Home and housing
Get information on staying in your home as you age, including programs to help you renovate your home to adapt to your needs. Learn about housing options for seniors.
Making changes to your home for senior living
Many of us hope to continue living in our own home for as long as possible. As we age, our needs at home change. Small and inexpensive modifications can help make your home safer, so you can be independent.
If you’re thinking of modifying your home, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation offers guidance:
- Maintaining seniors’ independence through home adaptations: a self-assessment guide helps you learn about the types of home adaptations that are best for you.
- Accessible housing by design explains the renovations that can make your home more accessible.
- Preventing falls on stairs offers tips to reduce the risk of falls and injuries on stairs.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Financial help to modify your home
If you need to make your home more accessible, there are government programs to help with the expenses.
Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) : Ontario Renovates Component
This program provides financial assistance to:
- low- to moderate-income homeowners
- landlords of affordable rental buildings
Homeowners and landlords can make needed repairs and improve accessibility.
To learn more about the Ontario Renovates program, contact your local service manager. They can:
- tell you if the program is available in your community
- determine if you are eligible
- give you further details
Home and Vehicle Modification Program
The Home and Vehicle Modification Program provides funding for:
- basic home and vehicle changes or modifications
- people with disabilities that restrict mobility and daily function to continue to live safely in their homes, avoid job loss and participate in their communities
You can apply for:
- home modifications: up to $15,000 (lifetime maximum)
- vehicle modifications: up to $15,000 every 10 years
Ontario March of Dimes
Property tax relief for seniors and people with a disability
If you own a property and want to add to it or modify it for a senior or a person with a disability, you may be eligible for property tax relief. Examples include:
- building a ramp
- adding an extra room
Contact your local Municipal Property Assessment Corporation office.
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
Property tax relief for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities
Are you a low-income senior or low-income person with disabilities? Do you own a home? You may be eligible to receive relief from property tax increases. Contact your local municipality for more information.
Provincial land tax deferral program for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities
Under this program, low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities may apply for an annual deferral of:
- part of the provincial land tax
- education tax increases
A deferral means you put off paying your taxes until you sell the property or transfer the title to someone else. This program is for people who pay their property taxes directly to the Province of Ontario.
Ministry of Finance
Provincial Land Tax relief
Housing options for seniors
You may need help deciding what type of housing is best for you or your family member. There are professionals who can help:
- care coordinator with Ontario Health atHome
- community health nurse
- social worker in a geriatric center or in a family counselling agency
Adult lifestyle communities
Adult lifestyle communities provide independent living homes for people who are semi-retired or retired. You get to own your home and have access to on-site recreational and community activities. Homes may include:
- bungalows
- condominiums
- small homes
- townhomes
Contact your local real estate agent to find an adult lifestyle community near you.
Life lease housing
Life lease housing means that you hold an interest in a property, but you don’t own it. This type of living arrangement has many advantages:
- it’s often less expensive than a condominium of a similar size
- communities may be restricted to people of a specific age
- requires less home maintenance
- residents are more likely to share common interests and needs
Learn about this option in the life lease housing guide.
Licensed retirement homes
Retirement homes are typically privately owned. They rent different types of housing options to seniors. You can live in a shared room, a private room or an apartment. Retirement homes usually include support services and personal care. Residents in retirement homes are usually more independent and need less medical care than residents in long-term care.
Learn how to find and choose a licensed retirement home.
Rates and services
- anyone can apply to live in a retirement home
- you pay the entire cost of your accommodation
- you pay for any care services purchased through the home
- you may also arrange to receive publicly funded health care, or pay an external provider for care services
- the rent you pay is subject to rules on rent increases
- the type of residence and amount of rent can vary (for care, services and extras)
- you don’t need to show medical proof that you need care
- the home will assess you to confirm they can offer you the level of support you need
Rental agreements in care homes, including retirement homes, must be in writing. They provide detailed information on what care services and meals have been agreed to and what the charges for care services and meals will be.
Before entering into an agreement with a new tenant, the landlord must give the tenant a care home information package that must disclose all the fees and services to be provided.
