Ontario Community Support Association
180 Dundas Street West, Suite 1400-B M5G 1Z8 Toronto, ON, Canada

OCSA calls on the Ontario government to make the temporary wage enhancements for #PSWs permanent at the very least. Sign here: https://change.org/PSWWageEquality PSWs in home and community care are the lowest paid in the healthcare system and do the hidden work of keeping the most vulnerable safe at home! They deserve to have an equal wage comparable to their counterparts in long-term care and hospitals. Sign the petition now to support #PSWWageEquality ... #onhealth #onpoli #personalsupportworker

OCSA and our member agencies appreciate the invaluable contributions made by nurses all year round and today during #NursesWeek2021. Home care nurses have been giving their all through compassion, hard work, and heart to help guide us through this pandemic. Nurses in home care deserve to be paid as much as their colleagues in other settings in the health sector. #NursesWeek

ICYMI: Here's our April Bulletin that gives you the scoop on what's happening in the home and community care sector: https://mailchi.mp/ocsa/april2021 You can sign up here: http://eepurl.com/gDe6iv... #onhealth #onpoli #homecare #communitycare

Seniors and people living with disabilities deserve to live safely at home, where they want to be, but they need adequate home and community support services to be available. Our not-for-profit agencies need proper funding and support from government to continue help vulnerable Ontarians now. Please read and share this article if you agree: ... https://www.cbc.ca//ontario-budget-2021-groups-wanted-more #homecare #communitycare #onpoli #onhealth

Yesterday, the Ontario Government released their 2021 Budget that leaves vulnerable Ontarians behind, while they wait years for institutions to be built. Seniors and people living with disabilities need increased home and community support services now to remain safely at home, particularly during COVID-19. Here is our full statement on the matter: https://www.ocsa.on.ca/vulnerable-ontarians-left-to-fend-fo ... #ONBudget2021 #ONBudget #COVID19 #homecare #communitycare

Today, is the 1 year anniversary since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared #COVID19 a global pandemic. We are honouring the memory of health care workers that died from COVID-19 and reflecting on the hope that lies ahead tonight at 7 p.m. Read more here: https://rnao.ca//health-organizations-ask-everyone-mark-on #Candle4COVID #TogetherWeCanDoIt

Municipalities and organizations can receive up to $60k for projects that foster community involvement for seniors and people of all abilities through the Inclu...sive Community Grant. Priority will be given to innovative projects that support the inclusion of seniors and/or people of all abilities while still adhering to public health protocols: http://ontario.ca/d4b1 Ontario Government | Ontario Community and Social Services | Ontario Ministry of Health | Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care Ontario Community Support Association | OACAO | McMaster Optimal Aging Portal | EverythingZoomer | CCRW | Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) | Discover Ability Network | Canadian Hearing Services | CNIB Foundation | Spinal Cord Injury Ontario | AccessNow | Abilities Centre | Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Are you considering applying for an Inclusive Community Grant? Anyone applying for a grant from the Government of Ontario needs to register for a Transfer Payme...nt Ontario (TPON) account online BEFORE you can submit your application to the ministry. The forms online are fully accessible, and once you’re on the system, you can apply to other grant programs as well. You should set aside at least a few days to complete the registration process and to input all the required documentation in support of your application. To register you will need: Your Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (CRA BN), if you have one. The legal name of your organization that’s printed on official documents (for example, articles of incorporation or registered business applications) The operating name of your organization (your business name commonly used by your clients) Contact information for at least two contacts within the organization, including one senior contact with signing authority (for example, someone with signing authority such as a director, controller or CEO) Learn more about this process and avoid any last-minute delays or issues: www.Ontario.ca/GetFunding Transfer Payment Ontario’s client care is available from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., if you need additional support. They can be reached at: Telephone: 416-325-6691 Toll-free: 1-855-216-3090 TTY: 416-325-3408 Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095 Email: [email protected] Ontario Government | Rural Ontario Institute | Ontario Ministry of Health | Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care | Ontario Community and Social Services | McMaster Optimal Aging Portal | Ontario Community Support Association | OACAO

Applications are now being accepted for Ontario’s Inclusive Community Grants, which offer up to $60,000 in funding. These grants help promote physical & social ...infrastructure that grows with our population: http://ontario.ca/d4b1 #Seniors #StaySafe #StayConnected Ontario Government | Ontario Ministry of Health | Ontario Community Support Association | Ontario Community and Social Services | Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care | OACAO | McMaster Optimal Aging Portal | Access 2 Accessibility | Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) | Abilities Centre | EverythingZoomer

