Specialized Services for Seniors

Information for Indigenous Seniors & Elders

Below are some examples of services led by and developed for Indigenous Peoples, including for Elders and seniors. Many will be able to refer a person to other organizations.

A person can call 211 to ask about services specific to their needs or visit the TKARONTO Indigenous Peoples Portal.

Social and Community Supports

• Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre – Supports the spiritual and personal growth of First Nations individuals by providing counselling, material help, and other services.
• Toronto and York Region Métis Council– Provides cultural events and education to ensure the Métis People in Toronto and York Region are thriving and culturally vibrant.
• Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto -Supports urban Indigenous women and their families by providing culturally-relevant programs including housing programs, trauma counselling, emergency food, and more.

Housing and Emergency Shelter

• Wigwamen Terrace – Indigenous seniors can apply for affordable apartments in the first dedicated Indigenous seniors housing to be built in Toronto. There is a waiting list.
• Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes – Provides subsidized housing for Indigenous households in southeast Scarborough.
• Na-Me-Res (Native Men’s Residence)– Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and long-term independent housing initiatives while working to address underlying reasons for Indigenous homelessness. They may also be accessed through Central Intake (call 3-1-1 or 416-338-4766).

Health Care, Home Care and Healing

• Anishnawbe Health Toronto – This Community Health Centre offers holistic healthcare including counselling, medical support, physiotherapy, chiropody, diabetes support, dental and more.
• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) – Shkaabe Makwa Clinical Services – Offers group therapy and individual counselling to Indigenous adults who are experiencing substance misuse and mental health issues. Support is provided by social workers, Elders, Healers and Knowledge Sharers. It includes cultural programming and ceremonies.
• 2-Spirited People of the First Nations – Provides education and support based on Indigenous philosophies of holistic health and wellness to Two-Spirit First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples living with or at risk for HIV and related infections.
• Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre – Niiwin Wendaanimak (Four Winds) Indigenous Health and Wellness Program – The Four Winds program is an Indigenous-only space in a non-Indigenous organization. It offers culturally-specific supports and access to healing ceremonies, health education (with a focus on diabetes), access to primary care, harm reduction supports, and social and recreation activities.
• Native Canadian Centre of Toronto – Seniors Program – This Program helps Indigenous seniors remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Services include homemaking, personal support, group dining, medical transportation, telephone reassurance services, and palliative care.

Crisis Helplines and Counselling

• Hope for Wellness – Offers 24/7 service in English and French. Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut on request. Helps all Indigenous Peoples across Canada with counselling and crisis intervention via phone or online chat.
• Talk4Healing – Offers a helpline and online counselling for Indigenous women. Call or text 1-855-554-4325. Service in 14 Indigenous languages and dialects. Free, culturally-safe telephone helpline, text or chat to Indigenous women in Ontario who need emotional support or help in potentially dangerous situations.

Legal

• Aboriginal Legal Services – Provides free legal assistance to Indigenous individuals living on a low income.

Information for Black Seniors

Here are some examples of services that are led by and serve African, Caribbean and Black communities in Toronto, including seniors. These organizations may also refer people to other services. A person can also call 211 to ask about services that serve African, Caribbean and Black communities.

Social and Recreational Activities

• Jamaican Canadian Association – The Caribbean Canadian Seniors group keeps seniors active and connected to community through devotionals, trips, workshops, and other programming.

Health Care and Mental Health

• TAIBU Community Health Centre – Offers physical and social activities, nutrition and writing programs led by seniors to help other seniors learn new skills, live a healthy life and feel connected. They also offer healthcare services and health education.
• Women’s Health in Women’s Hands – Provides primary healthcare to women from African, Black, Caribbean, Latin American and South Asian communities in Toronto. The team includes doctors, nurses, chiropodists, dietitians, mental health therapists and social workers.
• Tropicana Community Services – Offers culturally-aware and supportive programs with a focus on Caribbean, Black and African communities. Services include counselling, a food bank, a clothing bank and family supports.

Here are examples of Community Health Centres that have an expressed, consistent commitment to serving Black seniors in a culturally-responsive way:

• Black Creek Community Health Centre
  • Jane Street location
  • York Gate Boulevard location
• Rexdale Community Health Centre
• Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre
  • Parkdale location
  • Dundas Street West and Bathurst Street location
  • Roncesvalles Avenue location
• Africans in Partnership Against AIDS

Provides practical and emotional support, and advocacy for Black people living with HIV/AIDS.

• Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention – Provides counselling, settlement, practical support, employment, housing and social services for Black people living with, affected by or at risk of HIV/ AIDS.

Legal

• Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) – A not-for-profit community legal clinic that combats anti-Black racism by providing free legal services, conducting research, developing public legal education materials and engaging in test case litigation and law reform.

Food

• Afri-Can Food Basket – This organization promotes food justice across African, Caribbean and Black communities in Toronto. They offer agricultural training programs and food supports for seniors.