How retirement homes are regulated
In Ontario, retirement homes are regulated under the Retirement Homes Act. This legislation:
- mandates care and safety standards for retirement homes (including emergency plans, infection prevention and control programs, assessment of care needs and care planning, police record checks and staff training)
- contains a Residents’ Bill of Rights (including the right to know the true cost of care and accommodation, participate in care planning, and live with dignity and respect in a safe and clean environment)
- establishes the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority to educate, license and inspect retirement homes to ensure they meet the required standards
Who oversees Ontario retirement homes
The Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority:
- licenses and inspects the province’s retirement homes
- maintains a public register/database of all homes that have applied for a licence or have been granted a licence
- handles complaints
- educates retirement home staff, owners, consumers and the public about the Retirement Homes Act
Search for a retirement home in the database.
What to do if you have concerns or complaints
If you see or suspect a retirement home resident is being harmed or is at risk, contact the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority (RHRA).
Anyone who sees or suspects a situation that harms or puts a resident at risk of harm must report it to the RHRA. These situations include:
- abuse or neglect of a resident
- improper or incompetent treatment or care of a resident
- unlawful conduct
- misuse or misappropriation of a resident’s money
These are known as mandatory reports. This mandatory reporting obligation applies to everyone, including family members, substitute decision makers, retirement home staff and operators. It also includes regulated health professionals, such as doctors, nurses and social workers. Residents are not required to make a report but may choose to do so.
Learn more about making a report. If you have a complaint about a retirement home, contacting the home is often the most direct and fastest way to ensure your concerns are addressed.
If you are unable to resolve the issue with the home through informal means, you can use the retirement home’s formal complaints process.
By law, all retirement homes are required to have a procedure for responding to complaints about the care of a resident or operation of the home.
If your complaint is still not resolved, you may file a complaint with the RHRA.
Learn how to make a complaint to the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority.
Email: info@rhra.ca
Supportive housing
Supportive housing programs are coordinated through Ontario Health atHome. These programs provide personal support services for seniors living as tenants in designated residential buildings.
These programs help people live independently in their own apartments. Services include:
- personal support and attendant services
- essential homemaking services
- staffing 24 hours a day to handle regular care and emergency needs
Ontario Health atHome
Find your local branch
Other housing options for low-income seniors
Learn about programs to help you find a safe and affordable place to call home.
Social housing
Social or community housing is government funded housing for low-income Ontarians. It offers rental units at a lower cost.
Here’s what you should know:
- how long you need to wait for a unit depends on where you live
- local municipalities and your local service manager coordinate the program
Contact your local service manager to learn more.
Co-operative (co-op) housing
A housing co-op is different from a rental. Residents pay a monthly fee for their homes, but they do not own them. They have an equal say in how their community is run.
When you leave a non-profit housing co-op, your home is returned to the co-operative. It will then be offered to someone else who needs affordable housing.
Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
Email: info@chfcanada.coop
Long-term care homes
Long-term care homes are homes for adults who need:
- help with most or all daily activities
- access to 24-hour nursing and personal care
Long-term care homes in Ontario are regulated and funded by the government and must have a licence or minister’s approval to operate. Long-term care licences are issued to not-for-profit homes, such as homes run by a charity, and to homes run by for-profit companies. Minister’s approvals are issued to municipally run and First Nations homes.
All long-term care homes must meet provincial standards. Accommodation charges are the same at all homes (although fees for optional services may vary).
If you are interested in a long-term care home, you will need to apply through Ontario Health atHome. Go to the section “How to apply for long-term care” in this guide for more information.
Ministry of Long-Term Care
Services in long-term care homes
Above all, long-term care homes are places where people can live comfortably while having their care needs met. Homes have dining rooms and common areas. They may also have other features like shops, salons and gardens.
You can expect to receive the following in a long-term care home
- an individual care plan (reviewed at least every 6 months)
- access to 24-hour nursing and personal care
- help with activities of daily living
- meals (including special diets)
- medical services
- access to health professionals
- social and recreational programs
- individualized religious and spiritual services
- shared dining room, TV room and other living areas
- furniture in your room
- housekeeping
- bed linen and laundry
- personal hygiene supplies
- medical or clinical supplies (such as walkers or wheelchairs for occasional use)
Homes may offer other optional services for a fee, such as cable TV, telephone, internet, hairdressing and transportation.
Choosing a long-term care home
There are many things to consider when choosing a long-term care home. It’s a good idea to start by identifying your needs and wants. Next, gather information about homes and start making in-person visits.
