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

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