Find information about healthcare, medications, medical equipment, dental care, eye care, dementia care, and services to continue living at home. To find emergency medical care, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
Health 811 provides free, confidential health advice by telephone from experienced Registered Nurses to assist a person in deciding whether to go to a hospital, see a doctor, or monitor themselves at home. A person can also ask about quitting smoking, food and healthy eating (with a Registered Dietitian), depression, suicide or mental health, and medical assistance in dying.
Find a Community Health Centre or walk-in clinic, connect with ServiceOntario to get an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, find doctors who provide in-home visits, or find culturally-specific or specialized primary health care services.
Find information about Public Health programs and services on Toronto Public Health. These include dental and flu clinics, vaccines, and free and confidential health advice and referral.
Find government-funded health care at home, apply for long-term care, or link to other health, crisis and community support services through Ontario Health atHome. Ontario Health atHome is the new name for Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS), which was previously known as Local Health Integrated Networks (LHINs) and Community Care Access Centres (CCACs).
Find health services, community supports, and crisis services for seniors through Toronto Seniors Helpline.
Search for community support, and health and housing services on Toronto Central HealthLine.
Find information about crisis helplines, phone check-ins, friendly visits and counselling. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988. For other needs, call 211 to be connected to mental health and other social services.
A crisis team can visit a senior at home, work with them to create a plan to solve their problem, and connect them to supports. These supports may include help with safety planning for elder abuse, connecting to health care, or getting food or other services to help the person live a healthy, safe, and independent life in the community. Call 416-217-2077 or web chat also available.
Toronto Community Crisis Service workers can respond to non-emergency calls for people in crisis and requests for wellbeing checks, and connect them to other supports. Call 211 to be connected.
Find Mental Health Resources or call 211 to be connected to mental health and other social services.
The Seniors Safety Line (1-866-299-1011) offers safety planning and supportive counseling for older adults who are being abused or at-risk of abuse. Family members and service providers can also call for information.
There are many agencies and groups who offer phone calls from trained volunteers to check in with seniors, have a friendly conversation and keep in touch. Call 211 or Toronto Seniors Helpline (416-217-2077) to be connected to a phone call service for seniors.
A Friendly Voice (1-855-892-9992) offers empathetic support to seniors aged 55+ who may feel lonely or isolated. No registration is needed.
Distress Centres of Greater Toronto (416-408-4357) provide emotional support, crisis intervention and suicide prevention over the phone.
Find information about services that can seniors continue living at home, to safely return home after a hospital stay, or to access health care at home.
Contact Ontario Health atHome to see if a senior qualifies for help with daily tasks that can help them stay in their homes and allow caregivers to take a break. These include help with dressing and bathing, nursing, preparing meals, light housekeeping or laundry. If the person does not qualify for government-funded home care, if they have been placed on a waiting list, or if they need more hours, call again or call 211 to connect with agencies that provide paid services. Some home care agencies are led by and specialize in supporting Indigenous seniors and Elders, and members of Francophone, Black, and other cultural, linguistic or religious communities, so mention any language or cultural needs.
Find an agency in Toronto through 211 that provides indoor and outdoor home maintenance services for seniors and adults with disabilities such as snow removal and lawn care. There is usually a fee, and subsidies may be available.
Request a free home visit from a certified, uniformed Toronto Paramedic who will ask about a senior’s health and social conditions, check their blood pressure and mobility, review their medications, and check their home for hazards. They will then provide information and help the senior connect to health and community agencies, apply for assistance, and follow up on their medical problems. Call 416-397-4322 or email cphome@toronto.ca.
Eligible Toronto seniors living on a low income can apply for help with household tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping and meal preparation through the City of Toronto’s Homemakers and Nurses Services Program. There is a wait list for services. Contact 3-1-1 or ltc-comm@toronto.ca for more information.
Eligible seniors living in designated buildings can go to the Supportive Housing office in their building to apply for help to live independently. This includes help with personal care, light housekeeping and meal preparation, medication reminders, education, referrals and help navigating the healthcare system. To become a tenant in a designated building, contact Access to Housing at 416-338-8888.
Before being discharged from the hospital, if a person or their family has questions about what will happen after leaving the hospital, they can speak to a social worker or charge nurse at the hospital. The social worker or nurse will conduct a health care assessment in hospital and make referrals to aftercare and support programs through Ontario Health atHome. More information is available through:
To find a doctor who offers in-home, phone, or virtual primary care services for patients who are unable to visit the doctor’s office, visit 211.
