PSW Day, May 19th. 

“PSWs have remained on the frontline throughout the pandemic, supporting vulnerable seniors and their families,” says OCSA CEO, Deborah Simon, “As we mark another PSW Day, we recognize the work of PSWs across the province and say thank you.”

Against the backdrop of a severe PSW shortage, OCSA is also highlighting the need for wage parity for PSWs across healthcare. “Regardless of the setting, PSWs possess the same qualifications and are expected to perform similar tasks,” says Simon, “Yet PSWs in home and community care are paid less than their counterparts in long-term care and hospitals. This compounds the challenge of PSW recruitment and retention and is having a devastating impact on families that depend on PSWs coming to their homes.”

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 

Karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca