Seniors overwhelmingly want to receive health care support at home during COVID-19
OCSA’s 2021 pre-budget submission offers cost-effective solutions to make that happen
DOWNLOAD PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION HERE
DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE HERE
TORONTO, JANUARY 29, 2021 – Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) and the home and community care service providers we represent know that in an increasingly overstretched health system, our sector remains a safe and cost-effective place to treat people. Close to 8,000 Ontarians could have been kept at home, safer from COVID-19, with the right supports in place; a possible health system savings of almost $238 million. Our pre-budget submission
highlights the fact that vulnerable Ontarians want and need to receive care at home and in their communities and that a strategic investment of $595 million could allow our sector to relieve pressure from the rest of the health system.
Currently, around 38,000 people are on a waitlist for long-term care; a list that only keeps growing at a rapid rate due to Ontario’s ageing population. Costly and unnecessary long-term care can be avoided when the home and community care sector is funded appropriately. However, the sector’s solutions face a serious issue; frontline care workers are in short supply and lower compensation threatens to make an already precarious situation even worse. Closing the current wage gap is key to ensuring that people can be supported properly and move through the health care system efficiently.
As stated in our Pre-Budget Submission
released today, OCSA believes that the government should invest $595 million in three priority areas by:
1. Taking a home first approach as the primary priority of the health system by investing $350 million in home and community care organizations and services.
2. Achieving wage and job condition parity for staff across health sectors by infusing $235 million into the salaries of key front-line staff.
3. Ensuring the sector plays a main role in the province’s digital care strategy by doubling this year’s sector investment to $10 million in digital and virtual care.
“Vulnerable Ontarians deserve to live safely in their homes and communities, just like everyone else,” said Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. “Living at home and in one’s community is also the most-desirable and least-expensive place to receive care. The home and community care sector can help keep people safe when funded appropriately. However, investments for frontline workers, like PSWs and nurses, need to be prioritized in order to relieve pressure on long-term care homes and free up much-needed resources.”
For more information, please see our pre-budget submission here. Follow #safeathome2021 on social media.
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About OCSA
The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 230 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services to over one million Ontarians. Our members help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These proactive 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 or @OCSATweets.
Interviews are available with Deborah Simon, CEO, OCSA. For more information please contact:
Michele Vantrepote
Communications Manager
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 x 242
michele.vantrepote@ocsa.on.ca
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More Updates
With Ontario’s senior population expected to nearly double by 2046, the need for coordinated, community-based care has never been more urgent. OCSA’s latest policy paper outlines a practical roadmap for scaling Healthy Ageing Community Hubs—integrated models that deliver health, social, and housing supports to help older adults age safely at home. The paper identifies six key policy recommendations: integrated and flexible funding, expansion of existing models, streamlined regulation, digital health integration, empowered local leadership, and province-wide service mapping. These hubs are already demonstrating improved outcomes—from reduced hospital use to higher client satisfaction—but scaling them requires system-level action. This paper is a call to policymakers, health system leaders, and community organizations to build on what works.
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
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.
