OCSA Statement on Patient Ombudsman Report

OCSA statement on Patient Ombudsman Report

DOWNLOAD STATEMENT HERE
TORONTO, August 25, 2021 — On August 23, 2021, the Patient Ombudsman released a Special Report on the COVID-19 pandemic. Once again, the report highlighted that home and community care is the safest place to receive care. 

The report cited that each year, approximately 800,000 people receive home and community care through Ontario’s Home and Community Care Support Services organizations and referenced a sector survey that 93% of respondents felt safe to receive home care from their home health care provider during the pandemic.

Since the pandemic began, the home and community care sector has helped keep vulnerable Ontarians safe at home. The sector has pivoted to virtual care, when appropriate and ensured strong Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures to protect workers and clients. This has resulted in our sector having the lowest rates of virus transmission in the health care system.

The report, however, does highlight areas of improvement for infection prevention and control measures and the consequences of high staff attrition rate in the sector. The COVID-19 related complaints to the Patient Ombudsman were most frequently about lack of access to adequate and consistent levels of care that was often related to worker shortages, primarily personal support workers (PSWs).

Staffing in home and community care is in crisis. Front-line staff including PSWs in home and community care are the lowest paid in the health system. This has led many to leave their jobs in home and community care in order to work in other health sectors that are better compensated, creating devastating staff shortages. Home and community care workers need immediate wage parity with other health sectors in order to enable them to keep vulnerable Ontarians receiving care at home safe. 
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 http://www.ocsa.on.ca and https://twitter.com/OCSAtweets.

To arrange an interview and more information please contact:
Eric Mariglia
Manager of Policy, Government and Stakeholder Relations 
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 ext. 227
eric.mariglia@ocsa.on.ca 

Share

More Updates

By Karla Sealy May 30, 2025
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
By Karla Sealy May 21, 2025
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.
We sent an email because everyone needs home and community care.
By Karla Sealy April 30, 2025
Against the backdrop of uncertain times, Ontarians need and want more access to these services 
More Posts