Housing options shift to support our changing needs as we age. On this page is a description of services that enable aging at home and other more intensive supports.
The Toronto Seniors Helpline (416-217-2077) or 211 can also help connect seniors to agencies and community services.
Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) or subsidized housing is a housing subsidy or benefit offered by the City of Toronto to make rent affordable for households. Learn more by visiting the Rent-Geared-to-Income page.
There are subsidized units in mixed buildings and in seniors-only buildings. To apply for subsidized housing (Rent-Geared-to-Income housing), use the online Housing Connections guide or you can contact the Housing Help Centre for a list of non-profit agencies that help people find and keep housing and avoid eviction.
Please note, the number of people needing subsidized housing is greater than the number of available. As a result, it can take years for an applicant to get housed.
If you are looking for seniors-specific housing at a market rent (not subsidized), you can:
Supportive housing can provide on-site personal support services for seniors in designated residential buildings.
The City offers a Supportive Housing Services for Seniors program in 9 buildings, to help seniors live independently with supports such as personal care, light housekeeping, medication checks and more. The program offers the stability and safety of intermittent 24-hour support and an on-site Registered Practical Nurse.
Other service providers in Toronto also offer supportive housing. To apply, contact Home and Community Care Support Services (call 310-2222, no area code required).
There are 10 long-term care homes directly operated by the City of Toronto and many others in Toronto and the surrounding area operated by not-for-profit and private operators. Information about long-term care homes in Ontario, including services, eligibility requirements and fees is set by the provincial government.
All City-operated long-term care homes provide 24-hour resident-focused care and service including nursing and personal care, behavioural support programs, medical services, recreational programming, dietetics and food services, laundry, social work, spiritual and religious care, housekeeping, maintenance, trust and administrative services. Diverse and inclusive care and services, community outreach and extensive volunteer programs are available in every home.
To learn about eligibility requirements for long-term care placement in a City, not-for-profit, or private long-term care home, contact Home and Community Care Support Services at 310-2222 (no area code required).
The City of Toronto provides support and information to residents in rental units who are at risk of losing their home and being evicted and operates shelters which can support the needs of older adults. For more information, please call the Central Intake line at 416-338-4766.
The City also funds community agencies to shovel snow on your property and cut your grass. For more information about these community agencies, please call 311.
Learn how to make your home and holidays safe with our fire safety tips and prevention information, including how to create a fire escape plan and chose a smoke alarm for your home.
The City offers several programs that allow eligible low-income seniors to cancel or defer property tax increases and apply for relief, such as a water rebate, to help you keep and stay in your own home.
Low-income Toronto residents may qualify for help with energy-related emergencies to reconnect, or prevent disconnection of, their heat or hydro services.
To apply for the Emergency Energy Fund, call 416-338-8888. An assessment will be done over the phone, and you will need to provide details on your financial situation and about the energy emergency you are facing.
Additional information on the Energy-Related Emergency Help for low-income homeowners is available on the City’s website.
Toronto HomeShare is a program run by the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE). Toronto HomeShare matches seniors wishing to share a spare room in their home with university and college students seeking affordable housing.
In exchange for reduced rent, $400-600 per month, the student provides up to 7 hours of companionship and/or assistance competing light household tasks, such as preparing and sharing meals, tidying up, carrying groceries, or walking a pet.
Toronto HomeShare is facilitated by social workers. They match seniors and students based on a variety of characteristics and preferences, ensure all participants receive a Vulnerable Sector Screening, and are available throughout the entire experience, from initial contact to post-move in support.
For general inquiries, please call 1-800-786-9773 (extension 2) or email toronto@canadahomeshare.com
A housing allowance is a non-repayable subsidy to help eligible households pay the rent. It is subject to annual eligibility reviews.
Financial support for renters includes the Rent Bank, which provides interest-free repayable loans to eligible low-income households facing imminent eviction for rental arrears or requiring first and/or last months’ rent rent deposit to move into more affordable and stable housing.
You can also call 211 or the Toronto Seniors Helpline (416-217-2077) for help in discussing Housing options for seniors.