In support of Ontario Community Support Association's #CommunitySupportMonth, our story today honours #HospicePalliativeCareServicesDay. #IRemember Mom My Mom w...as 54 when she was diagnosed with end-stage lung cancer. There will never be accurate words to describe the devastation this diagnosis brought to our family. How does someone who didn’t smoke, ate a healthy diet, rarely-if-ever drank, and barely suffered the common cold, end up with this diagnosis? We were all confounded but Mom put her faith and fate in the hands of medical professionals, and eventually me. For two years, through intermittent yet intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, you’d be hard-pressed to know Mom actually had cancer. Even after she lost her hair, she remained the picture of grace, humour, and kindness. Never letting a day go by without living it with joy, despite her diagnosis. It was the following six months that revealed a different and very difficult reality to navigate. In early 2006 Mom went from a relative picture-of-health to devastating decline in what seemed like minutes. And even though we all knew this was probably where we’d end up, we really couldn’t know the scope of care and community we’d need to make sure Mom lived out her remaining days in dignity. Mom was accepting, Dad and I not so much. As Mom’s needs became more acute and hospital care required, we were moved to continuing care - where we stayed for nearly three months. As many of these stories go, so many details were lived in these short and yet somehow very long months. I knew Mom didn’t want to die in a clinical environment. Dad and I didn’t want her there either, but what could we do? The decision to bring Mom home was not an easy one. Culturally we take care of our loved ones at home during end-of-life times, but practically it gets complicated. My big concern was ensuring that I could take care of her in a safe, peaceful environment, where she wouldn’t be in pain. That was my biggest fear that Mom would be in pain at home and there was nothing I could do to alleviate her suffering. Ultimately, it was a quick decision because we wanted what Mom wanted: for her to be at home surrounded by people she knew, loved, and who loved her equally in return. This is when the hospice palliative care network of community supports came in to help us navigate a complex system of healthcare. Of course, at the time we really didn’t understand that what we were living and doing was called hospice care" because we weren’t in a hospice residence. For us we were just doing what we felt was right for Mom and what was natural culturally by having her die at home. To this day Dad and I are eternally grateful for the community supports we had for Mom and for us as caregivers. The hospice network of palliative care doctors, nurse navigators, PSWs, pharmacists, and trained volunteers who were never intrusive but available for support when we needed them in our hardest days there are no accurate words to describe the gratitude we still feel towards them all more than 14 years later. Dying Matters #communityhospicecarematters #imissmymom #daughter #advocate #caregiver #protectorofmomsdignityandcare #compassion #care #dignityinlifeanddeath #hospiceathome #hospice #dyingmatters #communitymatters #DurhamRegion

SECC's Security Check program provides regular check-ins to seniors by friendly volunteers from the comfort of their own home! These call helps to combat feelin...gs of loneliness and isolation, bringing joy to local seniors. We are currently looking for security check volunteers, if you are interested in finding out more about how to register as a client or volunteer give us a call at 519-326-8629. Ontario Community Support Association #CSM2020 See more

Stay up to date on all things happening in the Home and Community care sector by reading our online newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/ocsa/november2020 If you're not already signed up, just click "Subscribe" in the top left corner, so you don't miss out! #onhealth #onpoli #homeandcommunitycare #OCSA #homecare #communitycare

Today is Transportation Services Day during #CSM2020 Did you know that we provide fully accessible transportation to enable our clients to attend medical appoin...tments, social activities, day programs, planned special events, and manage their daily errands? For more information contact 705-656-4589 or visit www.commcareptbo.org Ontario Community Support Association

With the Ontario budget around the corner OCSA is sharing our open letter to Premier Ford on Budget 2020 Priorities for the Home and Community Care Sector: https://www.ocsa.on.ca/open-letter-on-budget-2020-prioritie #COVID19 has shown us that seniors are safer at home. We have outlined four key recommendations that when fully supported, would allow our sector to help keep seniors and other vulnerable Ontarians healthy and safe. They are: - Annualize recent investments - Crea...te wage parity - Expand assisted living - Fund infrastructure for home and community support organizations Like and share if you agree! #onhealth #CSM2020 #onpoli

Hospice Toronto on meal delivery in COVID: If in one small way we can feed people emotionally or physically -- its been a gift. Read more here https://www.ocsa.on.ca/hospice-toronto-meal-delivery-feeds- #OnHealth #covidontario #OntarioCommunitySupport

An incredible example of the courage required to lead through times of change. Read the full article to see how CEO Steve Perry stepped up to make tough decisions for Carefor Health & Community Services during the pandemic. #StartALeaderShift #OntarioCommunitySupport #ONhealth... https://bit.ly/2PNMrEg

