TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Burnout is making everyday life harder for most Ontarians, but few know where to turn for help, according to a survey answered among members of the Angus Reid Forum conducted on behalf of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapy (OSOT), the provincial professional association of occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants. Coinciding with Occupational Therapy Month, the survey found that seven in ten Ontarians (71%) say burnout made it hard to keep up with household tasks in the past year, yet only four in ten (40%) can identify what an occupational therapist does.
Occupational therapists help people of all ages function in their everyday lives when physical or mental health challenges get in the way, from getting dressed and cooking a meal to living safely at home. The survey suggested many Ontarians who could benefit from that support are making sacrifices instead: 1 in 5 Ontarians (22%) skipped meals because they couldn’t shop or cook. As a result, many may be missing out on support that could help them live independently.
“We often talk about healthcare in terms of wait times, overcrowding and the growing demands on our healthcare system. But we also need to be asking what we can do to help people stay out of hospitals in the first place,” said Lu Han, Chair of the Board, OSOT. “Occupational therapists are uniquely trained to bridge the gap between healthcare and everyday life. Whether it's helping someone return to work after an injury, supporting an older adult to remain safely at home, or helping a child participate meaningfully at school, our work goes far beyond treating a condition. It's about helping people live their lives.”
Key findings:
Young adults are hit hardest. Two-thirds (67%) of Ontarians under 35 say burnout affected their work or school, compared with 26% of those aged 55+.
Understanding of occupational therapy remains limited. Only four in ten Ontarians (40%) correctly identify an occupational therapist's primary role as helping people affected by physical and mental health challenges manage daily activities. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say they were not previously aware of the broader role described in the survey.
Ontarians are giving up what they enjoy. More than four in ten (43%) stopped doing a hobby, sport or activity they enjoy because everyday activities became more difficult.
Burnout is hitting home and hurting friendships. Seven in ten Ontarians (71%) say burnout affected their ability to keep up with household tasks at least once in the past year, while 66% withdrew from relationships or social activities.
Women are carrying a heavier load. Nearly eight in ten women (78%) say burnout made it hard to keep up with household tasks, compared with 64% of men.
Lower income, higher toll. Ontarians earning under $50,000 are nearly three times as likely as those earning $100,000 or more to have skipped meals (40% versus 14%).
Aging at home comes at a cost. Among those facing a barrier to making their home suitable for aging, 56% cite cost and a quarter (26%) don’t know what changes they need.
“This Occupational Therapy Month, I want Ontarians to recognize that occupational therapy is about prevention, independence, and quality of life, not just rehabilitation when it’s too late,” Han continued. “The earlier people understand what occupational therapists can offer, the sooner they can access support that may help prevent more complex challenges down the road.”
Occupational therapy is a health profession that empowers people of all ages to overcome barriers in their everyday lives so they can do more and live better. Through practical solutions created for each person’s unique needs, occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants help people build skills, adapt routines, recover from injury or illness, and take part in day-to-day activities at home, school, work, and in the community.
To understand how occupational therapists can provide personalized support for your everyday needs, visit osot.on.ca/public.
Methodology: These findings are from a survey conducted by OSOT from October 5th to October 7th, 2026, among a representative sample of 800 online adult Ontarians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-3.46 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapy The Ontario Society of Occupational Therapy (OSOT) is Ontario’s voluntary provincial professional association for occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, and students. From its early roots in 1921, as the first occupational therapy organization in Canada, OSOT has provided leadership to the growing profession throughout its history. With a focus on the areas of Member Services, Government Relations and Advocacy, Professional Promotion, Professional Development, and Practice Support, the association serves and represents the interests of members in Ontario. OSOT currently has more than 5,000 members and is actively welcoming affiliate partners to its membership.
