Association Highlights

In 2016/2017, Home Care Ontario:

• Provided vital statistical and qualitative information about home care in Ontario to support organizational intelligence.
• Advocated for funding and expansion of home care - both government funded and privately purchased and provided Ontarians with easy access to Home Care Ontario members.
• Provided public comment on policy and legislation impacting home care through media releases, responding to media queries, position statements, presentations and review of documents.
• Represented members at political events, consultations and conferences and maintained regular contact with key MPPs of all parties to inform about the importance of publicly funded and privately purchased home care in Ontario.
• Educated the public and other stakeholders about the role and value of the Association members through briefing notes, position statements, media releases; our website; Twitter; and electronic newsletter – House Calls.
• Advocated for the private purchase of home care services through association members and met with provincial associations and MPPs to educate on the importance of directing consumers to reputable Home Care Providers.
• Provided summary and analysis of provincial budget, Bill 41 and other government legislation and actions, LHIN funding decisions, political activities.
• Presented the home care perspective to government through briefing notes and in person presentations on policy changes and province-wide issues such as: the annual budget, Ministry of Labour Changing Workplace Review, the Special Needs Strategy, Patients First Strategy and Patients First Act, 2016.
• Advocated for the unique role of the Home Care Provider.
• Represented home care provider perspective on the Health Accord Funding to Hon. Jane Philpott, Federal Minister of Health.
• Worked to leverage the PSW Stabilization policy to provider and PSW benefit.
• Provided leadership by supporting the work of Health Quality Ontario including the analysis of the home care sector and speaking at the Health Transformation event.
• Engaged with LHINs providing the perspective of Home Care Providers and facilitating new working relationships.
• Member of the Ontario Caregiver Coalition advancing support for families with extraordinary caregiving responsibilities. 
• Issued a paper on the requirements for an integrated technology solution that makes it easier for patients and their families to receive care at home.
• Represented sector on MOHLTC Drug Stakeholder updates, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
• Released a paper on Ontario’s Dementia Strategy and the needs to support patients at home.
• Provided support and guidance on several research initiatives specific to home care.
• Hosted member webcasts to provide information & education on human resource issues, leading practices, accreditation, privacy legislation impacting home care & research in home care.
• Monitored and supported national and provincial research relevant to home care.
• Worked with the Home Care Ontario-OCSA Nursing Practice Council and the Joint Practice Nursing Council (JPNC) to ensure home care response to issues and representation on nursing initiatives.
• Worked with the Home Care Ontario Therapy & Rehabilitation Practice Council to advance the practice of therapy within the home care sector.
• Maintained relationships with cross-sectoral partners including LHINs, CCACs and provincial associations such as OCFP, OHA, CHCA, OCSA, OPSWA, PSNO, OMA, ORCA, OLTCA
• Hosted a Symposium, Patient Engagement: A Fine Balance.
• Conducted member and public polls to support provincial advocacy and media outreach.

… and much more!