Vulnerable Ontarians set to receive nearly 1 million fewer hours of care due to service cuts

Survey shows significant service reductions across the province without urgent investment in community support services

ONTARIO, February, 2023 - Vulnerable Ontarians are at risk of losing access to critical services like Meals on Wheels, transportation to medical care, and assisted living programs, due to impending service cuts. This is according to a recent survey conducted by the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA).

Results show that without urgent investment, there would be a drastic 27% reduction in the volume of services provided by Community Support Service organizations, including independent living organizations, across the province. This equates to over 870,000 hours of community-based care such as respite, personal support and homemaking services not being delivered to clients, over half a million meals not being delivered to those in need, and over 200,000 fewer rides being given to clients for critical medical appointments. These cuts will mean less visits and increased and increased isolation, leading to faster deconditioning for those living at home, greater caregiver burnout rates and possible earlier admissions to long-term care. This will have a devastating impact on thousands of Ontarians who depend on these services daily.

OCSA represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services to more than one million Ontarians. OCSA members care for clients of all ages and backgrounds, including those with mild needs and those who require acute, complex care.

“Our members play an integral role in virtually every community across the province,” says Deborah Simon, OCSA CEO. “The threat of reductions in service and increased waitlists essentially means that many Ontarians will no longer have access to the care they need. We are calling on the province to address the situation as a matter of urgency and ensure that these services receive adequate funding in order to combat the impacts of inflation and increased operational costs.”

OCSA underscores the benefits of the home and community care sector and outlines the level of investment needed in its 2023 pre-budget submission titled, Putting People First with Home and Community Care. Ontarians are invited to visit the OCSA website to learn more and take action.

“If nothing is done, this situation has real and harmful consequences for many Ontarians,” adds Simon. “Clients and caregivers across the province are in danger of being without a critical service or having to be placed on an extended waitlist.”

About OCSA

The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents over 220 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:

Karla Sealy (she/her)

Manager of Communications

416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext. 242

karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca

More Updates

OCSA releases new policy paper: Transforming Seniors’ Care—A Roadmap for Creating Healthy Ageing Community Hubs in Ontario

By Davina Yawson • June 13, 2025

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Lori Holloway Appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Community Support Association

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

Celebrating PSW Day 2025

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.