Information for Seniors Who Are Newcomers

• 211 – Call or text 2-1-1. Offers 24/7 service in 150+ languages. Find agencies and Community Health Centres that offer services to newcomer seniors. These include:
  • Social and recreational activities in many languages and for many cultural groups and religions
  • Health care services in many different languages
  • Educational and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and programs
  • Information and referral to health, community, and social supports
  • Income tax filing clinics

• Settlement.org – Provides newcomers with information and resources to settle in Ontario. These include discussion boards and translated materials.

Below are agencies that serve residents anywhere in Toronto or in specific areas of the city. More can be found by calling 211.

Across Toronto

• Access Alliance Multicultural Health & Community Services – Provides primary health care services for immigrants, refugees, and their communities.
• COSTI Immigrant Services – Provides employment, educational, settlement and social services to immigrants and refugees. They offer programs for seniors.

North Toronto

• Centre for Immigrant and Community Services  – Provides individual counselling to seniors in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. They also offer gatherings, support groups, seniors cyber and social clubs, wellness and special events and help to file income taxes.

West Toronto

• Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services – Operates the Seniors Connected program for social inclusion and physical wellness and field trips. They also support seniors to become independent after hospital discharge by providing resources, check-ins and friendly visits.

South Toronto

• CultureLink – Delivers seniors’ art projects, language groups, English conversation circles, field trips, Seniors Empowering Seniors and many more programs.

East Toronto

• Catholic Crosscultural Services – Provides immigrants, refugees and new Canadians with settlement services, language learning, employment assistance and counselling services.

Information for 2SLGBTQI+ Seniors

See examples of services led by community groups that serve 2SLGBTQI+ seniors, older adults and their caregivers.

A person can call 211 to ask about services which meet their specific needs within the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Social and Recreational Activities

• The 519 – Older 2SLGBTQ+ Adults Program – Provides weekly social gatherings and learning events and promotes community resources.
• Sunshine Centres for Seniors – Rainbow Circle – Hosts social, recreational and healthy living programs for seniors in an inclusive multicultural, 2SLGBTQI+ friendly atmosphere.
• Egale – Rainbow Table – Offers a virtual space where 2SLGBTQI+ seniors can connect over topics that are important to the community. Seniors can also get support and resources about health and their legal rights.
• Birchcliff Bluffs United Church – Dorothy’s Place – 2SLGBTQ+ seniors in East Toronto and Scarborough can receive weekly lunch, pastoral care and advocacy. This ministry also brings educational programming and entertainment to seniors’ residences.
• Buddies in Bad Times Theatre – Youth/Elders Projects – Offers a program for queer youth, elders and folks of any age interested in conversation across queer generations about 2SLGBTQI+ issues.
• Glad Day Bookshop – The oldest surviving 2SLGBTQI+ bookstore serves as a coffee shop and event space that provides a wide range of books and other resources.

Health Care

• Sherbourne Health – 2SLGBTQ Health Programs – Offers many primary healthcare programs and services in a respectful and non-judgmental way to help clients feel better, cope with day-to-day challenges, and address specific 2SLGBTQ health issues.
• Rainbow Health Ontario – People who identify as 2SLGBTQ can get help finding service providers that provide capable and welcoming care.
• Hassle Free Clinic – Provides free medical and counselling services in many areas of sexual health. Offers men and women clinics.
• HQ, Toronto Gay Men’s Health Hub – Provides clinics, testing, vaccines, and other services to cis guys into guys, Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary people.

Health Care – HIV/AIDS

• AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT Toronto) – Provides programs and services for health, testing, counselling, a buddy program, employment support, and income taxes for those living with, affected by, or at risk for HIV.
• The Toronto HIV Network (THN) – This coalition of organizations support people living with or affected by HIV.
• Casey House – This specialized multi-disciplinary hospital for people living with HIV/AIDS offers a day health program and inpatient care.
• Catie – This website provides information about HIV, hepatitis C, sexual health and harm reduction services. There are also additional resources to support a person’s journey to health and wellness.

Mental Health and Counselling

• GoodHead – This mental health resource is for gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, and other guys into guys.
• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – Rainbow Services-Provides therapy for 2SLGBTQ+ persons concerned about their drug and alcohol use.
• Trans Life Line – Trans people in crisis can find emotional and financial support from trans people.
• Family Service Toronto – DKS LGBTQ+ Counselling HIV/AIDS – Provides short-term individual, couple, and group counselling for 2SLGBTQ+ people on coming out, sexuality and identity, isolation, discrimination, relationships, parenting, self-esteem, violence, sexual abuse, and childhood trauma.

Newcomer Services

• FrancoQueer – 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers can find settlement and integration services.

Advocacy

• Senior Pride Network Toronto – This association of individuals and organizations is committed to promoting appropriate services and a positive, caring environment for elders, seniors, and older adults who identify as 2SLGBTQI+.

 

Information for Francophone Seniors

See examples of French-language programs and services for Francophone seniors, older adults and their caregivers.

A person can call 211 to ask about services specific to their Francophone needs.

