Toronto offers various government-funded programs and services for seniors, including municipal assistance programs such as tax relief, garbage collection assistance, and hardship funds for medical supplies.
A TL;DR summary of what you will uncover in this article:
- Health Aid Services: Availability of various health aid services for seniors, including the Ontario Assistive Devices Program and the Seniors Dental Care Program.
- Financial Support Options: Information about financial support programs like Old Age Security Pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the Guaranteed Annual Income System.
- Assisted Living Resources: Access to supportive housing services for eligible seniors, including personalized assistance and care plans.
- City Services and Initiatives: Various initiatives to support senior residents, including helplines and waste collection services.
- Senior-Focused Subsidized Housing: Details on the Rent-Geared-to-Income subsidy program for affordable housing for seniors.
Health Aid Services
The City of Toronto understands the importance of ensuring that it's senior residents have access to essential health aid services. Various programs and resources are available if you know where and how to find them, making Toronto one of the most senior healthcare friendly cities in Canada. With a population growing faster then ever, it's a common conversation that arises and is top of mind for Toronto's aging population.
Health Aid services can encompass many sub areas. For example, one notable program is the Assistive Devices Program, which helps seniors pay for necessary assistive physical devices including:
- Mobility aids
- Hearing aids and other devices
- Communication aids
- Visual aids
- Diabetic equipment and supplies
- Respiratory equipment and supplies
- Home oxygen therapy
- Artificial eyes and facial prosthetics
- Custom orthotic braces, compression garments and lymphedema pumps
- Prosthetic breasts or limbs
- Enteral-feeding pumps and ostomy supplies
This program's offerings help enhance seniors' mobility and independence through subsidized and free health aids, allowing them to participate fully in their daily activities.
It's helpful to note that in order for an Ontario resident to qualify, they must have a valid Ontario Health Card (OHIP) and be able to prove that they have a disability requiring the equipment or supplies for six months or longer. Their doctor can help verify and complete the application for this service and it's also offered to all residents, income is not a factor considered for approval.
Another important initiative is the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. This program provides free dental care to eligible low-income seniors aged 65 and older. The goal of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is to offer preventive and essential dental services to help seniors, regardless of their income maintain good oral health. Good oral health is crucial for overall well-being at all stages in life but seniors can be especially susceptible to untreated tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
TL;DR: Do I qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program?
Yes, if you:
- Are 65 years of age or older
- Are a resident of Ontario
- Have an annual net income of $22,200 or less for a single senior
- or have a combined annual net income of $37,100 or less for a couple
- Have no other form of dental benefits, including private insurance or dental coverage under another government program such as Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Non-Insured Health Benefits
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Coverage includes:
- Check-ups that may include services such as scaling, fluoride application, and teeth polishing
- Damaged or broken tooth repairing
- Treating and filling cavities
- Completing x-rays
- Oral surgery including teeth or abnormal tissue removal
- Anesthesia
- Endodontic services for treating oral pain and infection
- Peridontal services for treating gum diseases and conditions
If you or your loved one have financial concerns surrounding receiving the healthcare and support you need, it's good to note that paramedic-led clinics are currently available for residents living in select Toronto Community Housing buildings. These clinics have been launched with the aim to monitor physical and mental health of lower income residents in the city and work to connect residents with local healthcare teams on an ongoing basis. This service was introduced as a more proactive approach to helping provide access to lower income seniors and helps ensure that they receive adequate healthcare attention while promoting timely interventions when necessary.
Toronto also offers local home healthcare support through its Homemakers and Nurses Services program also known as HMNS. This home care service provides light housekeeping, laundry assistance, grocery shopping, and meal preparation specifically to low-income seniors who reside in the city of Toronto and is funded by the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario. To see if you are eligible for these services, visit the HMNS website and review the "Who can apply" tab.
Although there may currently be a waitlist for these free and low-barrier-to-entry services, they demonstrate the city of Toronto's commitment to assisting the aging population with their daily living needs through tangible and obtainable products and services.