A placement coordinator at your local Ontario Health atHome can help you find out about homes in your area.
Use the Long-Term Care Home Finder to search for individual homes and get information about them.
It’s important to visit any home you are considering. You’ll want to make sure the homes lines up with what is important to you, such as:
- culture, language or religious focus
- a location that works well for family and friends to visit
- social programs and activities
- setting — for example, near shops or by a park
- type of accommodation — for example, a private or semi-private room
There’s a lot to think about. This checklist will help you evaluate each home you visit and ask the right questions.
Read the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s reports on long-term care homes to learn about the home you’re considering.
How to apply for long-term care
Almost all applications and admissions to long-term care homes are arranged by Ontario Health atHome organization.
When you contact your local Home and Community Care Support Services, they will:
- assign a care coordinator, who can assess your care and health needs
- determine your eligibility for placement
- work with you to complete your application
Ontario Health atHome
Short-stay accommodation
People recovering from an illness or injury may need short-stay services. Some long-term care homes provide this service for people who don’t need to stay permanently through the convalescent (recovery) care program.
Alternatively, some people choose a short stay to give respite (a break) to their caregivers. This service is offered through the respite care program.
A person can stay up to 90 days in a calendar year in a short-stay program.
Contact your Ontario Health atHome care coordinator to find a long-term care home that offers short stays. They will tell you if you qualify for a short stay.
Cost of long-term care in Ontario
The Ontario government pays for nursing and personal care, therapeutic and recreational programming and other support services at long-term care homes. Residents are required to contribute towards accommodation charges, such as room and board. This amount is called a co-payment. The amount you pay depends on the length of stay and the type of room you choose (private, semi-private or basic).
The Ministry of Long-Term Care sets the maximum co-payment rate for all homes each year. These are standard across all long-term care homes in Ontario.
Long-term care homes may offer optional services for an additional fee, such as:
- cable TV
- telephone
- Internet
- hairdressing
- transportation
Get help paying for long-term care costs
If you can’t afford to pay the monthly fees for basic accommodations, you may be eligible for a rate reduction. Talk to your Ontario Health atHome care coordinator for more information.
Your rights in a long-term care home
Residents of long-term care homes have a right to be treated with courtesy and respect and be free from abuse and neglect.
Your rights as a resident are listed in the Residents’ Bill of Rights. Long-term care homes must post a large-print version of the Residents’ Bill of Rights in both English and French in a high traffic area.
Quality of care and inspections
All long-term care homes licensed in Ontario must comply with legislation that sets clear and detailed standards for:
- your care
- your quality of life
- your rights
- the operation of the home
The Ministry of Long-Term Care does unannounced inspections at least once every year. If a long-term care home is not following the legislation’s requirements, the ministry may apply enforcement measures such as written notifications, compliance orders or fines for offences.
There may be times when additional enforcement may be needed to improve compliance and ensure resident safety.
The Ministry of Long-Term Care’s Investigations Unit will investigate allegations such as:
- failing to protect a resident from abuse or neglect
- repeated and ongoing non-compliance
- failing to comply with ministry inspector’s orders
- suppressing and/or falsifying mandatory reports
- negligence of corporate directors.
Complaints about long-term care
If you have concerns about a resident’s care or the operation of a long-term care home, you can report it. Anyone can make a complaint. This includes:
- a resident
- a family member
- an employee of the home
- a service provider to residents
- a member of the public
Homes are required to have a written complaints procedure and must post it in a high traffic area. They are also required to respond to concerns and complaints.
If you have a concern or complaint about a long-term care home, contact the home and follow its complaint process. If you are not satisfied with the home’s response, contact the Ministry of Long-Term Care.
Learn about the complaint process or report a complaint.
Family Support and Action Line
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week
Or send a letter to the Ministry of Long-Term Care:
Director, Long-Term Care Inspections Branch
Long-Term Care Operations Division
Ministry of Long-Term Care
438 University Ave.,8th floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1N3
Residents’ councils at long-term care homes
Every long-term care home must have a residents’ council. Every resident has the right to participate on the council. The councils are made up of residents who may:
- provide advice to residents about their rights
- help to resolve disputes
- plan activities
- make recommendations to improve care or the quality of life in the home
The Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils supports residents’ councils across the province.