Visit Health 811 to find services and healthcare providers.
A person who may be showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia should see their family doctor to get assessed. If officially diagnosed, the doctor can connect the person and their family to their local Alzheimer Society through referral programs such as First Link. Those who do not have a family doctor can contact the Alzheimer Society directly.
It is important that caregivers to a person living with dementia get support, education, and relief. For a list of dementia support services, please visit Toronto Central Healthline or call Ontario Health atHome (310-2222, no area code).
Learn about programs and services for people living with dementia and their caregivers through Alzheimer Society Toronto. These include free counselling, care navigation, education, and social and recreational programs.
Call 416-322-6560.
This helpline provides support and information to caregivers to a person with dementia. An online live chat service is also available Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
1-833-416-2273 (CARE)
24/7 service
Find information about dementia-related programs, services and events in Toronto.
Find local services that can help persons with behaviour changes and challenging behaviours associated with dementia, mental health, substance use or other neurological conditions. There are also services for caregivers.
Feeling supported while experiencing or anticipating death, dying and bereavement is important for mental health and wellbeing.
Call or text 2-1-1 (24/7 service in 150+ languages) to learn about supports such as counselling, support groups and more.
Hospice and palliative care aim to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for people who are very sick or dying by meeting their physical, psychological, social, cultural, emotional and spiritual needs. The care does not speed up death or prolong life. During earlier stages of an illness, palliative care may be combined with other treatments. It may also provide comfort and dignity when a cure is no longer possible. Families also benefit from support when their loved one is dying, and also after this person’s death.
Find information on Hospice Palliative Care Ontario about advance care planning, hospice palliative care, caregiver and bereavement supports.
There are two types of hospice and palliative care.
Agencies provide Home and Community Palliative Care that relieve pain and manage distressing symptoms to help patients die at home with dignity and comfort. They can also help with hospital discharge or moving a patient to a palliative care unit at a hospital or hospice, and support caregivers. Depending on a person’s situation, services may be covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or there may be fees.
Hospitals provide Residential Hospice Care and Palliative Care in the form of palliative nursing and medical care 24/7 in a home-like setting for very sick people who are close to death. This care includes pain and symptom management, and spiritual, grief and bereavement supports to the person and their families, friends and caregivers. Call 416-304-1477 or 1-800-349-3111.
Both types of care can be found by contacting Ontario Health atHome or 211.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) permits a doctor or nurse practitioner to assist an eligible patient to voluntarily end their life. To learn more, a person can speak to anyone on their health care team – someone they are comfortable with and trust. This may include a nurse, doctor, social worker, spiritual care provider or other care team member.
Health 811 provides free, confidential health advice by telephone. The advice is provided by experienced Registered Nurses, who can answer questions about MAID and help a person understand the process.
Options for Toronto residents who cannot afford to pay for a dentist.
Eligible seniors who live in Canada and who do not have dental insurance can find more information, and when and how they can apply through the CDCP.
Eligible seniors aged 65+ who are living on a low income can apply online or by mail for basic dental care provided by Toronto Public Health dental clinics or Community Health Centres. The person can also get an application form and help with their application from Toronto Public Health dental clinics. Contact 416-916-0204 for more information.
Toronto Public Health dental clinics provide free dental examinations, x-rays, fillings, cleaning, extractions, and urgent care for seniors living on a low income who are aged 65+, and who quality for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP). Call first to confirm eligibility and to find a clinic nearby that is accepting patients. Persons not eligible for OSDCP may be eligible for some services at a TPH Dental Clinic.
Persons who are not eligible for free dental services can call 211 to check if they qualify for dental care at a university, college, community health centre or other low-cost clinic.
Visit CDHO or call 416-961-6234 to find an independent dental hygiene practice that offers lower cost dental hygiene services, or who offer home visits.
Find a primary care doctor or Nurse Practitioner who is accepting new patients through Health Care Connect.
Apply for an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card on ServiceOntario. If needed, call 211 to find a ServiceOntario centre.
Persons who find it difficult to hear should ask their family doctor for a referral for an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) funded hearing assessment. Connect to specialized audiology medical care, hearing aids, hearing counselling, and hearing clinics through the organizations here or call 211 for more resources.
Canadian Hearing Society offers hearing care counselling for people aged 55+ living with hearing loss and provides information and help with assistive listening devices, specialized telephones and alerting devices. They are also the authorized vendor of hearing aids and other devices.