Read how volunteers in our sector are still donning PPE to ensure most vulnerable get meals, medicines delivered to stay safe at home. The seniors need our help. #OnHealth #OntarioCommunitySupport #WeStandTogetherApart https://www.ocsa.on.ca/stepping-up-in-times-of-crisis... Meals on Wheels/La Popote roulante (Ottawa) Villa Charities Huron & Area Search & Rescue - HASAR ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services Jewish Family Services of Ottawa

Were focused on making sure everyone has what they need during this challenging time. Weve partnered with the Ontario Community Support Association to expand ...existing programs to get essentials to low-income seniors and those with disabilities and chronic medical conditions. https://bit.ly/2VsaFHy

We're happy to be partnering with the Government of Ontario to make it easier for Ontario's most vulnerable people to receive the meals, medicine, and other essentials they need to stay safe at home. Check out http://ontariocommunitysupport.ca

March 19th, 2020 (9 am) We are still functioning and supporting our communities during this challenging time. In consultation with Peterborough Public Health,... we are continuing to operate essential programs for clients who are the most vulnerable during this challenging time. Although our program offices are closed to the public and many of our staff members are working remotely, our team is continuing to work with volunteers to deliver essential services like #MealsonWheels. We are monitoring all in-coming phone calls and able to respond to service requests. Our Meals on Wheels volunteers have been practicing all pre-cautions, washing hands and social distancing as they are picking up their delivery bags and during their deliveries. In our hot meals programs, we have recommended to clients that they consider stocking up with a few extra frozen meals in the event that we have any kitchen closure notices. Our telephone friendly visiting list has expanded so that we can stay in contact with clients during this period. As the situation continues to evolve we will continue to communicate to you any changes or updates. For more information call (705)742-7067 or visit www.commcareptbo.org Ontario Community Support Association

If you want to live well & safely in your own home or community for as long as possible, then tell your MPP that in Budget 2020 we need to invest in home & community care #careathome2020 #onhealth #onpoli #hallwayhealthcare http://www.ocsa.on.ca//9899852/ocsa_2020_pre-budget_submis

Only ONE day left to nominate an extraordinary unpaid caregiver for our Heart of Home Care Awards! Do you know a caregiver that goes above and beyond to provide a loved one with the support needed to live at home with more independence? Give them a chance to win a special day out and $1000. Nominate at https://www.vha.ca/hohc/

Capacity Builders, a division of the Ontario Community Support Association, is seeking health/human service practitioners skilled in communication and problem solving with clients to conduct workshops focused on the needs of front-line caregivers (generally Personal Support Workers). We are especially interested in individuals who have direct experience working with people with the following: o Mental Health Issues o Dementia... Sessions are usually three to six-hours in length and are delivered on-site at community agencies. We are seeking providers in all parts of the province as well as those who are interested in travelling within Ontario. The work is casual/part time and those who join our team do so as independent contractors. Frequency varies, with our busiest season being January March in each year. Capacity Builders offers a competitive per diem and covers all associated travel costs. For more information, and to submit an application, please visit http://www.capacitybuilders.ca/pswinstructors.html We thank all applicants for their interest, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Happy holidays everyone!

October is Community Support Month and OCSA is celebrating its almost 240 member organizations that deliver home and community care to Ontarians in need. #InvestInCSS #CSM2019 #EndHallwayMedicine #OHTs

OCSA's September newsletter is out today - click to read all the important updates related to home and community care in Ontario. https://mailchi.mp/ocsa/sept2019ocsabulletin

WEEKEND READ: Find out how the Ontario Community Support Association and the LeaderShift Project helped to break down the barriers of healthcare leadership using the #LEADSFramework #ONHealth #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipMatters #healthcare #CCHLDifferencemaker #weekendread

Dont miss the chance to network with hundreds of senior leaders in home care, independent living and community support services in one spot at the CommunityConnect 2019 Conference. Save $100 per delegate only until July 31 when you register at http://www.ocsaconference.com/register.html Check out our newly released conference schedule on the workshops tab and register today! #OCSA2019 #communitysupport #independentliving #homecare #OHT #OHTs #hallwayhealthcare

Check out our May 2019 OCSA Bulletin to keep up with all things current in home and community care: https://mailchi.mp/ocsa/may2019ocsabulletin Click here to sign up to receive our monthly updates and stay up-to-date on sector news and information: http://eepurl.com/bSgYMv #onhealth #independentliving #homecare #communitycare #endhallwayhealthcare

There are less than 5 weeks left to submit your workshop or poster abstract to CommunityConnect 2019 at http://www.ocsaconference.com/call-for-abstracts-2019.html and showcase your innovative ideas to hundreds of health system and sector senior leaders across the health system! This year's areas of special focus are: Building Coalitions Across the System for Seamless Client Experience Thriving in Disruption through Innovation... Community Governance: Strengthening a Critical Component of our Health System Leading People in Transformational Times Technology: Digital Health Connectivity Dont delay upload your abstract today to make sure your submission is near the top of the pile!