Email: info@ontarc.com
Family councils at long-term care homes
Many long-term care homes have an active family council made up of family and friends of residents. They meet to provide each other with support, share information and may:
- provide advice
- help resolve disputes between the long-term care home and residents
- plan activities
Family Councils Ontario supports family councils across the province.
Renting in Ontario: Knowing your rights
Residential Tenancies Act
The Residential Tenancies Act governs most landlord and tenant relationships across Ontario. The act:
- sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants who rent residential properties
- regulates most rent increases
- does not cover commercial tenancies
Learn about residential rent increases in Ontario.
Find out about your rights as a tenant.
Landlord and Tenant Board
The Landlord and Tenant Board resolves disputes between landlords and tenants. The board educates people about their rights and responsibilities.
Both landlords and tenants can file an application to request a hearing. After the application is filed:
- a hearing is scheduled
- at the hearing, a member of the board will make a decision; if both sides agree, a mediator will try to help both parties reach an agreement
Navigate Tribunals Ontario is a convenient online tool that provides users with information about:
- legal rights and responsibilities
- rules and processes
- steps tenants and landlords can take to manage a dispute
Rent increases in Ontario
Each year, Ontario sets a guideline for rent increases for the following year. The guideline is the maximum a landlord can increase most tenants’ rent during a year.
The guideline applies to most private residential rental units covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, including:
- rented houses, apartments, basement apartments and condos (read about the exceptions for newly occupied units)
- care homes (which can include retirement homes)
- mobile homes
- land lease communities
The guideline does not apply to units such as:
- vacant residential units
- community housing units
- long-term care homes
- commercial properties
Landlords do not need approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board to raise your rent based on these guidelines.
New buildings and additions to existing buildings that are occupied for the first time for residential purposes after November 15, 2018, are exempt from the rent increase guideline.
Learn about the rules for rent and rent increases.
Financial help to pay your rent
Need help paying rent? There are several options.
Rent supplements and housing allowances
The Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative offers:
- rent supplements: a subsidy paid to the landlord on behalf of a tenant who needs help paying rent
- housing allowances: a subsidy paid directly to the tenant who needs rental help
Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)
This housing allowance program pays a monthly benefit to households. This allowance is:
- portable (you can receive the benefits if you move to another address)
- based on your household income and average rent prices in your community
The following vulnerable populations have priority for COHB support:
- survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
- people who experience or are at risk of homelessness
- Indigenous peoples
- seniors
- people with a disability
- young adults
To apply, you must be either:
- on the social housing waitlist (or eligible to be on it)
- living in community housing
If you are approved for these benefits, you must agree to be removed from the social housing waitlist. To do this or to apply for the benefit:
Contact your local service manager to learn about this benefit.
Funds to prevent homelessness
The Homelessness Prevention Program helps people who experience homelessness or are at risk of being homeless. It’s designed to help you find the right housing services and supports, including either:
- emergency shelter assistance
- services to help you find and maintain housing
- long-term housing assistance
Contact your local service manager to learn about this benefit.
Housing services for Indigenous seniors
This section lists programs to meet the housing needs of Indigenous seniors in Ontario.
On-Reserve Residential Rehabilitation
Assistance Program
This program provides financial help to First Nations and First Nation members to fix homes that need major repairs. The repairs are done to ensure the homes are safe to live in or address overcrowding.
What you should know:
- this program is for First Nations or individual First Nation members who need major repairs to their homes
- your total household income must be at or below the established limit for the community
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Assisted Living Program
This program helps people on reserve remain independent for as long as possible. It provides funding for non-medical, social support services for:
- seniors
- adults with chronic illness
- children and adults with disabilities
The goal is to maximize quality of life at home and in the community.
Indigenous Services Canada
Indigenous Supportive Housing Program (ISHP)
Under this program, Indigenous individuals in need receive support services and housing assistance. As individuals’ needs change, the level of housing assistance and supports may be appropriately adjusted.
Two Indigenous program administrators deliver the ISHP program:
- Miziwe Biik Development Corporation (MBDC) covers the Greater Toronto Area
- Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) covers the areas outside of the Greater Toronto Area
Rural and Urban Indigenous Housing Program (RUIHP)
The Rural and Urban Indigenous Housing Program is administered by Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services. It provides rent-geared-to-income housing for Indigenous and non-Indigenous households in core and deep core housing need in rural and urban areas of Ontario.