Ontario Community Support Association - Need a Source?

TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - The release of Public Services for Ontarians: A Path to Sustainability and Excellence contains a number of recommendations pertaining to the delivery of home and community care services for Ontarians.

Home and community care is a critical part of the solution to managing the province's complex health care and fiscal challenges and meeting the needs of an aging population. Delivered by dedicated health care professionals, personal support workers and more than 100,000 volunteers in non-profit home care and community agencies, services such as home care, transportation to appointments, meal preparation, light housekeeping and facilitated community events help keep Ontarians healthy and at home, rather than in hospitals or long-term care facilities. These services are also a far more cost effective public expenditure than institutionalized centres of care.

Available for interview:

Susan Thorning, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association is available for interview to discuss the critical role of the home and community support in the province's health system and what the report's recommendations mean for the sector and Ontarians

Lori Holloway, Director of the Personal Support Network of Ontario is available for interview to discuss the role Personal Support Workers play in health care and what the report's recommendations mean for the evolution of care.

About the 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, 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 www.ocsa.on.ca.

About PSNO
The Personal Support Network of Ontario (PSNO) is the voice of Personal Support Professionals in Ontario. Founded in 2006, PSNO has grown to 3600 members.  We strive to help personal support professionals carry out their work more effectively by offering access to information, resources and tools as well as providing opportunities to connect with a network of professionals in the field.  PSNO's vision is to build a strong, cooperative personal support service sector where providers, managers, trainers and employees are equal contributors to strengthening the profession. More information can be found at www.psno.ca.

To arrange an interview or for more information please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Principal
Empower Consulting
416-996-0767/ [email protected]