Governmental Directories
Website and PDF available here: https://211central.ca/directory-of-services-for-seniors-caregivers-in-toronto/
Contact: seniors@toronto.ca
PDF available here: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/store/20170501121/Free_Download_Files/300945.pdf
Contact: infoseniors@ontario.ca or 1-888-910-1999
This page hosts links to information on caregiving, health and wellness, living safely at home, fraud prevention, veteran services, and financial support. It is run by the federal government and can be accessed here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/seniors.html#health
Contact: 1-800-622-6232
Municipal Resources
Toronto Seniors Helpline: 416-217-2077
211 Toronto: dial “211” on your phone
Emergencies: dial “911” on your phone
Telehealth: 1-866-797-0000
City services: dial “311” on your phone
Toronto Central Healthline: 416-506-9888 ext 2555
Talk 2 Nice (free helpline for seniors): 1-844-529-7292
Hope for Wellness (free Indigenous helpline): 1-855-242-3310
A Friendly Voice (companionship helpline): 1-855-892-9992
Provincial Vaccine Information Line: 1-888-999-6488
The Toronto Seniors Helpline (416-217-2077) or 211 can help connect you to housing agencies and community services, as well as other resources such as Rent Bank.
Senior-specific housing at a market rent:
– Directly contact seniors housing providers, like TCHC and other not-for-profits
– Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation (TSHC) provides subsidized rental housing in a state of good repair and supports aging in place through the delivery of an integrated service model. Contact 416-392-6177 or visit the how to apply page for more information: https://www.torontoseniorshousing.ca/become-a-tenant/how-to-apply/.
– Look into Retirement Homes, which are privately owned and are best for seniors who can live with little or no outside help.
Long-term care homes operated by the City of Toronto:
– To learn about eligibility for long-term care placement, contact Home and Community Care Support Services at 310-2222 (no area code required).
This program is a community-based service promoting independent living to eligible residents in designated buildings. The program offers the stability and safety of intermittent 24-hour support and an on-site Registered Practical Nurse. More information can be found by calling 416-392-8579, or here: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/children-parenting/seniors-services/seniors-housing-services/supportive-housing-program/.
Toronto HomeShare is a program run by the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly. Toronto HomeShare matches seniors wishing to share a spare room in their home with university and college students seeking affordable housing. For general inquiries, please call 1-800-786-9773 (extension 2) or email toronto@canadahomeshare.com.
The City offers this program for low-income seniors. It includes light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping and meal preparation. Get more information by emailing ltc-comm@toronto.ca or calling 416-392-8579.
Sidewalk snow removal is provided by the city. For more information on service levels visit: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/road-maintenance/winter-maintenance/levels-of-snow-clearing-service/
Residents should contact 211 to find an agency that provides lawn care and maintenance. There is a fee, and subsidies may be available.
The City offers programs that allow eligible low-income seniors to cancel or defer property tax increases and apply for relief, such as a water rebate, to help you keep and stay in your own home. More information can be found here: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxes-utilities/property-tax/property-tax-water-solid-waste-relief-and-rebate-programs/property-tax-and-utility-relief-program/
The Emergency Energy Fund can also be contacted at 416-338-8888.
TTC:
– Seniors who are 65 years or older are eligible for a reduced TTC fare
– Wheel-Trans provides a safe and reliable accessible transportation option for persons with disabilities
Transportation Services for Seniors:
– There are many not-for-profit and private agencies that offer rides to and from medical appointments or other locations for seniors. Call 211 or the Toronto Seniors Helpline (416-217-2077) to learn more.
Medical Items, Devices & Supplies:
– You may qualify for help with health-related expenses through Toronto Employment & Social Services. For more information, please contact the Application and Support Centre at 416-338-8888.
– You can also visit in-person Toronto Employment & Social Services. For a list of locations, please see here: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/employment-support/toronto-employment-and-social-services-locations/
Toronto Public Health offers information and training to agencies serving seniors to reduce the risk of falling in older adults. For more information, call 416-338-7600 or email publichealth@toronto.ca. You can register for this program here: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/injury-prevention/fall-prevention/step-ahead-to-fall-prevention-in-older-adults/.
Toronto Public Library: Offers a number of different programs for seniors, including speaker’s series, courses to improve digital literacy and much more. For more information, call the Toronto Public Library Answerline at 416-393-7131 (may be unavailable at this time). They also provide home delivery to seniors who are homebound for three months or longer. For more information, please call 416-395-5557.
Recreation Program Discount: Older adults aged 60+ who register for adult programs will receive a 50% discount. Contact Client Services at 416-396-7378 for additional information. A City-wide list can be found here: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/free-lower-cost-recreation-options/?accordion=older-adult-discounts.
Older Adult Recreational Programs: Older adult programming is available at all recreation centres across the city. A list of all recreation centres in Toronto can be found here: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/recreationcentres/index.html.
Provincial Resources
For advice, support, or to apply now, contact your local Home and Community Care Support Services organization.