The Toronto Deaf Seniors’ Centre (TDSC) provides services for Deaf seniors including social activities and events. The Bob Rumball Centre’s Assisted Living Program also provides housing and fully-funded services.
Regular eye exams can help find problems early and protect a person’s eyesight. Speak to a doctor about Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covered eye exams for people aged 65 and over, eye care, and support services for those who are losing their eyesight.
For information on financial support for eyeglasses see the Medical Equipment, Assistive Devices and Accessibility Renovations section.
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind Foundation provides assessment, care, support, and information about financial help and jobs for people with vision loss. The CNIB Store provides many types of accessibility devices and visual aids.
The Centre provides seniors who are legally blind who also have hearing loss, and their caregivers, with assessments, case management, education, and social events. They also offer training classes to support seniors with daily living, orientation, mobility, and technology use.
For help with the cost of assistive devices, start with the Ministry of Health’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP), and then ask the City of Toronto.
Persons who receive Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) may also speak to their caseworker about help to pay for eyeglasses and other medical equipment.
Call 211 to connect to organizations that may help with equipment costs related to specific medical conditions, such as hearing loss, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, or war amputations.
The Assistive Devices Program covers up to 75 per cent or a fixed amount of the cost of equipment such as prostheses, wheelchairs, mobility aids, hearing aids, visual and communication aids, specialized seating systems, ostomy supplies, enteral feeding supplies, some diabetes equipment, respiratory equipment, braces or splints, and oxygen equipment. Applicants must be assessed by a healthcare provider, have a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, and must buy from an ADP authorized vendor.
This program helps fund eyeglasses, medical items and assistive devices for eligible residents living on a low income. Applicants must access all other available resources first, including the Ministry of Health’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Have the estimated cost of medical items ready before calling, have a prescription ready, and apply before paying for any items or services. Call 3-1-1 or 416-388-8888 (Select option 3 for “Medical Items”)
This program helps applicants who have substantial mobility impairment that is expected to last at least one year to pay for basic home and/or vehicle modifications. See the website for a list of modifications. Contact 1-866-765-7237 for more information.
Each person needs to discuss any new medications with their doctor and pharmacist. Always carry a list of current medications in case of emergency. Do not share medications with anyone else or use someone else’s medication.
People taking more than three prescription medications, or who have diabetes, can access a free 20-minute consultation with a pharmacist to review their medications through MedsCheck. A valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card is needed.
Pay a portion of costs on 4,400+ prescription drugs based on yearly income (after taxes) and marital status through the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB). The fee can be as low as $2. Each person must have a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card and buy the drugs in Ontario. There is no need to apply as each person will automatically join the program on the first day of the month after they turn age 65.
This income-based program is for households who do not quality for, or are not enrolled in, other government programs (such as the Ontario Drug Benefit Program or ODB) and spend a large portion of their income on prescription drugs.
Pay a portion of prescription drug costs based on yearly income (after taxes) and marital status. The fee can be as low as $2. Each person must have valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card and buy the drugs in Ontario.
Download an application form from the website or call to apply. People who need help with the Trillium deductible can contact the City of Toronto at 416-338-8888 to ask about health-related expenses.
Many pharmacies deliver prescription medications. If a person’s pharmacy does not deliver, call 211 to see if there is a community agency that may offer delivery of food, medication and other essentials for people who are not able to leave their home.
Falls are the leading cause of injuries among Canadians aged 65 and older. They may lead to painful hip fractures and serious injury.
Find exercise classes with a focus on falls prevention to help older adults stay healthy, active, and mobile. Many classes are subsidized. Ontario Health atHome was formerly Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS), the Local Health Integrated Networks (LHIN) and Community Care Access Centres (CCAC).
Although older adults may not need to worry about pregnancy, it is important for everyone to protect themselves from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS. Each person should get a check-up with their doctor, community health centre, or at a Sexual Health Clinic, and pick up some free condoms.
Call or text 2-1-1 (24/7 service in 150+ languages) to be referred to a Sexual Health Clinic.
Get multilingual, free, anonymous support related to STIs, HIV/AIDS, safer sex activities, pre- and post-testing questions, sexuality, relationship concerns, and more.
It is important to keep up-to-date on vaccines to stay healthy and to prevent illness. A doctor, Community Health Centre, or Health 811 (call 8-1-1) will be able to answer questions. More information can also be found in the Adult Vaccine Quick Reference Guide.
As of 2023, the recommended free vaccines (covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan or OHIP) for adults aged 65+ are the:
If a person has insurance or can pay for these, the recommended vaccines not currently funded by OHIP are the: