York Region, ON – March 31, 2026 

CHATS – Community & Home Assistance to Seniors applauds the Ontario Government’s continued investment in home and community care as an important signal of progress, while emphasizing the need for sustained and targeted funding for home and community-based supports. 

The province’s broader commitment to community care reflects a growing recognition of the community support services sector as essential health system infrastructure. However, for organizations like CHATS, demand for services continues to rise significantly as more older adults remain at home longer, often with increasingly complex needs. 

CHATS delivers a wide range of home and community care services that enable seniors to live safely and independently at home. This includes programs such as Meals on Wheels, which ensures access to nutritious food; Home at Last, which supports safe transitions from hospital to home; Adult Day Programs that provide social, cognitive, and respite supports; and in-home personal support, caregiver relief, and transportation services that help individuals remain connected to their communities. 

“Across York Region and South Simcoe, we are seeing more seniors relying on community-based supports to live safely and independently at home,” said Christina Bisanz, Chief Executive Officer of CHATS. “While it is encouraging to see continued investment in home and community care, the reality is that demand for community services is growing faster than available resources. Without stable and sustained funding for these supports, pressure will continue to impact the clients and caregivers who depend on us every day.” 

The Ontario Community Support Association has also recognized the budget as a step forward for the sector, while noting that further investment is needed to fully meet growing demand. 

“At a time when our health system is under increasing pressure, this level of investment signals that government is listening,” said Lori Holloway, Chief Executive Officer of OCSA. “While this funding does not yet meet the full needs of the sector, it represents meaningful progress and a strong foundation to build on.” 

Despite this progress, workforce shortages, rising operating costs, and increasing service complexity continue to place significant strain on community-based organizations. At the same time, opportunities exist to further strengthen the system through expanded community-based models, enhanced integration with primary care, and continued investment in caregiver supports. 

“Seniors have played an essential role in building our community now require places and services that allow them to continue to grow and thrive as well expand their horizons. CHATS helps them through their many services to enable them to reach those goals and to continue to serve their community,” said Grant Waddell, Chair Advisory Board Newmarket Seniors Meeting Place 

Next Steps 

CHATS will continue to work with provincial partners, including OCSA, the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health and Ontario Health Teams, to ensure that investments in home and community care translate into meaningful, sustainable support for clients and families. Key priorities include: 

· Advocating for stable, predictable funding for community-based services 
· Addressing workforce challenges, including recruitment, retention, and wage parity 
· Expanding innovative care models such as Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) 
· Strengthening integration with primary care and hospital-to-home pathways 

“Community-based care is a critical part of the solution to Ontario’s health system challenges,” said Bisanz. “With the right investment and partnership, we can ensure more people are able to live well at home, while reducing pressure on hospitals and long-term care.” 

Media Inquiries

Please contact:

Kelly Broome, Vice President, Philanthropy & Communications, CHATS-Community & Home Assistance to Seniors

Phone: (905) 717-9003

Email: kbroome@chats.on.ca