Across Ontario and Canada, the demand for home care is rising rapidly—and so is the need for qualified practitioners. With Canada’s senior population set to double over the next 20 years, the question isn’t if we need more caregivers—it’s how we’re going to support them.

The Numbers Behind the Shortage

• • By 2031, nearly 25% of Canadians will be over 65.
  • Ontario alone will need tens of thousands of new PSWs, RPNs, and RNs to meet the demand for home and community care.
  • Current turnover rates are high: over 40% of PSWs leave the sector each year, often citing burnout, low wages, and unpredictable hours.
  • According to Health Canada, 1 in 3 nurses are considering leaving the profession due to workload and stress.

Why Practitioners Matter

Practitioners are the backbone of home care. They provide not just medical assistance, but also emotional support, companionship, and dignity. When they thrive, seniors thrive.

• • PSWs support with daily living, mobility, and personal care.
  • RPNs bring clinical expertise, administering medications and monitoring health.
  • RNs coordinate complex care needs and assessments.

Together, they form the frontline of keeping seniors safe and independent at home.

Barriers Practitioners Face

• • Limited Flexibility: Many caregivers have little control over schedules, leading to exhaustion.
  • Financial Strain: Wages don’t always reflect the critical importance of the work.
  • Recognition Gap: Too often, caregivers feel unseen despite being essential to the healthcare system.

A Better Path Forward

To meet the growing demand, the system must change:

• • Flexible Work Models: Give practitioners more choice in schedules and clients.
  • Fair Pay: Compensate caregivers in line with their impact.
  • Professional Development: Provide opportunities for upskilling and career growth.
  • Support Networks: Create systems that reduce burnout and value emotional well-being.

Looking Ahead

Home care is only as strong as the people providing it. With demand climbing each year, investing in practitioners isn’t optional—it’s essential. By building a model that values their time, skills, and humanity, we can create a future where seniors receive the care they deserve and practitioners feel proud of the work they do.