Assisted Living Resources
Toronto seniors have access to assisted living resources that aim to promote independent living and enhance overall well-being. One key program is the government-funded Supportive Housing Services, specifically designed for eligible seniors in these designated buildings:
- Brimley Acres
- Broadview Manor
- Cedarbrook Lodge
- Cliffwood Manor
- Dundas - Mabelle (Main Office)
- Kendleton Drive
- West Don Apartments
- Willowdale Manor
- Winchester Square
This program provides personalized assistance with various aspects of daily life, such as personal care, housekeeping, medication reminders, safety checks, and light meal preparation. These services are delivered by Personal Support Workers (PSWs), and a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) creates an individualized service plan for each senior based on ongoing assessments.
The Supportive Housing Services program offers seniors the necessary support to continue living independently in their home while addressing these needs.
This includes accessibility modifications geared around facilitating their daily actions, fostering the use of technology to manage their care, and even providing caregiver support when necessary.
There is no service fee for eligible seniors as Ontario Health funds the program.
To apply for this program, seniors can contact the Supportive Housing office in their building.
These support services, especially when used in conjunction with the benefits of the funding programs discussed, culminate a more robust, healthier living experience for the senior citizens in our community.
Now that we have explored the Rent-Geared-to-Income subsidy and Assisted Living Resources available for seniors in Toronto let's turn our attention to other city services and initiatives specifically designed to support seniors in various aspects of their lives.
These initiatives aim to tackle pressing issues like isolation and accessibility challenges that many seniors face.
City Services and Initiatives for Seniors
Toronto recognizes the growing need to support its aging population and has implemented various city services and initiatives for seniors.
From healthcare services to transportation, Toronto offers a range of support options catering to the unique needs of its senior residents. Technology has further enhanced the reach and effectiveness of these campaigns.
For instance, one such initiative is the Toronto Seniors Helpline, which can be accessed by dialling 416-217-2077. This helpline is a valuable resource connecting seniors with community-based services available in Toronto.
Another convenient option is 211 Toronto, a helpline accessible by dialling '211' or calling 416-397-4636. This service provides information on government and community programs available for seniors in the area. These technology-based initiatives aim to reduce feelings of isolation and increase accessibility to crucial services.
The City of Toronto also extends its support through various other avenues, such as housing assistance, social programs, recreational activities, and health services. As part of a broader campaign, these initiatives strive to address the diverse needs and interests of seniors while fostering a sense of community and well-being.
Another helpful resource for senior residents who live in a house or non apartment dwelling is Toronto's "Front or side door garbage collection," which offers garbage collection for those requiring assistance with bins – an essential service that helps ensure cleanliness and convenience for older adults in their homes and care facilities. More on this below:
Front or Side Door Garbage Collection
Older adults often face physical challenges that can make curbside disposal of recycling and garbage a difficult task. This program, offered by the city of Toronto helps simplify waste management for the elderly and physically disabled so long as an application for this service is completed and signed by your physician. You can find additional information on Toronto Front or Side Door Garbage Collection services by dialling "311" Within Toronto city limits or calling 416-392-CITY (2489) from outside city limits.
The Property Tax, Water and Solid Waste Relief rebate programs allow eligible low-income seniors using garbage bins or single-family bag service a rebate on the solid waste portion of their utility bills.
This service offers assistance in managing garbage bin fees, which are determined by the bin size that your household has opted to use. Residents who wish to change the size of their garbage bin can do so by calling 311 or making a service request online, although it's important to note that there is a fee for upsizing the garbage bin.
For residents using bag-only collection, there is an annual fee associated with garbage tag collection. Garbage tags can be purchased at specific locations or online, currently costing $6.14. An annual fee of $183.54 is also required for bag-only collection services at the time of publication. It's a good idea to review all of the various garbage bin sizes and fees and select the size that works best for your needs.
