Support services at home and in the community
Find services to support you as you age. Learn about housing support, care, community support services, meal delivery and more.
Care in your home and community
Ontario Health atHome (formerly known as the Home and Community Care Support Services) organization support people of all ages who need care either:
- in their home
- at school
- in the community
Their services help seniors and people with complex medical conditions live in their homes for as long as possible.
- If you qualify, the Ontario government pays for a wide range of services in your home and community.
- If you don’t qualify, you may still be eligible for community support where you pay for part of the service (this is called a co-payment). You can also pay for help from a private company.
Do you qualify?
Once you contact Ontario Health atHome, they will connect you with a care coordinator. This person will determine if you qualify for government-funded home care services. If you don’t qualify, they can tell you about other services you can access in your community.
Care coordinators:
- are regulated health professionals
- are experts in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech therapy
- work directly with people in hospitals, doctors’ offices, communities, schools and at home
A care coordinator will use their knowledge and skills to:
- assess your needs
- confirm if you are eligible for services
- develop your care plan
- coordinate home care services
- explain, refer and connect you with local community services that could help you or your loved one
- give information about long-term care homes and other housing options
- coordinate placement into a home
- offer access to respite services (temporary support)
Types of services available
Housing support
Your care coordinator can provide you with information about:
- long-term care homes: help to assess your eligibility for admission and with the application process
- housing alternatives: examples include supportive housing and retirement homes
- financial options
For more information about housing options for seniors, go to the “Home and housing” chapter of this guide.
To learn about tax credits and financial assistance, consult the section “Financial help to modify your home” in the “Home and housing” chapter of this guide.
Services from health care professionals
Home care services (if you are eligible) may include:
- home health care supplies
- nursing care
- nutrition and dietetics services
- occupational therapy
- physiotherapy
- social work
- speech-language therapy
Personal support services
If you are eligible for personal support services, you may get help with:
- dressing and undressing
- eating
- getting in and out of chairs, vehicles or bed
- getting to appointments
- caring for your hair
- caring for your mouth
- skin care
- toileting
- washing and bathing
Homemaking services
Homemaking services can help you maintain a safe and comfortable home. You may get help with routine household activities, including:
- banking
- doing laundry
- housecleaning
- paying bills
- planning menus and preparing meals
- shopping
Community support services
Many communities have services for seniors and other people who need support to live at home. You may have to pay a fee for some of these programs or there may be funding available. Some of these services are offered only in larger communities.
Services in your community may include:
- adult day programs that provide supervised activities in a group setting (they usually provide transportation, meals and personal care)
- assisted living services that support high-risk seniors who need a greater level of care and service
- foot care and cleaning services
- home maintenance such as snow shoveling, yard work and repairs
- installing home and personal devices that connect to emergency services
- meals delivered to your house or support for you to enjoy a meal with others in the community
- regular friendly visits or help running errands
- routine checks to make sure you are not in crisis or at risk of harm
- transportation services when needed
Support for Indigenous seniors
Indigenous seniors are eligible for cultural support services. These services can help Indigenous seniors, families and communities connect with service providers.
You can learn more by contacting Ontario Health atHome.
Respite services
Ontario Health atHome can connect you and your family to respite services. These services aim to give caregivers a break or rest. Your family may receive respite services through:
- an adult day program
- a personal support worker visit at home
- a short stay in a long-term care home
End-of-life services
Hospice palliative care is a philosophy of care that:
- aims to relieve suffering
- works to improve quality of life for people who are dying
- strives to help the person (and their families) deal with the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and practical worries about death
If you or a loved one needs end-of-life care at home, Ontario has many programs to help. You can ask for help with:
- ways to manage pain
- home hospice services including in-home visits
- hospital and sickroom equipment
- low-cost medication for seniors through the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan
- medical supplies
- nursing and personal care
- respite care by trained volunteers
- tests
- transportation to other health services
How to access services
Ontario Health atHome 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Visits, calls and meal delivery
Phone calls for seniors at home
A Friendly Voice
This free, confidential phone line is for adults aged 55 and up who just want to chat with a friendly person.
Email: afriendlyvoice@rosss.ca
Friendly Calls program
This program connects adults with Red Cross volunteers who offer:
- supportive listening
- social interaction
- emotional support
The program prioritizes home and community care clients over age 65. However, the service is available to all adults in Ontario who may benefit from a friendly call to help reduce anxiety, depression or loneliness.
Email: ONFriendlyCalls@redcross.ca (to register)
Home meal delivery
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious and affordable meals to the homes of:
- isolated seniors
- people with physical disabilities and cognitive impairments
- people who are ill and recovering from surgeries
- people who need special dietary planning and help
Email: info@ocsa.on.ca
Community programs to stay active
Seniors Active Living Centre programs
Seniors Active Living Centre programs are available across Ontario. They help seniors stay active, independent and engaged. Programs include:
- social
- cultural
- learning
- recreational
- activities that encourage community involvement
The virtual and in-person programs serve everyone from people who are healthy to those who need support to live independently.
Seniors are often involved in running these programs. They may:
- serve on the board of directors
- advise on program planning
- volunteer for programs
Find a Seniors Active Living Centre program near you.
Other ways to stay active in your community
Ontario communities offer great opportunities for seniors to get involved, be active and connect with others. From public libraries to recreation programs, there’s something for everyone. Go to the “Active living” chapter for ideas and details.