Resources from Ontario Health at Home to Support Aging in Place

The Toronto Council on Aging (TCA) acknowledges Seniors for Social Action Ontario (SSAO) for compiling and sharing the following information regarding Ontario Health at Home resources. This content is reposted for community awareness.

As part of ongoing efforts to support older adults in remaining in their homes and communities, Ontario Health at Home has expanded its online resources. These tools may be helpful for seniors, caregivers, and families exploring alternatives to long-term care.

Below is a summary of key services currently available.

1. Assisted Living Residences

🔗 https://ontariohealthathome.ca/supportive-living/assisted-living/

Assisted living services are available to:

• High-risk seniors

• Adults with physical disabilities or acquired brain injury

• Individuals living with HIV/AIDS

Services may include:

• Personal care

• Essential homemaking

• Emergency response systems

Both for-profit and not-for-profit providers are listed. SSAO recommends exploring non-profit assisted living options wherever possible.

2. Adult Day Programs

🔗 https://ontariohealthathome.ca/supportive-living/adult-day-programs/

Adult Day Programs offer supervised community-based programming for adults living at home, including those with:

• Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

• Physical disabilities

• Stroke or brain injury recovery needs

Local Ontario Health at Home offices are listed on the page. A Care Coordinator referral is typically required.

Example (York Region):Carefirst Adult Day Programhttps://carefirstontario.ca/services/adult-day-program/

3. Supportive Housing

🔗 https://ontariohealthathome.ca/supportive-living/supportive-housing/

Supportive housing is typically operated by non-profit organizations, municipalities, housing co-operatives, or faith-based groups.

Key features may include:

• 24-hour on-site support

• Assistance with personal care

• Light housekeeping and laundry

• Medication reminders

• Safety checks

• Wellness programming

• Referrals to community health services

Rent may be income-based or subsidized through the Ministry of Housing.

SSAO strongly recommends exploring supportive housing where available.

Regional Resources

Toronto:https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/children-parenting/seniors-services/seniors-housing-services/supportive-housing-program-for-seniors/https://tngcommunityto.org/Programs-Services/Programs/Supportive-Housing?cat=8829

York Region:https://www.sprintseniorcare.org/programs-and-services/supportive-housing-program/

Peel Region:https://peelseniorlink.com/our-services/how-to-apply-2/supportive-housing/

Durham Region:https://www.durham.ca/en/living-here/seniors-housing.aspx#Social-housing-providers

Halton Region:https://haltonrentconnect.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Housing-Options-for-Seniors-in-Halton.pdf

4. Non-Profit Respite Care Services

Many non-profit seniors' agencies offer respite services to support caregivers.

If respite services are limited in your area, consider contacting your local seniors' services agency to inquire about proposals for Ontario Health funding.

Examples:

Community Care Durhamhttps://www.communitycaredurham.on.ca/services/personal-support-caregiver-relief/

Links2Care (Peel & Halton Regions)https://links2care.ca/program/relief-for-caregivers/

Advocacy & Community Action

In many areas of Ontario, municipally operated or non-profit supportive housing options remain limited.

Community members can advocate for expanded services by:

• Meeting with local and regional councillors

• Engaging with leaders of non-profit seniors' organizations

• Raising awareness about the need for accessible supportive housing

Collective advocacy increases the likelihood of meaningful change.

This information is shared for community awareness. Toronto Council on Aging does not endorse specific providers.