Health Care and Settlement Services

• Centre francophone du Grand Toronto – Provides support for health care, mental health and counselling services. They also provide legal assistance for persons living on a low income, and supports for newcomer Francophones.
• Les Centres d’Accueil Héritage – Provides many services for Francophones aged 55+ including adult day programs, a Seniors Active Living Centre, transportation, medical escorts, case management, congregate dining, homemaking and hospice visits.
• FrancoQueer – Provides settlement services and workshops for Francophone 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers. They host conversation groups, social activities and la fierté FrancoQueer during Pride.

Mental Health and Counselling

• Fem’Aide Francophone Helpline for Women – Francophone women aged 16+ can get free, confidential crisis intervention support and referral.
• La Maison d’Hébergement pour Femmes Francophones -Francophone women and their children struggling with partner and family violence can find counselling services and safe emergency shelter.

Long-Term Care

• City of Toronto – Bendale Acres Long-Term Care Home – This long-term care home operated by the City of Toronto has a designated French-language home area, Pavillon Omer Deslauriers. Apply by calling Ontario Health atHome (310-2222, no area code).

Information for Seniors Living With a Disability

See examples of programs and services for seniors living with a disability.

A person can call 211 to ask about agencies and Community Health Centres that offer services that meet their specific needs.

To find information about government pension programs, financial assistance programs and tax credits, please see the Employment, Volunteering & Financial Supports section.

To find information about health supports, medical devices, home care help and tax credits to stay at home and age in place, please see the Health Care & Home Care section.

For information about caregiver leaves of absence, financial and emotional support, and respite care programs, please see the Caregiver Supports section or call the Ontario Caregiver Helpline at 1-833-416-CARE (2273).

Assistive Devices or Home Modification

• March of Dimes Canada – Home and Vehicle Modification Program – 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.

Hearing

• 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. Call1-866-518-0000/TTY: 1-877-215-9530 or email Hearingcarecounselling@chs.ca.
• Bob Rumball Centre of Excellence for the Deaf – 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.

​​​Vision

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 ability to see.

• Canadian National Institute for the Blind Foundation – Toronto Region Provides assessment, care, support and information about financial assistance and jobs for people with vision loss. The CNIB Store provides many types of accessibility devices and visual aids.

Dual Vision and Hearing Loss

• Canadian Helen Keller Centre – Seniors Program – Provides seniors who are legally blind who also have hearing loss, and their caregivers, with assessments, case management, education and social events. Offers training classes to support seniors with daily living, orientation, mobility and technology use.

 

Information for Veterans

See examples of programs and services for war veterans, retired and still-serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), their families and caregivers.

A person can call 211 to ask about services and supports for veterans, their families and caregivers.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre -Canada’s largest veterans’ care facility offers long-term and complex care, including physical support, cognitive support and palliative care. Veterans Affairs Canada will determine if applicants are eligible.

Veterans Affairs Canada -This Government of Canada department is responsible for pensions, benefits and services for war veterans, retired and still-serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), their families and caregivers. It provides benefits to help aging veterans and their spouses live independently and safely in their own home for as long as possible. These include:

• Disability benefits 
• A War Veterans Allowance
• Attendance allowance-Covers the cost of hiring a caregiver
• A Caregiver Recognition Benefit-Provides a tax-free monthly benefit to a veteran’s caregiver.
• The Veterans Independence Program (VIP Program) -Provides annual tax-free financial help to pay for housekeeping, yard work, personal care, meal preparation and more
• Veterans Independence programs– Provides funding to cover the cost for services such as grounds maintenance and housekeeping for surviving spouses.
• Veterans Independence programs for primary caregivers
• Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service -This helpline provides immediate mental health support to veterans, former RCMP members, families and caregivers.

The Royal Canadian Legion – Ontario Command – The Legion provides social and sports opportunities, and seniors programs. They also:

• • Help war veterans, retired and still-serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), their families and caregivers complete Veterans Affairs Canada claim forms
  • Provide veterans experiencing homelessness with financial help, dental and eye care, furniture and food through Operation Leave the Streets Behind

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Family Caregiver Benefits – Provides Family Caregiver Benefits for Adults, an Employment Insurance (EI) benefit paid to caregivers who have to miss work temporarily to care for a family member who is critically ill or injured and aged 18+. Eligible caregivers may be paid up to a maximum 15 weeks of EI benefits.

Last Post Fund – This group helps eligible Canadian and allied veterans receive a dignified funeral and burial through the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program. They also provide military grave markers for eligible veterans who lie in unmarked graves.

Information for Seniors from Diverse Cultural, Linguistic or Religious Communities

Many organizations and programs support older adults from various religious, cultural, ethnic and linguistic communities. To find them:

• Call or text 2-1-1 (24/7 service in 150+ languages)
• If applicable, a person can talk to their local place of worship (for example, a church, mosque, temple, synagogue) about programs and groups
• You can also ask about resources that may be available through your local library, community centre, community hub or City Councillor’s office.