For Immediate Release
Community Support Services benefit all Ontarians
October is Community Support Month
TORONTO, October 1, 2015–Each year, nearly a million seniors and people with disabilities usethe services offered by Ontario’s community support service (CSS) providers – and that demand is growing. Even if you’ve never heard of these unsung heroes of the health care system, you’ve benefited from their work.
October is Community Support month, and OCSA encourages all Ontarians to get to know, donate, volunteer and raise their voices in support of the not-for-profit CSS providers in their local areas.They offer a wide variety of services which help people live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.These services includeattendant care, adult day programs, Meals on Wheels, respite for family caregivers,personal care and home support, transportation to medical appointments, and supportive housing programs (to name just a few!).
Individuals prefer to receive support in the comfort of their own homes and communities, not in hospitals and institutions. By meeting this need,CSS providers improve the quality of life of clients and their families – and they also create significant cost-savings to Ontario’s health system, freeing up desperately needed funds and hospital beds. They are a crucial part of building the strong, sustainable health care system we will all need in the future.And they deliver these vital services with extremely limited budgets, often depending on donations and dedicated volunteers.
“I encourage all Ontarians to take a few moments to learn about the home and community support services available in their communities,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association. “The staff and volunteers of these organizations supporta vast range of individuals in our communities – including some of our most vulnerable citizens. This month is an excellent opportunity to give them a little extra support in return.”
There are many different types of community support services. Here are specific celebration dates set aside for each type:
October 4 – 10 / Meals on Wheels WeekOctober 7 / Congregate Dining Day
October 11 – 17 / Adult Day Program Week
October 14 / Client Intervention and Assistance (CIA) Day
October 18 – 24 / Supportive Housing Week
October 21 / Attendant Services Day
October 23 / Transportation Day
October 26 / Respite Services Day
October 27 / Friendly Visiting/Telephone Reassurance Day
October 28 / Hospice Services Day
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About OCSA
The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is the voice of the home and community support sector. Across the province each year, more than a million people receive home care and community support services such as in-home nursing, therapy and personal support, Meals on Wheels®, adult/Alzheimer day programs, transportation to medical appointments, respite for family caregivers, supportive housing and attendant services for persons with disabilities. These services are important, cost-effective measures that prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization.
More information can be found at or at #OurCommunitySupport.
Interviews are available with Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. To arrange an interview or for more information, please contact:
David Hughes
Director, Membership Development
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 x- 246