– Ontario’s 14 Home and Community Care Support Services organizations coordinate in-home and community-based care for thousands of patients across the province every day. More information can be found here: https://healthcareathome.ca/.
– Call 310-2222 (no area code required)
Seniors Active Living Centre programs offer social, cultural, learning and recreational programs for older adults. Click the following link and scroll to “Enter a city, address or complete postal code.” There, you can input your address to find the closest centre near you. More information can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-seniors-active-living-centre-program-near-you. Locations in Ward 11 include:
– Senior Mile Club, 25 Brunswick Avenue
– St. Stephen’s Community House, 91 Bellevue Avenue
– Sunshine @ Davenport, 250 Davenport Road
The Assistive Devices Program helps people with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment. More information can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/assistive-devices-program. For questions, you can contact adp@ontario.ca.
Federal Resources
The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a monthly payment through the federal government you can get if you are 65 or older. More information can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/guaranteed-income-supplement.html.
This program provides funding for projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and their communities. It also:
– Promotes volunteerism among seniors and other generations
– Engages seniors in the community through the mentoring of others
– Expands awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse
– Provides capital assistance for new and existing community projects and programs for seniors
More information can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/new-horizons-seniors.html.
This initiative is a new federal grants and contributions program. The funding supports organizations that enable seniors to age in place. Eligible organizations can find more information here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2022/06/backgrounder-age-well-at-home.html. If you know of a program in your community which provides any of the eligible services listed on the website, please share this resource with them.
Non-Profit And Charity Resources (Ward 11)
Blackhurst Cultural Centre: Shake Up Your Life! is a weekly program run by Blackhurst Cultural Centre that welcomes older adults of African and Caribbean descent. You can contact the centre at 416-901-7720 or info@blackhurstcc.org. More information can be found here: https://blackhurstcc.org/adbcc_programs/shake-up-your-life/.
Korean Senior Citizens Society: The drop-in centre offers services for Korean Seniors. Information can be found here: http://www.kscst.ca/. You can also contact the society at hikscst@gmail.com or 416-532-8077.
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre: This centre provides opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in a wide range of cultural experiences. Their programs list can be accessed here: https://www.mnjcc.org/programs.
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto: The Senior’s Program is designed to provide a supportive environment through the delivery of client-centered services enabling them to live independently in their homes. More information can be found here: https://ncct.on.ca/programs/seniors-program/. You can contact the program manager at 416-964-9087 x304 or christine.lynn@ncct.on.ca.
The Neighbourhood Group (TNG): Active Seniors programs available for free. You can contact TNG at irene.tsang@tngcs.org or 416-924-2103 x3110. Information can be found here: https://tngcommunityto.org/Programs-Services/Programs/Active-Seniors-Program.
Syrian Community Centre of Toronto: The centre offers numerous activities and projects for seniors to live well and be well. They also organize a Seniors’ Club in Mississauga and Etobicoke. You can contact them through their website here: Contact Us – Syrian Community Center (SCC) (syriancommunitycentre.ca).
Senior Toronto: a not-for-profit website which assists seniors in accessing many opportunities for personal development and growth. The website can be accessed here: https://seniortoronto.ca/about.
Society of Sharing: a non-profit organization that mobilizes volunteers to serve isolated, housebound and lonely seniors in Toronto’s inner city. They provide friendly visits, escorting programs, and socialization groups. Their website can be accessed here: https://societyofsharing.org/. They can also be contacted at info@societyofsharing.org or 416-413-0380.
The 519
– Hosts an Older 2SLGBTQ+ Adults Program, providing people with opportunities to make deeper connections with their peers through special events, guest speakers, and promoting community resources.
– More information can be found here: https://www.the519.org/programs/older-2slgbtq-program/#:~:text=The%20519%20Older%202SLGBTQ%2B%20Adults,and%20promoting%20related%20community%20resources.
COSTI Housing Services for Seniors
PDF available here: https://www.costi.org/downloads/Housing%20Services%20for%20Seniors%20Guide%20English.pdf
Free and Low-Cost Physical Activity Programs for Adults in Toronto (UHN)
PDF available here: https://www.uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Documents/Free_Low_Cost_Physical_Activity_Adults.pdf
Seniors Helpline Webchat
– Run by WoodGreen Community Services
– Alternative to calling 416-217-2077
– Available from 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
– Access the webchat here: https://torontoseniorshelpline.ca/web-chat/
COVID-19 Information
– To help you and your family make informed decisions related to the prevalence of viral illnesses in your community, please refer to the below resources.
– Toronto Wastewater Surveillance: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/respiratory-viruses/covid-19/covid-19-pandemic-data/covid-19-wastewater-surveillance/
– Ontario Wastewater Surveillance: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Data-and-Analysis/Infectious-Disease/COVID-19-Data-Surveillance/Wastewater
– Ontario Respiratory Illness Tracker: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Data-and-Analysis/Infectious-Disease/Respiratory-Virus-Tool
211 Interactive Services Map
Use this map to locate services available through 211. Services include locations of food banks, older adult supports, and housing information. The map is available here: https://211central.ca/interactive-services-map/