Ontarians Want More Investment in Home and Community Care, New Poll Finds

Voter support strongly linked to party policies on Home and Community Care

ONTARIO, Feb. 24, 2025 - A new public opinion survey reveals that Ontarians almost universally support increased investment in home and community care, reinforcing the urgent need for provincial candidates to prioritize these services in the upcoming Ontario election.

The survey, completed by Probe Research/JS Insights for the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA), found that 97% of respondents believe it is very important or important for the Ontario government to continue investing in home and community care to help seniors and people with disabilities live independently. Additionally, a strong majority indicated that a candidate's commitment to strengthening these services will influence their vote.

"Home and Community Care is essential for all Ontarians," said Deborah Simon, CEO at OCSA. "Whether it's supporting an aging parent, assisting a loved one recovering from surgery, or caring for a child with complex needs, these services impact everyone. The message from voters is clear: Ontarians want a health system that prioritizes home and community care, and they will cast their ballots accordingly. With an aging population and rising healthcare demands, people expect their government to support cost-effective, patient-centered care that allows individuals to remain in their homes and communities."

Key findings from the survey include:

Almost 100% of Ontarians (97%) say it is very important for the government to continue investing in home and community care.
2 in 3 voters say a party's stance on home and community care will strongly or somewhat influence their vote.
88% of respondents believe that increasing funding for home and community care will reduce the number of people using hospitals and long-term care homes.
Almost 9 in 10 Ontarians (88%) believe the government should increase wages for home and community care workers to match those in hospitals.

The results show strong support for OCSA's two key election campaign pledges – expanding services and closing the wage gap. As part of this campaign, OCSA urges Ontarians to ask candidates about their commitment to home and community care and to support policies that strengthen these essential services. The campaign, outlined at www.ocsa.on.ca/ontario-election-2025, emphasizes that everyone needs home and community care and that investing in the sector is a cost-effective way to support the province's most vulnerable populations while reducing pressure on hospitals and long-term care facilities.

"With the election a few days away, we call on all candidates to recognize the public's overwhelming support for home and community care and commit to concrete action," added Deborah Simon. "Ontarians will vote for home and community care, and they expect leadership that will deliver the care where people want it most – at home and in their community."

For more information, visit www.ocsa.on.ca

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

More Updates

OCSA Welcomes Ontario Budget Investment in Home and Community Care

By Karla Sealy • March 27, 2026

Ontario, March 27, 2026 — The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) welcomes the Ontario government’s continued investment in home care and community support services as part of the 2026 provincial budget. Building on recent commitments, this investment signals a sustained shift toward strengthening care in the home and community as a central pillar of Ontario’s health system. As demand continues to grow—driven by an aging population, increasing caregiver strain, and sustained pressure across hospitals and long-term care—expanding access to care outside of institutions is critical to improving system flow and long term sustainability. “We are listening closely to what Ontarians are telling us—and so is the government,” said Lori Holloway, CEO of OCSA. “People want to receive care at home and in their communities, surrounded by the people and supports that matter most. This investment reflects that reality and moves us further toward a system designed around where people actually want and need care.” Home care and community support services each play distinct but complementary roles. Home care provides essential clinical and personal care in the home, while community support services focus on prevention, independence, and quality of life through programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day programs, and caregiver respite. Together, they form the foundation of a modern, community-based care system that helps people remain at home longer while reducing avoidable hospital use and delaying or preventing long-term care placement. This level of sustained investment has the potential to significantly expand access to care at home, strengthen community capacity, and improve outcomes for individuals and families across the province—while supporting a more balanced and sustainable health system overall. OCSA is committed to working with government and system partners to ensure these investments translate into real improvements in access, stronger community supports, and measurable impact for Ontarians. About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association represents more than 200 not-for-profit organizations providing home care and community support services across the province. OCSA members deliver essential services that help people live independently, age at home, and reduce pressure on hospitals and long-term care. 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

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By Davina Yawson • February 13, 2026

Ontario relies on community health workers every day to treat illness, support mental health, provide care at home, help people live independently, and keep families well, and in many cases, they provide this care 24/7. They care for people of all ages and backgrounds, often with highly complex needs, and they are essential to achieving a sustainable and high performing healthcare system. Closing the wage gap is not simply about fairness; it is about protecting access to care, reducing system pressure, and ensuring Ontario ’ s healthcare investments deliver maximum impact. The ten provincial community health associations are committed to working collaboratively with the government to build a stable, sustainable community health workforce, which supports a stable and sustainable healthcare system, a goal we all share.