Home, Community and Residential Care Services for Seniors

Residences Offering Care

In Ontario, three main types of residential settings provide both accommodation and care for seniors:

  1. Retirement Homes
  2. Assisted Living Services in Supportive Housing
  3. Long-Term Care Homes

Each setting offers different types of accommodations and varying levels of service. Assess your personal situation and compare your needs with the amenities and services offered by each setting.

See the Comparing Residential Options page.

Retirement Homes

If you are looking for:

  • Your own room or apartment near other people who have similar lifestyles and social interests
  • Wheelchair-accessible rental accommodations
  • Other optional services (e.g. meals or social activities)
  • A setting that can adapt to changes in your personal care needs

If you don't need:

  • Government subsidized rent or care
  • 24-hour availability of nursing care or specialized health services

Consider: Retirement Homes

Assisted Living Services in Supportive Housing

If you are looking for:

  • Your own apartment near other people who have similar lifestyles and/or social interests
  • Rental housing with possible government rent-geared-to-income subsidy
  • Government-funded personal care services
  • 24-hour availability of personal care and support
  • Other optional services (e.g. meals or social activities)

If you don't need:

  • Immediate or 24-hour availability of nursing care or specialized health services

Consider: Assistive Living Services Supportive Housing

Long-Term Care Homes

If you are looking for:

  • residential accommodation and care for individuals 18 years of age and older, and
  • assistance with activities of daily living and/or  24-hour availability of nursing care and high levels of personal care
  • A setting that can accommodate varying health needs with on-site supervision for your personal safety
  • Government-funded nursing and personal care
  • Possibility of subsidized accommodations

If you don't need:

  • 24-hour hospital care

Consider: Long-Term Care Homes

For More Information

Call ServiceOntario, Infoline at 1-866-532-3161
In Toronto, 416-314-5518
TTY 1-800-387-5559
In Toronto, TTY 416-327-4282
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