It's worth noting that Toronto also provides a metal item collection service and charges an annual fee of $20.95 for oversized and metal item collection. This service ensures that senior residents have access to proper disposal methods for larger items, further enhancing their living environment's cleanliness and accessibility.
Find out more about the Property Tax, Water & Solid Waste Relief Programs.
To apply for this rebate program you can opt to apply online or complete a paper-based application.
Next let's explore the financial support options available through government-funded programs for seniors in Toronto.
Financial Support
In Ontario, we have access to special financial support programs aimed at helping people 65 and older with various costs and expenses each month. Some of these include:
- Old Age Security Pension (OAS): This can be compared to being a monthly allowance for seniors. The government decides how much money each person receives based on how long they've lived in Canada and how much money they earn. Usually, the government will sign it's aging residents (those who are 65 years old +) for this funding automatically, but sometimes, if they do not have the correct or right information to enroll you, you might have to sign up for yourself. Visit the Government of Canada Old Age Security eligibility page for detailed information on whether you qualify.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): This is extra monthly money for senior Canadian residents, on top of the Old Age Security monthly payment who are low income and need additional financial assistance. This offering is unique because it's a tax-free program. Most of the time, if eligible, you will be automatically enrolled into this plan. If you need to determine whether you need to apply you can use this GIS application page.
- Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS): At the time of publication, GAINS is another program that provides extra help for people 65 years and older in Ontario who are already approved for and are receiving OAS and GIS. Every few months, the government checks to see if they need to change how much money they allot to this fund and introduces price changes. GAINS is also a tax-free program. Most of the time, if eligible, you will be automatically enrolled into this plan. So if you currently receive the OAS pension and GIS, you do not have to apply. The amount of your GAINS benefits is determined based on specific information received from Employment and Social Development Canada via details provided on your personal income tax and benefit return.
To receive your GAINS payments you must:
- File your personal income tax return every year, on time by April 30, even if you don't have any income to report, or you can opt to
- Complete a GIS application and send it to your nearest Service Canada office
Navigating financial challenges in a bustling and expensive city like Toronto can be overwhelming, especially during one's golden years. However, with a little help seniors can find additional financial relief to help cover essential expenses and improve their overall well-being. The government of Ontario has made a commitment to aiding it's senior population with these challenges. You might be surprised to know that:
- As of 2022, the City of Toronto's tax relief programs have helped over 40,000 low-income senior homeowners, with the average annual property tax increase cancellation being approximately $400.
- The Homemakers and Nurses Services program assists around 10,000 Toronto residents each year with household activities of daily living. A small percentage of costs may be involved depending on income levels but this program is committed to helping improve the lives of it's senior residents.
- Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) provides Rent-Geared-To-Income Subsidy to about 5% of the senior population in Toronto who are facing financial constraints, establishing reasonable rents at 30% of their income.
Senior-Focused Subsidized Housing
There are several factors to consider when reviewing housing options designed for seniors in Toronto. Location is vital when choosing the right housing option or retirement home, as proximity to amenities and loved ones is often a high priority.
Additionally, respective levels of care offered by senior housing facilities and retirement homes should align with the needs of the individual, ensuring a beneficial experience and respectful inclusion of the patient's special and unique needs.
Both of these are important but at times compromised due to budgetary reasons. If you proactively know that this will be an issue for you, consider looking into rent-geared-to-income subsidy.
Rent-Geared-To-Income Subsidy
For seniors in Toronto struggling with housing costs, the Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) subsidy program provides significant support. This program aims to make rent affordable for households by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rental costs based on their Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI).
Typically, RGI rent is set at 30% of a household's monthly AFNI. It is important to note that this program is geared toward long-term housing solutions rather than immediate or emergency shelter. Wait times for this program can be significant depending on your desired neighborhood or even accommodation type so understanding these lead times and being proactive about getting yourself or your loved on on the waiting list as early as possible is a good idea.
If you or your loved one is in Toronto and requires emergency shelter, you can contact Central Intake at 416-338-4766.