Early-bird registration is officially open for CommunityConnect 2019 - OCSA's annual two-day conference! Save $100 per delegate when you register now at http://www.ocsaconference.com/register.html This year's conference will empower you to take a leading role in collaborating towards a silo-free future in providing a seamless health care experience for Ontarians.... #CommunityConnect2019 will take place on October 23 & 24, in Markham at The Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham Conference Centre. Full conference registration includes all workshops, plenary sessions, social events, conference meals, coffee breaks and our trade show. Don't delay, register today! #onhealth #independentliving #homecare #communitycare #conferences #endhallwayhealthcare #OCSA2019

Our latest issue of our OCSA Bulletin is online! Have you checked it out? We've got all the relevant updates you need on the not-for-profit home care and community care sector all in one place! #homecare #hallwayhealthcare #onhealth #onpoli You can also sign up for our newsletter, so you don't miss out on any updates here: https://ocsa.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe/post

Our July Bulletin is out & today is the last day to register for our CommunityConnect 2018 Conference at member pricing! Be sure to register now, so you're sure to catch an awesome session with info on how to work with the Ford government! #onpoli #onhealth

Thank you to Minister Elliott for a great first meeting! We look forward to working together to strengthen home care and community support services for the benefit of all Ontarians and the entire health system! #onhealth #onpoli

A great prescription by Dr Samir Sinha! "expanding the provision of home and community care can happen far more quickly as it doesnt require much in the way of infrastructure, but rather a reasonably paid and supported workforce." https://www.thestar.com//the-prescription-to-fix-hallway-m #ONHealth #OnElxn #betterathome

Let your local candidates know that home and community care is part of the solution to healthcare. Its time to prioritize it! Here are three recommendations! http://www.ocsa.on.ca//ocsa_better_at_home_priorities_and_ #betterathome #onhealth #onpoli #ONelxn

A big thank you to all of the nurses who enable Ontarians to live independently in their own homes and communities. Join us in celebrating all of their hard work and dedication. #nursingweek

Immerse yourself in an environment of innovation, discovery and leading-edge thinking at #CommunityConnect 2018 OCSA's annual conference Oct 17 & 18 in Markham! Registration is open: www.ocsaconference.com/register.html Early bird members save $100! #onhealth

We know that home and community care is part of the solution to the sustainability of the healthcare system. Its time to prioritize it! With the election fast approaching here are our three recommendations: 1) Increase and improve services to meet growing client need. Ontarios clients and caregivers deserve to receive the right amount of care to meet their needs, regardless of their postal code or care setting. 2) Stabilize and strengthen the home and community care workfor...ce. We believe that improved employee health, security, and satisfaction leads to a higher quality of care for clients. 3)Strengthen not-for-profit community agencies. The delivery of these valuable services by not-for-profit organizations is the key to the sustainability of the health system. You can read our Provincial Election Priorities and Recommendation Report here: http://www.ocsa.on.ca//ocsa_better_at_home_priorities_and_ #betterathome

Join OCSA's one-hour webinar @ 11:30 a.m., April 10. Lawyer Karima Kanani will present on how to mitigate risk and take full advantage of the governments Multi Sector Service Accountability Agreement #M_SAA. Kanani, who leads corporate commercial practice in the Toronto Health Industry Group at Miller Thomson LLP, will cover: 1. Review of continuing obligations under the M-SAA; 2. Discussion of approaches to risk management and mitigation; and 3. Introduction of ...tools and processes to support a compliance management program. It's free! Already, 95 have signed up. https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/3424114893974178049 See more

#MakingADifference - Ryan enjoys helping make dreams come true at Participation House Support Services London and Area, where he enables people like Gord to live more independent lives. It was his dream to ride a horse, said Ryan. Read about the work of OCSA & its members, and about #HomeAndCommunityCare support sector news, in our new #Enable e-magazine. https://mailchi.mp//ocsa-home-community-support-advocacy-c

Globe and Mail health columnist André Picard hosts a discussion on Ontario seniors' future healthcare needs with representatives of each major political party. The two-hour April 23 event in Toronto is free! Register before April 16. https://seniorforum2018.squarespace.com/

It's spring & March is running down if youd like to register before fiscal year end for OCSA's informative and innovative #CommunityConnect2018 conference! http://www.ocsaconference.com/registration.html Last year 425 #HomeAndCommunityCare sector stakeholders participated and gave it great reviews.