Summary
Ethics in the City: Supporting Immigrant Caregivers, Seniors, and PSWs Through Toronto’s Age-Friendly Strategy. National Ethics Week reminds us that ethics aren’t confined to policy documents—they live in the everyday decisions made by caregivers, PSWs, and city staff. Toronto’s Seniors Strategy 2.0 is a testament to what’s possible when we listen deeply, act boldly, and center equity in our approach.
Ethics in the City
As November ushers in National Health Ethics Week, it’s a powerful time to reflect on how ethics shape the lives of seniors and those who care for them, especially in urban centers like Toronto. For immigrant caregivers and personal support workers (PSWs), the city’s fast pace, cultural diversity, and aging population present both opportunities and challenges. The Toronto Seniors Strategy 2.0 offers a thoughtful, equity-driven framework that addresses these realities head-on, reminding us that ethical care begins with inclusion, respect, and access. Ethics in the city is a critical topic to explore during this time.
Toronto is home to over 426,000 seniors, a number expected to double by 2041. Many live on low incomes, face housing insecurity, or are non-English speakers. For immigrant caregivers and PSWs, navigating this landscape requires more than clinical skill—it demands cultural sensitivity, ethical awareness, and a deep commitment to community care.
Urban Aging: Complex Needs, Ethical Imperatives
The Seniors Strategy 2.0 recognizes that aging in Toronto is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Seniors from racialized, LGBTQ2S, and newcomer communities often face compounded barriers—systemic discrimination, language isolation, and economic vulnerability. Ethical caregiving in this context means acknowledging these intersecting challenges and advocating for solutions that honor each individual’s dignity.
For immigrant PSWs, many of whom are women from racialized backgrounds, the ethical landscape includes navigating precarious employment, limited access to benefits, and emotionally demanding work. The Strategy calls for better coordination across city services, aiming to reduce the burden on caregivers and improve outcomes for seniors.
ESS Support Services also prides itself on its values, with Enhancing Client and Family-Centered Care being a key priority among the four key priorities outlined in our new strategy plan. This priority considers ethics. We are focused on implementing an equity, diversity, and inclusion framework to promote diversity.
Housing, Health, and Access: Where Ethics Meet Action
One of the Strategy’s most urgent ethical concerns is housing. Nearly 70,000 seniors in Toronto live on low incomes, and many face affordability challenges. The city’s commitment to creating an integrated seniors housing and services entity is a bold step toward ethical reform. By streamlining access to over 40 municipal programs, caregivers and seniors alike can more easily find the support they need—without having to navigate a maze of disconnected systems.
Health care access is another ethical priority. The Strategy highlights that 63% of surveyed seniors identified health services as their top concern, yet many were unaware of existing programs. For immigrant caregivers, this gap in awareness can hinder their ability to advocate effectively for themselves and their families. Ethical care means ensuring that both seniors and PSWs are informed, empowered, and supported.
Language, Culture, and Connection
Toronto’s seniors speak dozens of languages, yet nearly 15% cannot speak English. This linguistic diversity is a beautiful reflection of the city’s multiculturalism—but it also presents ethical challenges. The Strategy emphasizes the need for translated materials, culturally relevant programming, and consultations in multiple languages. For immigrant caregivers, this means being able to communicate with clients in meaningful ways, reducing isolation, and enhancing trust.
Digital literacy programs offered through the Toronto Public Library are another ethical win. These initiatives help seniors stay connected, access services, and engage with their communities—especially important for those experiencing housing insecurity or social isolation.
Mobility and Safety: Ethics on the Move
Transportation is a lifeline for seniors, yet pedestrian safety and accessibility remain top concerns. The Strategy calls for improved sidewalk maintenance, better snow removal, and age-friendly street furniture. For PSWs and caregivers, these changes aren’t just logistical—they’re ethical. Ensuring safe mobility means respecting seniors’ autonomy and reducing risk.
The expansion of Community Paramedicine programs is another ethical innovation. By providing non-emergency care to high-volume 911 callers, the city reduces strain on emergency services while offering seniors personalized support in their homes.
A City That Cares
National Ethics Week reminds us that ethics aren’t confined to policy documents—they live in the everyday decisions made by caregivers, PSWs, and city staff. Furthermore, Toronto’s Seniors Strategy 2.0 is a testament to what’s possible when we listen deeply, act boldly, and center equity in our approach.
For caregivers, seniors, and PSWs, ethical care means more than meeting basic needs—it means fostering connection, honouring culture, and building systems that work for everyone. As we move through this season of reflection, let’s recommit to creating a city where aging is celebrated, caregiving is respected, and no one is left behind.
Sources:
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/93cd-CoT-seniors-strategy2.pdf
Author:
Courtney Gharakhan is a placement student at ESS Support Services, currently completing her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Windsor. She brings valuable experience from her role as an individual counsellor at Yellow Brick House, where she supports women impacted by abuse and violence with empathy and compassion.
Courtney is deeply passionate about empowering vulnerable populations and amplifying the voices of service users. Her approach is rooted in person-centered care, which meets the unique needs and values the experiences of those she serves. She appreciates learning directly from service users and sees their insights as essential to meaningful change. Outside of her professional work, Courtney enjoys spending time with family, connecting with nature, cooking, and exploring interior design.