Women Leading the Way in Senior Care: The Heart and Strength Behind Ontario’s Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes

The senior care industry in Ontario wouldn’t function without the dedication, skill, and compassion of women. Across long-term care and retirement homes, women are the backbone of the sector, making up the majority of personal support workers (PSWs), nurses, and social workers who provide daily care and life-enhancing services to older adults.

Did you know?

• 96% of personal support workers in Ontario are women.
• 91% of nurses in the province are women.
• 87% of social workers—who provide crucial emotional and practical support—are women.

These professionals don’t just show up for work; they show up with empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of seniors.

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Beyond Caregiving: Women Driving Innovation in Senior Care

While frontline caregiving is essential, women are also the visionaries behind transformative initiatives in the senior care space. They are leading innovations that improve the quality of life for older adults in Ontario:

🔹 Tina Mavriyannakis, Founder of The Smile Room – A champion for senior oral health, Tina is ensuring thousands of older adults have access to much-needed dental care, preventing pain and serious health complications.

🔹 Mallory McGrath, Founder of Viive Planning – Estate and end-of-life planning can be overwhelming, but Mallory is changing the conversation and approach, making it easier for families to prepare for the future with dignity and clarity.

🔹 Jennifer McCrae, Founder of Soul Transitions – Helping families navigate grief and end-of-life transitions, Jennifer provides support and guidance during some of life’s most difficult moments.

These women are reshaping how we think about aging, caregiving, and the end-of-life journey. Their work ensures that seniors receive the respect, care, and support they deserve.

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The Strength of Women in Senior Care

Despite the progress society has made, one truth remains: when it comes to answering the call for strength, compassion, and leadership in senior care, women step up—again and again.

From the PSWs providing hands-on care to the entrepreneurs revolutionizing elder services, women continue to drive meaningful change in Ontario’s long-term care and retirement home sectors.

Celebrating Women in Senior Care

On this International Women’s Day, let’s take a moment to recognize, support, and celebrate the incredible women who are making a difference in the lives of seniors. Their work is not just essential—it’s life-changing.