OCSA Response to the Auditor General Report on Assisted Living Services
December 7, 2021
Auditor General highlights key opportunities for improvements but misses mark on recommendation
for competitive procurement of Assisted Living Services
OCSA welcomes the Auditor General’s Audit on Assisted Living Services as this report confirms several of the concerns our members, clients and their caregivers have raised for years. Most notably it makes it clear that the province has not invested enough in the development of assisted living services to improve the performance of the entire health system. We must work together to focus on a system-wide solutions-based approach that benefits the growing numbers of people who urgently need these services to live well at home and in their community.
The audit identifies several improvement opportunities related to client safety and health system efficiency. We and our members look forward to working with the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health on these recommendations to build a better health system, one that leverages assisted living services more effectively and allows vulnerable Ontarians to live well at home.
The Auditor General’s report makes it clear that we all must work together to focus on a system-wide solutions-based approach that benefits the growing numbers of people who urgently need these services.
However, OCSA strongly opposes the Auditor General’s recommendation that funding of these services be allocated through a competitive bidding process. As the province’s experience and the evidence has shown, competitively acquired service delivery of key health service does nothing to improve the quality of care or cost effectiveness of service. Competitive bidding processes are disruptive, create unnecessary turnover in front-line staff, hurts care continuity and quality, and reduces client satisfaction. OCSA strongly rejects this recommendation and implores the government to do the same.
“Assisted living services have experienced tremendous growth in the past years due to their success at keeping people at home and in their community” said Deborah Simon, CEO of Ontario Community Support Association. “The recommendations identified in the report are opportunities to strengthen and expand these tremendous services across the province.”
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.
About Assisted Living Services
Assisted Living Services enable over 23,000 vulnerable Ontarians such as seniors those with physical disabilities, Acquired Brain Injuries and HIV/Aids to live well at home and in their communities. Through a combination of 24/7 available supports, scheduled personal support services, homemaking and other services, these programs are a less costly alternative to long-term care or hospital care.
To arrange an interview and more information please contact:
Janice Bedore
Executive Assistant
416-256-3010
1-800-267-6272, ext. 224
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OCSA has partnered with Cowan Benefits™ as our preferred group benefits partner to help member organizations explore flexible, sustainable employee benefits solutions tailored to the community support and not-for-profit sectors. As the OASSIS program transitions, Cowan will provide OCSA members with expert guidance, dedicated support and flexible group benefits options designed to balance affordability, stability and employee wellbeing. Whether organizations are looking for comparable coverage, greater flexibility or a longer-term benefits strategy, Cowan will work with them to identify solutions that meet their needs and support a smooth transition.
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