Seniors

Meeting seniors’ needs

THE City of Toronto is committed to providing seniors with services and programs that meet their daily needs. The City consults with seniors, seniors’ organizations, partners and other governments to make sure that these services are readily available and easily accessible. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions the City receives from seniors:

How can I find out about government services and supports?
Seniors can access a directory of over 20,000 community, social, health and government services by phoning 211 or visiting the web at www.211toronto.ca. Contact the City at 416-338- 0338. Services and programs are also available on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/seniors. Examples of programs and supports include accommodation, financial resources, publications, parks and recreation, transit and health.

Is there a snow-clearing program for seniors?
Most sidewalks in the former communities of Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough, many sidewalks in East York and York, and some sidewalks in Toronto are plowed within 36 hours if more than 8 cm (approx. 3 inches) of snow falls. However, on streets with continuous on-street parking and where sidewalks are too narrow, residents must clear ice and snow from sidewalks around their property within 12 hours of the end of a snowfall. If you are a senior or if you are a person with disabilities and live in an area where sidewalk snow clearing is not automatically done, you can register for sidewalk snow clearing by calling 416-392- 7768 extension # 1. For assistance with private property snow clearing, seniors and persons with disabilities can call the City at 311 to obtain a list of organizations that provide these services. A nominal fee may apply. toronto.ca/faq/seniors.htm

What if I need financial assistance?
There are government and non government financial and social assistance programs available, including emergency funds, rent banks, Ontario Disability Support Program, Ontario Works and income supplements such as Old Age Security and Disability Benefits. Agencies can also help in filling out forms and filing appeals. Call 211 for more information or visit: www.211toronto.ca

Does the City have Tax and Water Assistance Programs?
Seniors and persons with a disability, who have a low income, may qualify for a rebate on their water charge, and may also be eligible to have their property tax increase deferred or cancelled. You must apply annually for each program. Information about the 2009 program will be available in property tax bills.

What if I need assistance at home?
Home support services are available to you from a variety of sources if you choose to continue to live in your own home. These services may be available to you from a Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) if your care needs meet the CCAC eligibility criteria. Home support services may also be purchased from a variety of community support agencies. The City directly provides homemaking services for seniors without the financial means to purchase the services on their own, if certain eligibility criteria are met.

An adult day program, offered by Toronto Long-Term Care Homes and Services, may also be of benefit to you. This program provides a wonderful opportunity for seniors in the community to have “a day out,” to participate in social and health promotion programs, and to share a nourishing noon meal with new friends. The program provides a respite for caregivers and helps seniors stay in their own homes.

If you need some level of nursing care and personal support with your activities of daily living, you may wish to consider a long-term care home (also called homes for the aged and nursing homes). Homes for the aged are operated by municipalities or charitable not-for-profit organizations. In general, nursing homes are operated by for-profit organizations, although there are a small number of not-for-profit nursing homes within Toronto. The City of Toronto owns and directly operates ten homes for the aged. Retirement homes and apartments are other available alternatives. For more information about homemaking services, adult day programs, supportive housing or long-term care homes operated by the City of Toronto, contact the Long-Term Care Homes and Services Division at 416- 392-8906 or visit
toronto.ca/ltc.

How can I find out about recreation programs that are specifically for older adults?
The City has programs specially designed for older adults. You can meet new friends, visit with old ones, keep active and involved and stay healthy. Activities at seniors’ centres, recreation programs (including leisure skating and swimming), special events, workshops and get-togethers will keep your calendar full. Check the City’s FUN Guide for programs that may interest you, or visit the City’s website for more information: toronto.ca/parks/torontofun/index.htm (see 'Older Adults' section for each district). If you cannot afford to pay for recreation programs, then you might qualify for the City’s Welcome Policy program. Find out more about the program at: toronto.ca/parks/torontofun/welcome_policy.htm.

Services for seniors are also provided by other governments and by various community agencies as well as by the City of Toronto.

toronto.ca/seniors/subject_dir.htm

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