News

The month of October brings an opportunity to highlight the tremendous contributions of professionals in the home and community care sector.

In Nova Scotia, October is Continuing Care Month, spotlighting the continuing care sector and the dedicated professionals and volunteers who support Nova Scotians in their homes and communities. The Government of Nova Scotia has increasingly recognized the vital role of this workforce, including continuing care assistants (CCAs), who provide personal, compassionate support to people in home care and long-term care settings across the province.

Those who work and volunteer in continuing care make a profound difference in the lives of people of all ages who need support in their homes and communities. They go above and beyond every day to meet the unique needs of their clients while ensuring the highest quality of care.

In Ontario, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) marks October as  Community Support Month. During this celebratory month, the OCSA holds its annual gathering, CommunityConnect 2026, bringing together over 400 professionals from the home and community care sector and across health care.

The conference theme, "Community First: Redesigning Health Care at Home," explores how the sector can respond to funding pressures, workforce challenges, system transformation and growing demand by strengthening community-based care. With dynamic speakers, practical sessions, and space for collaboration, the focus is on leveraging community-based care to create a healthier, more sustainable system.

For VON, October is a chance to say thank you. Every day, across both provinces, our teams and volunteers show up for their clients and communities — preparing and delivering Meals on Wheels, offering personal support, sitting with someone in palliative care, or simply being a friendly and familiar presence. This month, we celebrate the compassion and dedication they bring to that work, and the difference it makes in so many lives.